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NASB | Revelation 3:16 'So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of My mouth. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Revelation 3:16 'So because you are lukewarm (spiritually useless), and neither hot nor cold, I will vomit you out of My mouth [rejecting you with disgust]. |
Bible Question:
In Rev. 3:16 does "lukewarm' mean complacency? Could it be speaking about someone, or some church who is cooling down spiritually? Could it be referring to a person, or church who was once on fire for the Lord, but is not any longer hot, but lukewarm and in danger of becoming cold? Or could it be referring to someone or some church, who began in the faith, but is no longer progressing and who are not experiencing an increase in the spiritual climate or temperature within the body of believers? Or _______________ you fill in the blank In Christ zach† |
Bible Answer: Dear Zach, Commentaries............ Rev 3:14-22 The last letter is to Laodicea, which receives no commendation. The unfavorable condition in this church was lukewarmness: the members were neither cold nor hot (v. 15). The lukewarm person does not become greatly disturbed at hearing heretical teaching, and is not vigorous in the defense of the truth. This spirit of indifference is the most tragic thing that can happen to a church. The close of this letter is different from the conclusions of the other six in that it makes an application to the individual: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, etc. (v. 20). (from The Wycliffe Bible Commentary, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1962 by Moody Press) Rev 3:15 [I would thou wert cold or hot] That is, I would prefer either of those states to what now exists. Anything better than this condition, where love is professed, but where it does not exist; where vows have been assumed which are not fulfilled. Why he would prefer that they should be "hot" is clear enough; but why would he prefer a state of utter coldness-a state where there was no profession of real love? To this question the following answers may be given: (1) Such a state of open and professed coldness or indifference is more honest. There is no disguise; no concealment; no pretence. We know where one in this state "may be found"; we know with whom we are dealing; we know what to expect. Sad as the state is, it is at least honest; and we are so made that we all prefer such a character to one where professions are made which are never to be realized-to a state of insincerity and hypocrisy. (2) Such a state is more honorable. It is a more elevated condition of mind, and marks a higher character. Of a man who is false to his engagements, who makes professions and promises never to be realized, we can make nothing. There is essential meanness in such a character, and there is nothing in it which we can respect. But in the character of the man who is openly and avowedly opposed to anything; who takes his stand, and is earnest and zealous in his course, though it be wrong, there are traits which may be, under a better direction, elements of true greatness and magnanimity. (from Barnes' Notes, Electronic Database. Copyright (c) 1997 by Biblesoft) |