Lukewarmness, in a figurative sense, is most prominently addressed in the book of Revelation, specifically in the message to the church in Laodicea. This term is used to describe a spiritual state that is neither fervent nor cold, indicating a lack of zeal and commitment in one's faith and relationship with God.

Biblical Context

The concept of lukewarmness is derived from Revelation 3:14-16, where the risen Christ addresses the church in Laodicea: "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God’s creation. I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth" .

Laodicea was a wealthy city known for its banking industry, medical school, and textile production. However, it lacked a local water supply, relying on aqueducts to bring water from hot springs and cold sources. By the time the water reached the city, it was lukewarm, a fact that would have resonated with the Laodicean church as they received this rebuke.

Spiritual Implications

Lukewarmness in this passage symbolizes a spiritual complacency and self-sufficiency that is distasteful to God. The Laodiceans are criticized for their spiritual indifference, which is neither refreshing like cold water nor healing like hot water. This state of being is particularly dangerous because it reflects a self-deception; the church believed it was rich and in need of nothing, yet it was spiritually impoverished, blind, and naked (Revelation 3:17).

Moral and Theological Lessons

The figurative use of lukewarmness serves as a warning against spiritual apathy and the dangers of a compromised faith. It calls believers to examine their own spiritual fervor and commitment to Christ. The passage urges the Laodiceans to "buy from Me gold refined by fire so that you may become rich; white garments so that you may be clothed and your shameful nakedness not exposed; and salve to anoint your eyes so that you may see" (Revelation 3:18). This metaphorical language emphasizes the need for true spiritual wealth, purity, and insight that only Christ can provide.

Call to Repentance and Renewal

The message to the Laodicean church concludes with a call to repentance and a promise of fellowship: "Those I love, I rebuke and discipline. Therefore be earnest and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me" (Revelation 3:19-20). This invitation highlights God's desire for a restored relationship with His people, urging them to move from a state of lukewarmness to one of earnest devotion and intimacy with Christ.

Application for Believers

For contemporary believers, the figurative use of lukewarmness serves as a powerful reminder to maintain a vibrant and active faith. It challenges Christians to avoid the pitfalls of complacency and to pursue a deeper, more committed relationship with God. The call to be either hot or cold underscores the importance of being fully engaged in one's spiritual walk, actively seeking to live out the teachings of Christ with passion and purpose.Jeremiah 9:3
And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth on the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, said the LORD.
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Ezekiel 13:5
You have not gone up into the gaps, neither made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle in the day of the LORD.
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Ezekiel 16:30
How weak is your heart, said the LORD GOD, seeing you do all these things, the work of an imperious whorish woman;
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Hosea 6:4
O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? for your goodness is as a morning cloud, and as the early dew it goes away.
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Hosea 10:2
Their heart is divided; now shall they be found faulty: he shall break down their altars, he shall spoil their images.
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Haggai 1:2,4-11
Thus speaks the LORD of hosts, saying, This people say, The time is not come, the time that the LORD's house should be built.
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Haggai 2:15,16
And now, I pray you, consider from this day and upward, from before a stone was laid on a stone in the temple of the LORD:
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Matthew 26:41
Watch and pray, that you enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.
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Revelation 2:4
Nevertheless I have somewhat against you, because you have left your first love.
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Revelation 3:2,15,16
Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are ready to die: for I have not found your works perfect before God.
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Concerning the Ministry.
... a church, ceaseth, then they cease also to be a church: and therefore the Spirit,
speaking to the church of Laodicea, because of her lukewarmness, Revelation 3 ...
/.../proposition x concerning the ministry.htm

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