Hot or Cold

The Book of Revelation is a record of what was shown to John the Revelator. The salutation is to the seven churches in the province of Asia. The seven churches addressed in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 were actual churches in John’s day. But they also represent different types of churches in all generations. The seven churches were selected out of hundreds of churches. The statement at the end of each letter shows that the Spirit was speaking to the churches.

One interesting overlooked fact concerns the letters to the churches of Laodicea is mentioned in Revelation 3:15, “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot, I wish you were one or the other!” Why would the Alpha and Omega say that? Would the people of John’s day understand that statement? Lukewarm Christians send confusing messages. In this state being useless to Him, He spews them out of His mouth! That is how He views this attitude of compromise with principles, ideals, standards and truth!

All the messages to these seven churches highlight works because they are evidence of how Christians conduct their relationship with God. Works reveal the heart. They are a gauge of one’s witness and spiritual state.

Laodicea was under Roman rule. It was a wealthy city and famous for its banking, its production of wool cloth and its medicines. It was located about 90 miles to the East of Ephesus. But why would the ruler of God’s creation call them; neither cold nor hot?! The people of John’s day understood exactly what was meant by those piercing words—can we? If we excavate deep enough we would discover that Laodicea was famous for something else. They were noted for their spas, notably their hot medicinal springs in nearby Hierapolis! Because the church itself was neither hot nor cold about the Gospel, its primary focus, Jesus called it to their attention!

Bottom line

Attention! Modern synonyms of the word “lukewarm” give illuminating insights into its use in this letter: lacking candor, conviction or enthusiasm; uncertain; indecisive; unemotional; halfhearted; uncommitted; unresponsive; indifferent; irresolute; impassive; apathetic; nonchalant; lackadaisical. Are you lukewarm for Christ? Let Christ fire up your faith and get you into the action.