Revelation 3

15-16 In these two verses, Christ gives all churches a frightening warning: “Do not be lukewarm, or I will spit you out of my mouth.”

These verses can have two meanings, and both meanings are true. The first meaning is this. When we are cold, we like to drink something hot; when we are hot, we like to drink something cold. But no one ever likes to drink something lukewarm. The church in Laodicea was like a lukewarm drink: the church’s ministry was neither hot nor cold—only lukewarm. Because of this, no matter what a person’s need might be, the church could not satisfy it. Thus the church was fit only to be “spit out” of one’s mouth.

There is an interesting historical fact about the city of Laodicea. Near the city there were some famous hot springs, from which large amounts of hot water poured out in great streams. The water was thought to have healing power, so many people came to drink the water in hopes of being healed. But as the hot water flowed down the slopes from the spring, it quickly became lukewarm and thus lost its healing power (so it was thought). Not only could it no longer heal anyone; it couldn’t even quench one’s thirst. It was good for nothing! Thus the Laodicean Christians surely understood what Jesus meant when He called them lukewarm: They were good for nothing, like the lukewarm water of their famous spring.

The second meaning of “lukewarm” is this. Jesus is saying that the Laodicean church is spiritually lukewarm. The Laodicean Christians were not dead like the Christians of Sardis (verse 1); they weren’t cold like a corpse. But neither were they spiritually “hot”; they had no “fire” of the Holy Spirit in them. They had no spiritual energy or enthusiasm. Spiritually they were only half alive.

A “lukewarm” church is in a more dangerous situation than a “cold” church. The reason is this. Spiritually cold Christians are usually aware that they are cold, and they can repent. But spiritually lukewarm Christians usually think they are hot, and thus they feel no need to repent. They are not worried about their spiritual condition. Just like the hot water flowing out of the springs, the Laodicean Christians had gradually become lukewarm—and they hadn’t even noticed it.

Therefore, whichever of these two meanings we think about, we need to make sure that we do not become lukewarm Christians; otherwise, Jesus will spit us out of His mouth (see Luke 13:24-28).

17 Jesus says to these lukewarm Laodicean Christians: “You think you are spiritually rich, but don’t deceive yourselves. Because, in fact, you are spiritually poor.” These Laodicean Christians were blind; they could not see their own spiritual condition. They were naked; they did not have the clothing of righteousness and holiness.

Let us take warning from the example of these Laodicean Christians. How different were the thoughts they had about themselves and the thoughts Christ had about them! We must try to see ourselves the way Christ sees us. Otherwise, we shall deceive ourselves, just as these Laodicean Christians deceived themselves. There are many people in hell today who had thought they were on the road to heaven!

18 Let the Laodicean Christians buy from Christ true wealth—spiritual gold, gold refined in the fire. Let them buy from Christ white clothes to wear (see verse 4). Let them receive sight from Christ, so that they might see their spiritual poverty and nakedness. If a man can’t see his condition, he can’t make it better.

There is another interesting historical fact about the city of Laodicea. In John’s time, Laodicea was especially famous for three things: its financial prosperity, its clothing industry, and a special, locally made eye ointment that was used all over the world. Nevertheless, in spiritual matters they were poor, naked, and blind! (verse 17).

19 See Proverbs 3:11-12; Hebrews 12:511 and comment.

20 These proud, blind, and lukewarm Laodicean Christians had left Christ outside their church. But Christ still loves them, and He stands knocking on the door of their church, hoping that they will open the door and invite Him to come in.

But Christ doesn’t only knock on the door of a church; He knocks on the “door” of every Christian’s heart. And He knocks not just on the hearts of Christians, but on the hearts of all people. This is the great and wonderful truth of the Gospel of Christ: the supreme and almighty God of the universe comes to every person and says, “Open the door of your heart, and I will come in.” No other religion of the world teaches about a God who comes to men and women seeking fellowship with them.

Therefore, friend, listen to Jesus knocking, and open the door of your heart. Do not delay, or else Jesus will go away. He is patient, but He will not wait forever.

Today there is no trace left of that Laodicean church. Why? Because those Laodicean Christians did not open the door for Jesus. They did not confess their sins—their pride, their blindness, their nakedness. Jesus had said to them: “So be earnest and repent” (verse 19). But they had not listened to Him. He who has an ear, let him hear! (verse 22).

21-22 He who overcomes will not only share in Christ’s inheritance and glory, but he will also reign with Christ. He will sit with Christ on His throne (Matthew 19:28). The Apostle Paul wrote to Timothy: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him (2 Timothy 2:11-12).