Quote:
Originally Posted by TheStarswillFall
Revelation 2:15-16
New American Standard Bible
15 So you too, have some who in the same way hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans (teaching of hierarchy in the church - aka Minister of the Age).
16 Therefore repent; or else I am coming to you quickly, and I will wage war against them with the sword of My mouth.
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According to early church writings, the Nicolaitans were heretics because they taught that God's grace allowed for sexual immorality. Here's a quote from Iranaeus who was a second degree disciple of the apostle John through Polycarp.
Quote:
Irenaeus (Against Heresies, Book 1, Chapter 26.3)
"The Nicolaitans are the followers of that Nicolas who was one of the seven first ordained to the diaconate by the apostles. They lead lives of unrestrained indulgence. The character of these men is plainly pointed out in the Apocalypse of John, as teaching that it is a matter of indifference to practice adultery, and to eat things sacrificed to idols."
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And quotes from other early church fathers:
Quote:
Hippolytus (Refutation of All Heresies, Book 7, Chapter 24)
"There are, however, among the Gnostics diversities of opinion... But Nicolaus has been a cause of the wide-spread combination of these wicked men. They are plainly impious, and their practices are most impure."
Clement of Alexandria (Stromata, Book 3, Chapter 4)
"Those who are called Nicolaitans falsely ascribe to him [Nicolas, the deacon] a statement that 'to abuse the flesh' was a matter of indifference. But the truth is, they abandoned themselves to pleasure like goats, leading a life of self-indulgence."
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So in a sense I think Witness Lee did practice the teachings of the Nicolaitans by not correcting his sons for their unrepentant sexual immorality including what we now know includes sexual abuse of minors. Because of Witness Lee's salvation theology, he may have believed that his sons were saved and hence he did not feel the need to correct them.
I believe Witness Lee and his sons were victims in a spiritual sense of their own heresy. This article explains why self professed Christians like Philip Lee who lived like the devil are not actually saved:
Is the Free Grace Position Really Free?
Thank you Ruth for your testimony and the courage to shed light on such darkness.
Ephesians 5:11
Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.