What is the doctrine of Balaam?

Answer

In Revelation 2:14, the church of Pergamum is rebuked for tolerating the “teaching of Balaam,” or the “doctrine of Balaam.” Balaam’s name is also mentioned in 2 Peter 2:15 and Jude 1:11, both cautioning about the behavior and teachings of false teachers. These references allude to the Old Testament figure of Balaam, who unsuccessfully attempted to curse the people of Israel (Numbers 22). He later advised King Balak of Moab, Israel’s enemy, to use seduction as a tactic «Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam, to commit trespass against the LORD in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the LORD. », (Numbers 31:16). The doctrine of Balaam is not only a significant issue but also a cunning one. When the direct attack failed, Balaam resorted to a more subtle approach.

Balaam, a prophet from Mesopotamia, was willing to misuse his God-given abilities for wrongful purposes. Despite knowing that Balak was an enemy of God, he attempted to use his prophetic gifts to assist him. When this plan failed, Balaam advised Balak on how to effectively undermine Israel, which involved using seduction. Moabite and Midianite women were used to entice the Israelites into immoral relationships and pagan practices. Those who participated faced God’s judgment (Numbers 25:1-9).

According to 2 Peter 2:15, Balaam’s “way” involves promoting falsehood for financial gain. Jude 1:11 highlights Balaam’s “error” as his willingness to compromise on pagan beliefs due to greed. Jude 1:4 also mentions the sin of those “who pervert the grace of our God into a license for immorality.” One characteristic of false teachers in the church is their attempt to distort the message of Christ.Ian liberty into a “freedom” to be promiscuous (see Romans 14:1-5).

Putting these ideas together gives a clear view of the doctrine of Balaam. It is the attitude that one can be fully cooperative with the world and still serve God. The doctrine of Balaam teaches compromise, wanting Christians to forget they are called to be separate and holy (Leviticus 20:26; 1 Peter 1:2); the doctrine of Balaam makes believers indistinguishable from the unbelieving world «Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.», (Matthew 5:13). The doctrine of Balaam is a belief that “a little sin” doesn’t hurt «A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump.», (Galatians 5:9), especially if there’s some financial or personal benefit involved «perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself.», (1 Timothy 6:5). A person following the doctrine of Balaam is willing to compromise his beliefs for the sake of economics. He acts to enable sinful behaviors for personal gain or even participate in them «who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.», (Romans 1:32).

In practical terms, the teaching or doctrine of Balaam is the view that Christians can—or even should—co

Some compromise their convictions for the sake of popularity, money, sexual gratification, or personal gain. It’s the attitude that treats sin as “no big deal.” Christians can’t—and shouldn’t—completely avoid the company of sinners or unbelievers (Luke 7:34;1 Corinthians 5:9-13), but we are obligated to stand up for truth «Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another. », (Ephesians 4:25), righteousness (Proverbs 23:20;Romans 14:22), and goodness «And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; », (2 Peter 1:5, Matthew 5:16), whether it’s what others want to hear or not (John 4:16-18;8:11;Acts 24:24-25).