Revelation 3:16: So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.
Jesus and His Word
He reproves the church for its lukewarmness and indifference to Himself and the truth. He says, “Because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I am about to vomit thee out of my mouth.” There is neither burning zeal for His word, nor yet absolute repudiation of Christ and the Bible. Instead there is a nauseating, lukewarm condition, that is abhorrent to the Spirit of God. Lukewarm water is, in itself, an emetic; and this is the figure the Lord here uses. He cannot tolerate such conditions much longer, but will vomit out the whole disgusting mass in judgment. 1
Jesus and His Ways
- Jesus, may my love for You be undeniable. Draw me close to You. – “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ Then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!” Matthew 7:22–23
- Jesus, may my love for You be without compromise. Separate me from the presence and practice of sin. – “Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 2 Timothy 2:19
- Jesus, may my love for You be without hypocrisy. I will worship You in Spirit and in truth. – “But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.” Revelation 22:15
Jesus and His Work
The severity of unrepentant sin bears an eternal consequence of separation. – TWEET IT
Jesus and His Promise
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 1 Corinthians 13:1
1. Ironside, H. A. (1920). Lectures on the Book of Revelation (p. 75). Neptune, N. J.: Loizeaux Brothers.