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Our Mission: Revelation 14:6-12
If I Were Told the Future - Lesson 28
Letter
to the Church of Laodicea
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Let's pray together:
O Lord,
During our previous six lessons, we learned that the letters to the churches carry a
prophetic message addressed to Your Church throughout history.
So we can already guess that the last letter, addressed to Laodicea, is aimed at Your
Church in the last period of history, that is, the time of the end.
This letter is therefore the most important for us, and this is why we ask You to grant us
the vital presence of Your Holy Spirit in a special way as we study this lesson. In Jesus
Christ we pray.
Amen.
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Revelation 1:11
«What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia: to Ephesus, to Smyrna, to Pergamos, to Thyatira, to Sardis, to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.»
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The last of the seven letters is addressed to the church of
Laodicea, a name meaning «Judging the people».
Founded under Antiochus II Theos, who reigned from 261 to 246 B.C., and named in honor of
his wife, Laodice, the city was an important banking and commercial center.
Its wealth came from, among other things, its clothes made of black wool, and its eye
salve which was widely renowned on the continent.
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Colossians 4:13
For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis.
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In his letter to the Colossians, the apostle Paul mentions
Laodicea, and associates it to Hierapolis, a neighboring city.
Lacking sufficient springs of water, Laodicea had to rely on the thermal waters of
Hierapolis to lay in supplies.
Transported by a stone canal system, these hot waters were lukewarm when they reached
Laodicea, being excellent for therapeutic bathing, but definitely undrinkable.
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Revelation 3:14
And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
«These things says the Amen (...).»
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2 Corinthians 1:20
For all the promises of God in [Jesus Christ] are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.
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By introducing Himself as «the Amen», Jesus announces that we are at the end of Church history on earth, and that, at His imminent return, He will finally fulfill all God's promises which still remain unaccomplished.
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Revelation 3:14
And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
«These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness (...).»
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Revelation 19:11
Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse.
And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and
makes war.
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In addition to the «Amen», that is, the end of all things, Jesus also introduces Himself as the «the Faithful and True Witness», once again referring to His glorious return, and His work of judgment of the nations.
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Revelation 3:14
To the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write,
«These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation
of God.»
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Revelation 1:5
Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead (...).
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Finally, Jesus introduces Himself as the «Beginning of the
creation of God».
By comparing these two passages, we see that Jesus does not say that He was created. He
declares, rather, that by His resurrection, He allows the beginning of a creation which,
this time, will be eternal.
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Being God like His Father, Jesus always existed, and created everything:
«In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and
the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and
without Him nothing was made that was made.» (JOHN 1:1-3)
«[God] has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all
things, through whom also He made the worlds.» (HEBREWS 1:2)
«For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were
created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things
consist.» (COLOSSIANS 1:16,17)
«I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.»
(REVELATION 22:13)
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Revelation 3:15
I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot.
I could wish you were cold or hot.
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Finding nothing positive in Laodicea, Jesus continues His letter
with the main negative point: its spiritual lukewarmness.
This feature corresponds exactly with the Church of the last days, from 1844 to Jesus'
return.
Satisfied with itself, the Church is nonchalant, becoming more insensitive to the calls to
repentance than a really cold Church, which could still cast a critical look at its tragic
situation.
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2 Timothy 3:1,2,4,5
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, (...) lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having a form of godliness but denying its power.
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The lukewarmness of the outwardly pious end-time Church is often
foretold in the Holy Scriptures.
Letting materialism invade it, the Church delights in its comfort, its wealth.
The Church knows that Jesus is coming very soon, but still cannot find enough motivation
to seriously prepare itself for that glorious day.
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1 Kings 18:21
And Elijah came to all the people, and said,
«How long will you falter between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him; but if
Baal, then follow him.»
But the people answered him not a word.
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Matthew 6:24
No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and
love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon.
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When God is no longer our only God, the problem of Laodicea arises.
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Revelation 3:16
So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth.
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Daniel 8:14
For two thousand three hundred days; then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.
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Just like the lukewarm and undrinkable water of Laodicea, the
lukewarm Christian won't be able to abide in Jesus Christ.
A judgment work is now taking place in heaven, keeping in the Book of Life only the
believers whose conversion is genuine, and rejecting the others: «For the time has come
for judgment to begin at the house of God.» (1 Peter 4:17)
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Revelation 3:16,22
So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I
will spew you out of My mouth. (...)
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
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Luke 14:34,35
Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it
be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out.
He who has ears to hear, let him hear!
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Let's note the parallel in Jesus' words about spiritual lukewarmness.
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Revelation 3:17
You say,
«I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.»
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Hosea 12:8
Ephraim said,
«Surely I have become rich, I have found wealth for myself; in all my labors they shall
find in me no iniquity that is sin.»
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The lukewarmness of Laodicea is also explained by the simple fact
that it believes it is self-sufficient, rich, in need of nothing.
Just like Ephraim, it is strongly convinced that its spiritual condition is absolutely
blameless.
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Revelation 3:17
Because you say, «I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing» - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked (...).
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Proverbs 21:2
Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the hearts.
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Unfortunately, Jesus' diagnosis is completely different: the spiritual condition of Laodicea is pathetic, wretched, even critical.
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Revelation 3:17,18
Because you say, «I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing» - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked - I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
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Jesus recommends three remedies for Laodicea:
- «gold refined in the fire»;
- «white garments»;
- and «eye salve».
What do these three items symbolize?
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Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich.
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1 Peter 1:7
(...) that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
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Gold refined in the fire symbolizes faith in Jesus Christ, tested by the fire of adversity and trials, and by our battle against sin.
