Adherence to the Truth of the Gospel
Revelation 2:12-17
And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things said he which has the sharp sword with two edges;…


I. THE EXCELLENCE OF THE TRUTH. What was the truth that the Church at Pergamos held fast? Was it worth holding? Did it refer to politics, philosophy, literature, or science? There was considerable political zeal at Pergamos; learning, too, flourished there. It was the boast of the town that it encouraged literary and scientific men. Notwithstanding this, not a word is said in this letter commendatory of their holding fast to anything save the truth. Science, learning, art, are good, but not the good. There is a deep significance in Christ commending the educated and scientific Pergamians for holding fast His truth. What was His truth? "My name" and "My faith." It is a saving name. "There is none other name," etc. It is a pardoning name. "In His name remission of sins shall be preached," etc. It is a royal name. "At the name of Jesus every knee shall bow," etc. It is a soul-collecting name. "Wherever two or three are gathered together in My name," etc.

II. THE MEMORY OF THE MARTYRS. Martyrdom is a motive for holy truth. The martyrdoms of our land are the most radiant events in its historic page. They are the most creative things in the chronicles of our country.

1. The triumph of the spirit over the flesh, the majesty and force of mind.

2. The invincibility of the mind when it goes with truth.

3. God-sustaining grace.

III. THE PERILS THAT SURROUND US. There is something beautiful in what Christ says, "I know where thou dwellest." This may be regarded —

1. As the language of alarm. I know the perilous circumstances which surround thee — beware!

2. As the language of duty. "I know where thou dwellest, where Satan dwelleth," therefore be on thy guard and work earnestly for the truth.

3. As the language of encouragement. I know all thy temptations and thy difficulties; I know human life; I know what it is to live in a corrupt world. "I know where thou dwellest." If sin is around you My grace shall much more abound.

IV. THE DISAPPROBATION OF CHRIST.

1. Christ first employs mild measures to correct His Church. Truth, suasion, love, example, are me mild means He ordinarily employs.

2. When His mild measures fail severer ones are employed. The severest is abandonment. No sword more terrible than this — to be abandoned by Christ is of all evils the most tremendous.

V. THE BLESSEDNESS OF THE FAITHFUL. The hidden manna and the white stone may mean Divine sustentation and Divine distinction. Those who are faithful to truth shall be at once sustained and honoured by God. Conclusion: Let us hold fast the name of Christ. He is everything to us. Without Him what are we? Pilgrims in an intricate and perilous desert without a guide — voyagers on a tempestuous ocean, without a chart or pilot.

(Caleb Morris.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges;

WEB: "To the angel of the assembly in Pergamum write: "He who has the sharp two-edged sword says these things:




A Church with a Serious Defect
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