Clever Counterfeits
The False Claims of the Cults
Each of the cults in Pergamum was a counterfeit, a clever copy of the things that God alone provides. Each god took credit or honor away from God, thus giving it to something human or of human invention.
| False Gods | False Claims | The Truth |
|---|---|---|
| Zues | Acclaimed as king of kings, lord of lords, creator of the universe. | God alone is the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Creator of the Universe. |
| Dionysus | Reputed to provide joy, eternal life and meaning; said to be able to change water into wine. | God alone provides these through Jesus, who turned water into wine and rose from the dead. |
| Demeter | Said to provide daily bread, resurrection and eternal life through the blood of animals. | God aloe provides these through Jesus, who fed thousands miraculously and shed his blood and rose from the dead so that people might receive eternal life. |
| Asclepius | Reputed to provide good health, healing from disease, and eternal life. | God alone provides these through Jesus, who healed many people, rose from the dead, and provides eternal life. |
| Emperor Worship | Emperor was viewed as lord of all, the supreme source of truth in the Universe. | Jesus, seated at God's right hand, is Lord of Lords and King of the Universe; God is the source of all truth |
| People Today | Give themselves or other things credit for what (healing, etc) | People today need to have a personal relationship with the one, Messiah. |
