Beware of Lukewarm Christianity – Revelation 3:14-22
3 (14) To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: This is what the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the Ruler* of God’s creation, says: (15) I know your life, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were either cold or hot. (16) Because you are lukewarm—neither cold nor hot—I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (17) You say, “I am rich; I have acquired wealth and have need of nothing.” But you do not realize that you are wretched and pitiable and poor and blind and naked. (18) Therefore, I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so that you may become rich; and white garments, so that you may clothe yourself and not allow the shame of your nakedness to be exposed; and eye salve to put on your eyes, so that you may see. (19) All those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. Therefore, be earnest and repent. (20) Look! I am standing at the door, knocking. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him. I will dine with him, and he will dine with me. (21) To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne. (22) He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
*The Greek word found in verse 14 has the meaning, “the ruler,” as well as “the beginning” (A Concise Greek-English Dictionary of the New Testament, United Bible Societies, London, 1971). The translation, “the Ruler of God’s creation,” is preferable.
Now proceed to the next section of this study, entitled, Exploring the Passage.
