What does Revelation 3:15,16 mean: "I know thy works, that thou art neither cold or hot. So then because thou art neither cold nor hot; I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth."

This statement is addressed to the church in Laodicea, a wealthy city in Asia during the time the Apostle John wrote the book of Revelation. The city’s great prosperity contributed to the Christian church’s sense of self-sufficiency described in verses 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.” These words were not meant for the average citizen of Laodicea, but for the Christian church that resided there. They were blind to their condition of being spiritually poor, blind and naked. This led to their works being described as “lukewarm.” In other words, their service to the Lord was half-hearted, at best.

Jesus said it would be better to be either cold or hot. Being hot means to serve with fullness of zeal. When someone cares deeply for the work they are doing, their love will be seen in the way they serve, in the time they spend and their willingness to sacrifice. But the Lord did not see that spirit in Laodicean church. In fact, he would rather they be “cold.” It would be better if they have no interest in serving Him at all. Half-hearted service suggests the One they are serving does not merit full devotion.

On a larger scale, the seven messages to the churches of Asia also relate to the Chirstian church down through the age, from the First Advent to our day. The message to Laodicea was the seventh and last message, and therefore, very relevant for us today. This sad message foretold that today’s Christianity would be similarly lukewarm in its service to the Lord.

The Lord’s advice is given in verse 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 eye-salve, that thou mayest see.” Gold tried in the fire depicts the heavenly riches promised to the overcomers. White raiment represents justification by faith offered by the sacrifice of Jesus. Finally, the anointing of eye salve is the holy spirit working in the believer’s life. Every believer should take this lesson to heart, understanding the privilege of serving our great Redeemer with love and zeal.

Additional Resource:
Audio Sermon: “Seven Churches,” Robert Bennett