Book of Revelation #8: Love and the Church of Laodicea

The Message to Laodicea: A Call for Love and Perseverance

Revelation 3:14-22

This morning, we focus on the message delivered to the last church in Revelation, the Church of Laodicea. The previous churches teach us valuable lessons. Take, for instance, the church of Ephesus, known for its hard work but guilty of abandoning its first love. A heartfelt call for repentance was made. Then, we have Smyrna, the persecuted church. Despite its poverty, it was rich in faith, proving that true wealth is found in relationships with the Lord. Jesus exhorts them to remain faithful until death to receive the crown of life. The church of Pergamum represents a compromise. It unified with the state and began to lose its biblical doctrines. The church of Thyatira is seen as impure, reflecting a mix of pagan philosophy with Christianity during the medieval period. Yet, there were faithful believers there who held onto their faith despite the darkness around them. The church of Sardis appeared alive but was spiritually dead, prompting another call to repentance. In contrast, the church of Philadelphia remained faithful to the Lord, with a promise of protection from the hour of trial that would come upon the whole world. Now, we turn to the specific message for Laodicea, where Jesus highlights the need for love and true dedication.

Christ’s Description and the Need for Renewal

In Revelation 3:14-22, the Lord introduces Himself to Laodicea as “the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God’s creation.” Each church’s portrayal by Christ correlates with its spiritual state. Jesus speaks harshly to Laodicea, stating, “I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot.” This description serves as a wake-up call: being lukewarm is unacceptable. Instead of the richness the Laodiceans claimed, Christ points out their true condition: they are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind, and naked. This call for renewal leads to the advice from Jesus to buy gold refined by fire, indicating genuine faith tested by trials. Furthermore, He urges them to acquire white clothes to cover their shame and eye salve to address their spiritual blindness. The call to repentance reflects deep love and care from God, reminding believers to regain their fervor and commitment. Jesus stands at the door, eagerly waiting for anyone who hears to open to Him. The promise that He will dine with them speaks volumes about His desire for a personal relationship filled with love and fellowship. Finally, a promise awaits the faithful — to sit with Him on His throne. The need for love, loyalty, and perseverance encapsulates the message Christ gives to Laodicea, urging them to abandon their lukewarm state and renew their relationship with Him.

The Lord’s Concerns (Verses 15-16)

The Lord declares, “I know your works. You are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either cold or hot! So, because you are lukewarm, I will spit you out of my mouth.” Here, the Lord emphasizes His complete awareness of our actions; nothing is hidden from Him. In the case of the church of Laodicea, He finds nothing to commend—this church has chosen the path of apostasy. It’s tempting to think that this message is not for us, as we do not identify as apostates. However, the Lord concludes the letter with a clarion call: “Let him who has ears hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” The Lord speaks to all who have ears, asking us to heed the declarations of the Holy Spirit. No commendation is given to this church; indeed, it bears the harshest message among the seven churches. The Lord’s observation is clear: “You are neither cold nor hot.” The Lord mentions three spiritual conditions that are crucial to understand: Cold refers to the majority indifferent to the Gospel, yet many such individuals have received grace and come to faith. Hot refers to those fervently walking with Jesus Christ, demonstrating a genuine spiritual life full of the Holy Spirit. In contrast, lukewarm signifies those who show some interest in God but cannot be clearly identified as belonging to Christ. This was the spiritual condition of the church of Laodicea. The abomination is not merely the lukewarm state itself but the permanent nature it assumes. This lukewarmness leaves the church stranded, unable to merge with the world, which rejects Christ, nor truly join believers who have embraced Him. In this in-between state, the Lord proclaims that He will vomit them from His mouth; they are the embodiment of compromise, having cultivated a comfortable existence. Often, the world may commend such a church for its tolerance, but the reality is stark and dire.

The Lord’s Invitation and Promise (Verses 20-22)

The Lord extends a personal invitation to anyone willing to listen, saying: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.” Here, God does not force salvation; every individual must choose to receive Him willingly. Imagine the intimacy of this communion! The Creator of the universe seeks an invitation from those unworthy of His divine blessings. Jesus knocks at the door, longing for fellowship yet respecting our choices. However, a day is coming when He will return in power and glory, reigning over the earth and judging those who have neglected His invitation while rewarding those who opened their hearts to Him. This invitation is not extended to the entire church at Laodicea, as many are complacent in their condition. The church dismisses its need and remains unyielding to the call for change. Yet, perhaps one or two may hear this pivotal invitation from the Lord. Anyone who responds will receive forgiveness, salvation, and new life. In addition, He promises: “The one who conquers, I will grant to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Can you grasp the gravity of God’s mercy being offered to those who once were spiritually lukewarm, in danger of being cast away, but now repentant and opened up to Him? They will share in His glory, ruling alongside Him on His throne, and truly embodying the love and faith of our Lord Jesus Christ.

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer

 Questions and Answers Relating to the Seven Churches in Revelation