The Lukewarm Church of Laodicea

Of all the churches in Revelation, perhaps the church in Laodicea is the most maligned and perhaps rightly so. They have the distinction of being labeled the "lukewarm" church. Those who view the 7 churches of Revelation as a panoramic view of the church ages see Laodicea as representing the end-times church which is neither hot nor cold, but slumbering in their materialistic spiritual stupor. While this view certainly seems to have some validity, I think it's more beneficial to realize that this again was a real church facing real problems and that every person in every era of the church age can glean something from it. With that in mind, let's look at the lukewarm church and learn from her mistake(s).

Rev 3:14And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;

Christ is the Amen, the final Word of God's authority- the first, the last, and everything in between. He is the Truth, the Life, and no man can come to the Father, but by Him- there is none other name given under heaven whereby men might be saved. As He addresses this lukewarm church, they must clearly realize that He is the all-sufficient one who truly meets every need-whether it be material or spiritual.

Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

Much is made of the fact that there were hot springs in the area. Perhaps this is indeed a reference to the hot springs in Laodicea, but regardless of that, we can still infer a spiritual truth. Cool water brings refreshment, and hot water can bring cleansing, but very few of us in any society have much use for lukewarm water. Spiritually speaking, it seems like those who are like "hot coals" burning with passion for Jesus Christ bring change to those around them. Consequently, those who are cold are more apt to react when they come in contact with heat and light. Those that are lukewarm or "middle of the road" are less likely to affect or be affected by either group. From my personal experience, it seems like it is easier to get a "cold" individual (someone clearly out of fellowship with God) to acknowledge his/her need for repentance, but it is very difficult to get a lukewarm person to take responsibility for their actions. Christ told us that "salt is good" but if the salt loses it's savor, it is good for nothing!

Rev 3:16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth

A lukewarm spiritual condition is an abomination to a holy God. How can we be so apathetic when Christ hath done such great things for us? How shall we escape if we "neglect so great a salvation" that Jesus has provided for us? Those who choose to be indifferent to the commands of Christ and yet remain "on the church pew" do so at their own peril. We see that perhaps the greatest danger lies in a "mediocre" type of faith. Sadly this is the predominate condition in these last days. We find (especially in the West) that almost everyone professes to be a "Christian." Most people base this profession not on the fact that they have actually repented of their sins and been born-again, but rather because of such faulty logic as "I'm a member of such-and-such church", or "I was raised in a Christian home", or "I was baptized as a child." It is very difficult to draw a sharp distinction between the church and the world in these last days. Paul warned Timothy that in the last days the church would be infected with those who "have a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof...from such turn away." Much of what passes for Christianity, is nothing more than pop-pyschology or positive thinking. The fate of the lukewarm is indeed a dreadful one- being vomited out of the mouth of God. Some would caution against reading to much into the anthropomorphic nature of phrases like "spue thee out of my mouth", but one thing to consider is how can one be spued out if they were never "in" in the first place. These are things to prayerfully consider indeed!

Rev 3:17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

Here this church stands in stark contrast with the The Church at Smyrna . The church of Smyrna was materially poor, and yet Christ called them "rich." Contrariwise, the church of Laodicea professed to "have need of nothing" and yet Christ says they are poor in the worst way-spiritually impoverished! Here we see a great spiritual lesson. We should never look at material prosperity, increases in attendance, or popularity as true indicators of spiritual vitality. The church seems desperate to find influence in the world, and many of the hyper-prosperity doctrines have convinced the multitudes that "gain is godliness." While poverty is not necessarily an indicator of spiritual purity, neither are riches a barometer of God's blessing. Christ dispelled this notion in His teaching and seemed to make special emphasis on this point by saying "it is hard for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God." Just as this saying befuzzled the disciples when He initially taught it- it still seems like much of Christendom is confused about the nature of "true riches." Some theologians have suggested (and I'm inclined to agree) that if the Holy Spirit were removed from our midst today, very little activity within the walls of the church would cease- we would go on as "business as usual." What a sad indictment on the church. I don't know how accurate this statment is, but I do know that Jesus said "without me, ye can do nothing."

Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see

The "Wonderful Counselor" of Isaiah's prophecy is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ. With all of the junk that passes for wise counsel today, it would behove us to go back to the scriptures. I mentioned earlier that the church of Laodicea is forever infamous because of their "lukewarm" condition, but we see that even with this lukewarm church, Christ offers a tender and loving rebuke. Rather than leaving them without an option, He indeed "counsels" them and instructs them what they need to do to escape from spiritual death. Commentators often cite the eyesalve reference as relating to the famous eye medication/ointment that was produced and sold in ancient Laodicea. If this is indeed the case, then the message to Laodicea may contain the most cultural references of any particular church in Revelation (eye-salve, hot springs, etc.). But the importance of the eye-salve that Christ refers to spiritual sight or blindness (whichever the case may be). It is possible to see naturally, but be blind spiritually-just like it is possible to hear physically, but never really "hear" what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

Rev 3:19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

The theme of the chastening of the Lord is found throughout the scriptures...old and new. We are told not to despise the chastening of the Lord. Just as our earthly fathers chasten us so that we might turn out to be decent and law-abiding citizens, our Heavenly Father chastens us so that we might be "partakers of His holiness." Notice the motivation for this rebuke and the chastening.....the motive is Love! This church that has many problems-not the least of which is being "lukewarm" is still loved by God and He still desires to see them change. This should inspire and give us hope for even the most seemingly hopeless church. Christ encourages the church to be "zealous" about their repentance. I believe if we truly knew what an awesome gift it is to be granted repentance by God, we would jump at the chance. Many people go to their graves lost and undone because they thought that somehow they determined their own repentance. The scriptures are clear that it is the "goodness of God" that leads us to repentance. We read in Acts where God "granted" the Gentiles repentance. Jesus said that no man could come to the Father unless he be drawn by the Holy Spirit. So I say to you today if you are reading this and perhaps have strayed from the Lord, or have decided to harbor some secret sin- repent now while you still have the desire. God has placed the desire within man's heart to repent. That's why we read (even in the first book of the bible) that God says "my spirit shall not always strive with man." Repentance involves the mind, the will, the emotions, and the body. To truly repent is more than saying " I'm sorry"-it is rather a willingness to confess AND forsake the sin which so easily besets us!

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me

This is perhaps one of the most beautiful pictures of scripture. Many have made special emphasis to the fact that Jesus is on the outside trying to get in, but on a positive note-I think it's very touching and loving that He even attempts to reach the hearts of sinful men. We sometimes forget that it was God who initiated fellowship with man from the very beginning, not the other way around. We love Him because He first loved us- while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us Hallelujah! Jesus told the woman at the well that they who worship God must worship Him in spirit and in truth because the Father "seeketh" such to worship Him. On another note I would add that this refutes the Calvinistic belief of "irresistable grace" which teaches that God arbitrarily chooses some to be saved whether or not they respond in faith or not. The God of the bible is not one that forces Himself upon his creation bur rather one who lovingly calls-gives the invitation and gives us the freedom to decide. The parables about the wedding/marriage that Jesus taught about also agree with this idea that God gives a choice. In the gospels we read about the Father who made a marriage for His Son and invited many-and yet many made excuses as to why they couldn't come.

Rev 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne

Again, not to belabor the point- but although this church has one of the worst reputations historically- it seemingly has one of the greatest promises for the overcomers. Even though they were steeped in mediocrity and a lukewarm faith- Jesus exhorts them to repent with fervor and zeal-with the expectation that they will not only be saved, but be granted to sit with Christ in His throne. This is what the mother of James and John desired for them (to sit on the "right hand" and the left in the kingdom)-but Jesus said it would be given in accordance with God's will. What an awesome promise to the overcomers.

Rev 3:22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

As we have now learned with all the churches, the Spirit of God is doing everything He can to teach us the great truths of scripture, to warn us of sin and unbelief, to challenge us to a higher plane of Christian living, to offer us great promises if we will indeed be a part of the "overcomers." I trust that you have enjoyed this brief study of the churches of Revelation. May God richly bless you as you study His Word. The book of Revelation indeed promises a blessing for those who dare to heed it's message and respond. I'll leave you with that thought:

Revelation 1:3 Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.

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