The Seven Churches

Laodicea is said to be one of the most well known of the seven churches. Some identify with everything that is wrong in the church. To many, this church is liberal and a apostate church. But we must bare in mind that these were literal, local churches that actually existed in the first century. There is no indication in the text itself that they had any prophetic significance at all.

Laodicea, the lukewarm church, was a banking center, proud of its wealth. The city was beautiful with resplendent temples and theaters. The manufacturing center was noted for its rich garments of black glossy wool; and a medical school that made powder for the treatment of eye aliments. Laodicea was founded in circa 260 B.C, by Antiochus II and named for his wife, Laodice, whom he later divorced.

Laodicea is a compound word, and means: ‘The judging the rights of the people.’
Could any other term more aptly portray the era we now live in? How like Jesus, to look down through the centuries and present to us, a mirror image of our time through the church of Laodicea. Today, like no other day in our history, the rights of the people seems paramount. While many seek to destroy are God given rights, others seek abominable rights of the flesh. The authority of God and His Word, is rapidly being denied, even by many whom call themselves Christians. And it is in this day, that we address the church of Laodicea.

Vs. 14: “And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write: These things say the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the Creation of God.

Jesus refers to Himself, as the Amen in the Hebrew this name means truth, but the full import of this word is more exactly described as ‘truth in finality’, and rightly so, because Jesus is the ‘final truth’. The Creation of God means: He, the Lord is the firstborn of all creation, or the Origin, Beginning and the Author of God’s creation! Perhaps if atheists and skeptics would delve past their theories, into the explicit Word contained in the Hebrew, Greek and English, they would see the error of their ways.

Vs. 15: “I know (or appreciate) you works, that you are neither cold nor hot: I would that you were cold or hot.”

This must have been a shocking rebuke to this church, which thought they had it all. Bare in mind, that these were Christians, not unbelievers. These were very worldly Christians who were not on fire for Jesus. They did not openly oppose the truth, but at the same time, they did not stand up for the truth. In other words, they were spiritually bankrupt, because they had forsaken the burning zeal for His Word.
As a result of their unfaithfulness, worldly ideas, pride, indifference and selfishness had crept into their lives and rendered them neither cold nor hot. They stood in the middle, a place called ‘Compromise’, and thus were labeled ‘lukewarm’ by Jesus.

Vs 16: “So then because you are lukewarm and neither cold nor hot, I will spew (spit) you out of my mouth.”

This church like many in our present time, are guilty of having religion (unfortunately, not the old time religion), and fall short of real sincerity and faith. Their lack of zeal to serve the Lord came from their failure to comprehend their spiritual needs. Their lukewarm condition was nauseating and abhorrent to the Spirit of God, in whose bodies he dwelt. Their lukewarm status was an emetic and this is why He said, I will spew (vomit) you out of My mouth.

There is no mention here that this church was guilty of gross sins. However, they appear to be self-satisfied and content to play at being a Christian, which is a very dangerous game to play. Today as never before, church dignitaries, carnally-minded ‘religious’ leaders and compromising pastors, seem quite satisfied with themselves. They glory in their huge impressive buildings.

They are proud of their giant strides to ensure the rights of the people they shepherd. It is of paramount importance that these rights are not trampled underfoot, misrepresented, or in any way minimized. And many times in so doing, the rights of the Lord Jesus Christ are shoved under the pews, as though He is just dirt under their feet! Anything and everything seems acceptable in the name of popularity and the feel good atmosphere. But thank God, there is a remnant group of believers who shun apostasy and stand firm in their convictions of the Truth.

Vs. 17: “Because you say, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and know not that you are wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked.”

Here we have the reason why Jesus said He would spew them out of His mouth.
These Christians lived in a wealthy, self-sufficient city. And because of this, material things had become their way of life. They had been lulled to sleep spiritually by their dependence of worldly things. Their thinking was that they no longer needed the Holy Spirit and His mighty working power. Their power was in their wealth and self-sufficient living, and thus they were content with their religious ritual.
These Christian did not even know that they were wretched, pitiful, poor and blind.
They were satisfied with being moral, religious, and having an outward appearance of Christian life. What they lacked was the inward flow of the Spirit, real love for the ONE who died for them, and an insatiable desire for the Word.

