BIB 501-2 - Session 10 Discussion Questions -> 5. Who were the Nicolaitians? Why did Jesus HATE them? Is there anyone in our world today that may resemble them?

“Who were the Nicolaitians? Why did Jesus HATE them?” I could copy Matthew 23 here and be done with this part of the question. Verse 13 is just one indictment by Jesus, “But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.” And who can forget reading about Jesus’ righteous anger over His Father’s house being turned into a “den a thieves.” Jesus demonstrated total unpretentiousness when He washed the feet of His Disciples. The few times I was pressured into attending the local Catholic Church I thought about the comparison of the Master washing feet with the priest and his minions dressed in royal regalia.
One suggestion of the meaning of the Nicolaitians is "victors over the people or rulers over the world, a religious hierarchy that would control the spiritual development of the common people.” This was certainly the case in the Dark Ages when the Romans Catholic Church absolutely controld the laypeople. The common worshiper was not allowed to own a Bible and had to follow the dictates of the priests. Many who held to the gospel of the very early church died for their beliefs.
The Nicolaitians are alive and doing very well today. People in America are not tortured or executed for owning a Bible however their very soul is held ransom by the Catholic Church. Jesus’ death on the cross may save you; however, you have to add works to maintain your salvation. All are to go through a period of torment in purgatory unless….well when enough masses and indulgent have been paid for your soul is ransomed from this horrible place.
The only thing about Jesus in The Church of Jesus Church of the Latter Day Saints is in the name. Mormons have rather unusual beliefs and are works oriented. As I understand it candidates attend a seminar series to be allowed inside the Temple where he will “be learning secrets and gaining mysterious Priesthood powers.” Sounds like a MLM scam to me, the subject for another day.
Could the plan of salvation be any simpler than what Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures.”
I sure understand and share Jesus’ feelings towards the Nicolaitians. My fear is that millions of people are being taught false doctrine that will likely take them through the wide gate.