Revelation 3:14-22 Please read the passage very carefully and notice what is being said as it applies to the church today as much as ever before. IMO the 7 church were not 7 congregations, as there was many more congregations during the time of Johns writing and they weren't mentioned, although they were just as important in Gods eyes. These represent 7 stages of growth, or decline within the one and only church. The church consisting of the redeemed of The Lamb, washed in his blood, and members in particular in the body of Christ.
The message to Laodicea is that of judgement unto the church. The church being in the last stage of its existance, is receiving the last calling of God during the time when the "Day of Atonement is transpiring and judgement begins at the house of God.
These things saith The Amen, The Faithful and True Witness, The beginning of the creation of God, without him was not anything made that was made, The Alpha and also The Omega, whose nane is above every name that is named, The Almighty.
"I would that thou wert either cold or hot, so because thou art lukewarm, I will spew thee out".
Three conditions mentioned that prevailed in Laodicea, (church of today) were cold, hot, and lukewarm. Only one was worthy of being spewed out, and that was "Lukewarm". Being lukewarm resulted in the manifestation of their work were know by the lukewarmness of there hearts. Every condition manifests "works" according to the hotness, or coldness of the heart of men.
All know what is meant by "hot". A fervency and zeal, channeled toward God and his work that results in a shining light unto all through their abundant good works.
What is meant by "cold"? No state is more offensive unto God than that of a sinner in open rebellion against God, so is this what is meant by cold? Can on be in this condition and still be claimed as his? No! So "Cold" would refer unto those within the church, not the sinners without the church. "Hot" is a state of "feeling". "Cold" is also a state of "feeling". The "Hot" and the "Cold" both have a temperture of 98.6 degrees while in this fleshly state.
"Cold" would be but those who feel as if they were just the opposite of being "Hot". The zeal, feverency, the fire of the alter, has gone out, or is burning dangerously low, ect. "Cold" is an uncomfortable experence. One cannot remain for long periods in the cold without perishing. Such a one will do whatever to find a warm place and excape the miserable condition of being cold. The "cold" one will pray, seek God with fasting, study, reading, ect. Whatever it takes to return unto the place or state of being "Hot" once again.
However the "Lukewarm" is totally satisfied to remain in thar deplorable condition. He needs nothing! He has a form of Godliness! He is a member of a group of lukewarm people who call themselves a "Church", but deny the power thereof. They judge themselves by and among themselves. They are recognized in the market places of the world! They are given the seat of the esteamed! They have the praise of men! BUT they are destitute of the power, blessings of God, and in danger of being spewed out by God! They will not receive rebuke, exortation, teaching, or instruction from any, not even God himself.
Remember from whence tho art FALLEN and repent.
God isn't willing that any perish, therefore his grace appears unto all men, even to the lukewarm, contented church of this last day. After revealing that the church was clothed with a covering that was too short, he call them unto repentance and points them unto the right way.
I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, thay thou mayest be rich and white raiment that thou mayest be clothed, and anoint thy eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see.
Everything the church of today claims to have, God says they have not. Whoses fault is it that we are in such a deplorable condition? God says, Buy the truth and sell it not. Truth has fallen in the streets! There is none that seek God! None asking for the old paths wherein is the good way.
How does one buy? Is 55:1 Ho everyone that thirthest, come ye to the waters and he that hath no money; come ye, buy and eat; yea come and buy wine and milk without money and without price. One buys by asking. One buys by throwing aside the worthless thing of the world, and receiving priceless treasures in there stead, bu coming and receiving, by giving nothing in return. What do we buy on these terms? Bread that perishes not. Spotless raiment that does not soil. Riches that corrupt not. An inheritance that fadeth not away.
We have instead, traded the old brush arbors by the side of the road where the power of God was real and powerful, for multi million dollar buildings where pride prevails and God isn't welcome to interupt our programs, shows, dinners, and worldly intertainment with a move of his Spirit and power that saved sinners by the score, healed the sick, opened the eyes of the blind, ect.
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, today, and forever. I am God and I change not! Woman in prophesy represents a church, or religeous group posing as a church. Jesus said when the woman lost a piece of silver, she didn't rest until She had found it. The church has lost power of God in the midst and is content to remain in that lukewarm condition. The church is seen in the story given by Jesus, when the time of reconing came, the Masters goods had not been kept secure and safe. The stewart asked, "what shall I do, I cannot work, and to beg I am too proud"
Friend the end is at hand, unless we chance being spied out of his mouth, we need to redeem the time given and repent and return unto the God that we once served before we became rich and increased with goods. It is time to lay aside every weight and the sin that doeth so easly beset thee, and run with patience the race set before us. Now it is high time to awake out of sleep.
Watch and pray lest that day come upon you unawares.
I would thou wert cold or hot
