Doctrine Is Necessary, But Not Enough

“I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.”
(Revelation 2:3-4)

The church in Ephesus plays a recurring role in the New Testament. It first appears near the end of Acts 18. It is possible a church already existed, but more likely the congregation formed later under the influence of Aquila and Priscilla after Paul visited the city and left them there (Acts 18:18-21). Regardless, when Paul returned to Ephesus some time later, there was a Christian presence which grew stronger during his stay (Acts 19; 20:31). Paul later met with the elders of the Ephesian church in the town of Miletus (Acts 20:17-38). He also wrote a letter to the church during his imprisonment. Finally, the church was addressed by Christ in the Revelation, several decades after Paul’s execution (Rev. 2:1-7).

Ephesus was a strong church, known for their doctrinal integrity and perseverance. They had not compromised the teaching of Christ as other congregations did (Gal. 1:6; Rev. 2:14-15). They were not morally corrupt (1Cor. 5:1-2; Rev. 2:20). They tried and rejected false apostles. They would not tolerate evil. They endured trials. But their doctrinal and moral purity was not enough.

Jesus’ words to Ephesus are stern and frightening: “Repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place” (Rev. 2:5). The lampstand represented Ephesus’ existence and recognition by Christ as one of His churches (Rev. 1:20). Does this mean the church in Ephesus would be destroyed by Christ, wiped out of existence? Perhaps. Or perhaps it would continue existing in the community but no longer be regarded by Christ as a group of His people. In either case, the warning is grim.

Doctrine is important, nay crucial, and moral purity is essential. But attitude matters too. If we abandon our first love, the initial commitment to Christ, all the doctrine and deeds in the world cannot save us. Religious ritual will not save anyone, even if they are biblical and right. We must love the Lord, or be accursed (1Cor. 16:22). -JME