Dave Pack has been trying for years now to let the world know what a highly intelligent man he is. He is constantly being inspired by god with all kinds of revealed knowledge. He runs the worlds largest church related internet site. He produces more booklets and materials than any other Church of God. On and on the list could go. But just how "educated" is Dave Pack? At least when it comes to chruch history.
Dave has been spending a lot of time lately spouting off about the Nicolaitanes. There is the traditional educated view on who these people were and what they did and then there is the Dave Pack version.
Traditional views on the Nicolaitanes are:
Hippolytus of Rome states that the deacon Nicolas was the author of the heresy and the sect.[2] Several of the early church fathers, including Irenaeus, Epiphanius, and Theodoret mentioned this group. Irenaeus discusses them but adds nothing to the Apocalypse except that "they lead lives of unrestrained indulgence."[3] Victorinus of Pettau states that they ate things offered to idols.[4] Bede states that Nicolas allowed other men to marry his wife[5] and Thomas Aquinas believed that Nicholas supported either polygamy or the holding of wives in common.[6] Eusebius said that the sect was short-lived.[7]
The biggest strike against them is that the were believers in antinomianism:
Antinomianism (a term coined by Martin Luther, from the Greek ἀντί, "against" + νόμος, "law") is defined as holding that, under the gospel dispensation of grace, moral law is of no use or obligation because faith alone is necessary to salvation.[1]
Although the concept is related to the foundational Protestant belief of Sola Fide where justification is through faith alone in Christ, it is taken to an extreme in antinomianism. It is seen by some as the opposite of the notion that obedience to a code of religious law earns salvation: legalism or works righteousness.
This is what many Armstrongite splinter cults claim that is wrong with those that do not follow the law.
That is, until Dave Pack enters scene. While he may still hold to part of that belief, he has added to it with his own interpretation. This is what Dave Pack claims Nicolaitanism is:
Say what?“In the New Testament, the followers of “Saint Nicolas” were referred to as Nicolaitanes. These people—falsely calling themselves Christians—honored Nimrod during the apostle John’s time—much as people do today!”.
St Nicholas?
Nicolaitans are Santa Claus followers?
Can Dave really be serious?
Saint Nicolas was not even around during the time of the Nicolaitans! But wait, good old Nimrod was, so that is how he connects Nicolaitans to Santa Claus or St. Nick. Can the man truly be this stupid?
The All Knowing One writes:
Nicolaitane means “a follower of Nicolas.” It originates from the Greek words, nikos meaning “conquerer” or “destroyer,” and laos, meaning “people.” The original Nicolas—Nimrod (Gen. 10:8)—was a destroyer of the people. Nicolas is merely the Greek word for Nimrod. Within two centuries after the Flood, Nimrod had conquered the people and founded man-made civilization.
While alive, Nimrod commanded his subjects to worship him in place of God. Even after his death, his followers continued to worship him as a divine heroic leader. He was called “Baal.” This name means “master” and “lord,” and is found many times in the Old Testament. This name describes the positions that Nimrod took to himself—to be considered Lord and Master of creation.
The sad part in all of this is that the sheeple in his cult will actually believe this without ever researching it. He knows it too. As long as he claims God revealed that to him they will swallow it.But “Baal” was only one of Nimrod’s many names. Another one of his names, commonly used throughout Asia Minor, was “Santa.” Langer’s An Encyclopedia of World History explains further that “Santa Claus” is a shortened form of “Saint Nicolas” or “Santa Nicolas.”
In the New Testament, the followers of “Saint Nicolas” were referred to as Nicolaitanes. These people—falsely calling themselves Christians—honored Nimrod during the apostle John’s time—much as people do today!
I am glad to see that Ambassador education has finally paid off! Way to go big guy!
