Quote:
Originally Posted by OBW
OK. First, in Revelation the deeds of the Nicolaitans did not disqualify them from inclusion as a church.
Second, the idea that Nicolaitans is simply a code for clergy-laity is a presumption made by way less than half of the commentators. And most of the ones that like it are from exclusivist and extreme groups.
So throwing out the dreaded "Nicolaitans" code-word does not create your presumed ocean of church in which denominations are excluded because of metaphorical boats. And Lee saying it is not meaningful. Let the Bible actually say it.
And it doesn't.
Try again.
Jesus did not presume no leadership. It was always presumed. He told certain things to everyone and other things only to the closer group. And not just those couple of places where He said he was hiding truth from those who would not see. Compare the sermon on the mount to the upper room discourse. Or the final words at the end of Matthew. Just a few examples.
Not saying that everything said only to a few was not to everyone. But some of it was clearly about the leadership of the flock while other parts were about the life of the flock.
|
Matthew 23:8-9 And do not call anyone on earth 'father,' for you have one Father, and he is in heaven.
Rules out every denomination that calls their leader 'father', 'reverend' etc. That is most of Christianity.