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Faith in Christ is gold refined in the fire, the wealth of the believer:
«Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of
this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who
love Him?» (JAMES 2:5)
«For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but faith
working through love.» (GALATIANS 5:6)
«For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your
sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.» (2 CORINTHIANS
8:9)
«To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among
the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.» (COLOSSIANS 1:27)
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Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me (...) white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed.
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Revelation 7:13,14
Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come
from? (...)
These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made
them white in the blood of the Lamb.
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Next, Laodicea must obtain white garments, symbolizing the righteousness of Jesus Christ which cleanses us from all our sins.
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The white garment covering our nakedness is Christ's righteousness:
«All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags.» (ISAIAH 64:6)
«Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.» (ROMANS 13:14)
«For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were
baptized into Christ have put on Christ.» (GALATIANS 3:26,27)
«Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. Then He
answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, "Take away the filthy
garments from him." And to him He said, "See, I have removed your iniquity from
you, and I will clothe you with rich robes."» (ZECHARIAH 3:3,4)
«I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He has
clothed me with the garments of salvation.» (ISAIAH 61:10)
«He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name
from the Book of Life.» (REVELATION 3:5)
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Revelation 3:18
I counsel you (...) [to] anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
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John 16:8,13
And when [the Helper] has come, He will convict the world of sin,
and of righteousness, and of judgment. (...)
When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.
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Finally, Jesus advises Laodicea to anoint its eyes with eye salve, symbolizing the Holy Spirit who reveals our real spiritual condition.
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The eye salve's anointing is the anointing of the Holy Spirit, who opens our eyes:
«But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in
My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I
said to you.» (JOHN 14:26)
«But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things.» (1 JOHN 2:20)
«The anointing which you have received from [God] abides in you, and you do not need that
anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is
true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.» (1 JOHN
2:27)
«(...) that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the
spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding
being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling.» (EPHESIANS
1:17,18)
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Revelation 3:19
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.
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Hebrews 12:4,5
You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. And
you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons:
«My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are
rebuked by Him.»
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Jesus loves Laodicea.
The severity of His letter does not aim to discourage His Church, but rather to awaken it
before it is too late.
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Revelation 3:19
As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten.
Therefore be zealous and repent.
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Revelation 3:3
Remember therefore how you have received and heard; hold fast and
repent.
Therefore if you will not watch, I will come upon you as a thief, and you will not know
what hour I will come upon you.
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Laodicea must quickly awaken and repent, because Jesus' return draws near, and if the Church does not change, it surely won't be ready for that great day.
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Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and
he with Me.
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John 14:23
[Jesus said], «If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him.»
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Jesus longs for us to invite Him to come into our heart, so that
He may transform us into His image.
But the expression «I stand at the door» doesn't only refer to the door of our heart...
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Matthew 24:33
So you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, at the very doors.
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Luke 12:36
And you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks they may open to him immediately.
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By indicating that He stands at the door, Jesus also indicates
that His return is really imminent!
This message is especially well suited to Laodicea, since it is the last church, that is,
the church of the last days.
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Revelation 3:8
See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it.
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Revelation 3:20
Behold, I stand at the door and knock.
If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and
he with Me.
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To the church of Philadelphia, Jesus had announced that He opened
a door which no one could shut, symbolizing the spreading of the gospel throughout the
whole world.
But He reminds Laodicea that He cannot force the door of our heart: it is up to each
individual to open this door and let Jesus enter.
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Revelation 3:21,22
To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as
I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.
He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
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Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them.
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Jesus ends His letter to Laodicea with the promise to share His
reign with him who overcomes, giving him access to His heavenly throne.
This also means that he who overcomes will be granted the power to judge the nations.
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He who overcomes will reign with Jesus and take part in the judgment:
«Assuredly I say to you, that in the generation, when the Son of
Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve
thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.» (MATTHEW 19:28)
«But you are those who have continued with Me in My trials. And I bestow upon you a
kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me, that you may eat and drink at My table in
My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.» (LUKE 22:28-30)
«[God] does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous; but they are on the throne with
kings, for He has seated them forever, and they are exalted.» (JOB 36:7)
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Revelation 3:17
Because you say, «I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing» - and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked (...).
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James 1:22
But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
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And now, what is the personal application of the letter to the
church of Laodicea?
We really are in great danger when we cast a complacent look at our spiritual state...
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Revelation 3:18
I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.
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Jesus is coming quickly. To properly prepare ourselves, we need:
- His faith (gold);
- His righteousness (white garments);
- and His Holy Spirit (eye salve).
Let's end this lesson with a summary of the letter to the church of Laodicea.
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The five points of the pattern in the letter to the church of Laodicea:
1. Portrait of Jesus, according to the spiritual state of
the church.
«These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the
Beginning of the creation of God.» (REVELATION 3:14)
2. Praise, acknowledgement of the positive points.
Jesus mentions no positive point for this church.
3. Condemnation, identification of the negative points.
«You are lukewarm, (...) wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and
naked.» (REVELATION 3:16,17)
4. Correction, counsels to restore the situation.
«I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, (...)
white garments, (...) and anoint your eyes with eye salve.» (REVELATION 3:18)
5. Promise, encouragement to persevere.
«Him who overcomes [will] (...) sit with Me on My throne.»
(REVELATION 3:21)
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We invite you to pray with us:
Our Father,
Your Son wrote to Laodicea: «Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My
voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.»
(Revelation 3:20)
We really must open the door of our heart to Jesus right now, and let Him enter, because
we need His faith, His righteousness, and His Spirit.
Please open our eyes, Heavenly Father, so that we stop feeling self-satisfied with our
poor spiritual condition, and so that we begin to seriously prepare ourselves for the
glorious return of Jesus Christ.
In His precious name we pray.
Amen.
The test of Lesson 28 is waiting for you!