In Romans 7:24, Paul referred to himself as being wretched, in connection with sin. The word pitiful (or miserable) is found in 1 Corinthians 15:19; and used by Paul to describe one who does not believe in the doctrine of the resurrection. The word ‘poverty’ means, complete poverty that reduces one to begging. These Christians were declared ‘blind’, but not in a physical sense. Spiritually they had eyes that could not grasp or even recognize spiritual truth. Their blindness included the lack of spiritual understanding of the Word, which certainly indicates that they in no way were Spirit led Christians. They were a church that had absolutely no concept of the millions who were dying in sin. And even worse, they had no compulsion to win the lost. The nakedness represents the inability to recognize their need for spiritual garments. At salvation, we are given from God and through Christ, imputed righteousness as a covering. So when the Father looks at us, He sees us not as sinners. But as saints who wear His blood as a covering by the perfection of Christ Jesus. (2Corth. 5:21; Col. 2:10; Heb. 10:10,14; 1 Corth. 1:30; Rom. 3:22).

Vs. 18: “I counsel (advise) you to buy (secure from) Me gold tried in the fire, that
You may be rich; and white raiment, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness do not appear; and anoint (wash) your eyes with eyesalve, that you may see.”

Gold tried in the fire may well refer to 1Peter 1:7, the testing of our faith. Also, these carnal, immature Christians were living for the most part in the flesh. So this could also refer to them obtaining the fruits of the Spirit, since they were not living or walking in the Spirit. It could also be a reference to 1 Corinthians 3: 10-15 about every man’s works. Our good works are those of gold, silver, and precious stones, these are tried by fire and result in rewards. This is just my thinking, it may well mean something else. The Laodiceans were accustomed to fine apparel bedecked by gold and silver, and thus signifying wealth. But Jesus is talking about the inner clothing of one’s spirit and these garments will include gold. Gold used in Scriptures denotes the Glory of God! We will be rich beyond measure surrounded by His Glory! White raiment speaks of righteousness. This speaks of imputed righteousness.

Isaiah 61:10 says: “I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul will be joyful in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh (decorates himself as a priest) with ornaments, as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.”

The eye salve was the anointing of the Holy Spirit, to open their spiritual eyes to understanding of all that He requires of us. Religion blinds the eyes of the soul and makes one pompous, self-sufficient, and poverty-stricken in the spiritual sense. Religion is ritual for far too many. And sadly, like the Laodicean church who knew of God and did works they thought were acceptable to Him. But they never really learned about the real Jesus, because they neglected His Word, shunned His Spirit, and thus all their lives were carnal Christians inside, while making themselves and the world believe their works were acceptable unto God. Today, the same scenario is played out in many lives, in far too many churches.

Vs: 19 “As many as I love, I rebuke (point out their faults) and chasten (correct): be zealous (in earnest) therefore, and repent.”

These Christians were loved by Jesus, but like we as parents sometimes have to do, He pointed out their failures, their carnal ways and faults. And he made known to them that payday was coming, if they did not realize the error of their unfaithfulness, and in earnest repent, which means to turn from your present course and go in the right direction. This seldom warning applies to our time, as much as it does the time of Laodicea.

Vs. 20 “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup (fellowship) with him, and He with me.”

This verse has been used by many as a verse for salvation, and rightly this promise extends to sinners. But we must recall that this is in connection with this wayward church. When one opens his heart by the bidding of the Spirit, and truly seeks God’s presence and the glorious fellowship, God is faithful to His promise. Then you will hear His voice and feel His presence, and communion between your spirit and His Spirit, will take you before the throne of God! This is one of the most beautiful promises contained in the Word of God.

Vs. 21: To him that overcomes will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with My Father in His throne.”

This is a precious promise to the faithful. Those who walk in fellowship with Christ in this life, and serve and honor Him, will also enjoy the right of fellowship and sharing in the throne of Christ throughout eternity. In our humanity, we can only comprehend a small portion of the glory that awaits us in Heaven and through all the eons of eternity. All I can say is, “Even so, Come, Lord Jesus!”

Vs. 22: “He that has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

This is the same closing as the other six churches, and the invitation still stands.
God has spoken plainly in words easy to understand. It is up to each of us, to respond to what the Spirit is saying. I fear, though, that too often no one is really listening.

Tara Hart © all rights reserved by the author