Bible Question:
Rev 3:15-16 15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! 16 So, because you are lukewarm— neither hot nor cold— I am about to spit you out of my mouth. I just heard a 'new' interpretation on this verse. One I have never heard before. It implied that this is verse is dealing with mixing the Law and Grace and not our 'walk' with Christ. Interesting to me, I can see where it could make sense, but I also feel as though this verse may be being used to fit someones own teaching. |
Bible Answer: Hi Mike, I think I'd go with conventional wisdom on that one, though I don't really know the full extent of this teaching that was given to you. Perhaps it could be used to apply to that situation, of that I'm not so sure, but, notwithstanding, I think it would be a stretch to say the least. There was a Church in that city, at that time, that was perhaps in that spiritual condition. And though it is not known for sure, it does look that way from what is know about it. Here are some thoughts from John Gill that may shed some more light on these verses. Gill does talk about the actual city in his commentary, but here he is speaking of it as it represents the Church in general, it's faltering spirituality, and lackluster love for God and His Church. John --"This church represents the state of the church, from the end of the spiritual reign of Christ, till the time of his personal appearing and kingdom, to judge the quick and dead; for after the spiritual reign is over, professors of religion will sink into a formality, and into a lukewarm frame of spirit, and into great spiritual sloth and security, Re 3:15, which will make those times like the times of Noah and of Lot; and such will be the days of the coming of the son of man to judge the world. Its name signifies either "the righteousness of the people"; and so may point at that popular and external righteousness, which the majority of the professors of religion in this period of time will be boasting of, and trusting in; being self-sufficient, and self-dependent, when at the same time they will be naked, as well as poor and blind, Re 3:17; or it signifies "the judging of the people"; for this church state, at the end of it, will bring on the general judgment; the Judge will now be at the door indeed, standing and knocking; and they that are ready to meet the bridegroom, when he comes, will be admitted into the nuptial chamber, and sit down with him in his throne, in the thousand years' kingdom, at the close of which will be the second resurrection, when all the people, small and great, shall be judged, Re 3:19." John Gill |