If you are a member of today’s Laodicean church, Jesus is talking to you …
Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV)
And to the angel (or special spiritual spokesman) of the church of the Laodiceans write,
“These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
So then, because you are lukewarm(*), and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ —
and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked —
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich;
and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness
may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
(*) Everyone knew that the famous lukewarm spring water at Laodicea was good for nothing!
But also … “A lukewam church is in a more dangerous situation than a cold church.
Spiritually cold Christians are usually aware that they are cold, and they can repent.
But, spiritually lukewarm Christians usually think they are hot, and feel no need to repent.
They are not worried about their spiritual condition.”
poor: “spiritually poor”
blind: “they could not see their own spiritual condition”
naked: “they did not have the clothing of righteousness and holiness”
“There are many people in hell today who thought they were on the road to heaven!”
… all from The Applied New Testament Commentary (Thomas Hale, ChariotVictor Publishing)
We must maintain our righteous standing before the Lord:
“… let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous” (1 John 3:7)
“… whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:35)
It’s time to choose to be “(slaves) of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16)
“… so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.” (Romans 6:19)
Jesus reminds us of His NT covenant with us:
• “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love,
just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10)
• “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21)
God’s grace (unmerited favor) has given us the opportunity to go to heaven, but …
we must appreciate His mercy enough to enthusiastically co-operate with Him in our salvation!
Revelation 3:14-22 (NKJV)
And to the angel (or special spiritual spokesman) of the church of the Laodiceans write,
“These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:
I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.
So then, because you are lukewarm(*), and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Because you say, ‘I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing’ —
and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked —
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich;
and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness
may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door,
I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”
(*) Everyone knew that the famous lukewarm spring water at Laodicea was good for nothing!
But also … “A lukewam church is in a more dangerous situation than a cold church.
Spiritually cold Christians are usually aware that they are cold, and they can repent.
But, spiritually lukewarm Christians usually think they are hot, and feel no need to repent.
They are not worried about their spiritual condition.”
poor: “spiritually poor”
blind: “they could not see their own spiritual condition”
naked: “they did not have the clothing of righteousness and holiness”
“There are many people in hell today who thought they were on the road to heaven!”
… all from The Applied New Testament Commentary (Thomas Hale, ChariotVictor Publishing)
We must maintain our righteous standing before the Lord:
“… let no one deceive you. He who practices righteousness is righteous” (1 John 3:7)
“… whoever fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him.” (Acts 10:35)
It’s time to choose to be “(slaves) of obedience leading to righteousness?” (Romans 6:16)
“… so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness.” (Romans 6:19)
Jesus reminds us of His NT covenant with us:
• “If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love,
just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love.” (John 15:10)
• “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne,
as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” (Revelation 3:21)
God’s grace (unmerited favor) has given us the opportunity to go to heaven, but …
we must appreciate His mercy enough to enthusiastically co-operate with Him in our salvation!