What Is A Lukewarm Christian?

I was asked to explain what a "lukewarm Christian" was. Below is my response:

Actually, I’m probably the best person to come to, as interpreting Scripture through its cultural and historical context is my bread and butter. I imagine you will find that my answer mirrors several other responses you’ve received.

The phrase originates from the third chapter of Revelation.

14 "To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.

15 I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

16 So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth. (NASB)

The Modern Ruins of Laodicea

Now take a trip back with me to around Anno Domini 85 to the ancient city of Laodicea.

Laodicea was a city of immense wealth. In fact, it was so wealthy that when the city was devastated by an earthquake in AD 60, the citizens turned down an offer from Nero to rebuild it on his dime. Imagine a city that almost mirrored the glory of Rome herself. Lovely architecture, beautiful statues everywhere, and an aqueduct that carried water to the city that was so well built, a good portion of it exists to this day. It is also home to a very famous medical school, and there is a tradition, most likely untrue, that Dr. Luke, author of the gospel that bears his name and the Book of Acts, studied there.

Now let’s go back to that aqueduct. The water supply for the city came from hot mineral springs about five miles from the city. By the time the water reached the city, it was tepid and reeked of sulfur. The water was nauseating to the taste and smell.

Now lukewarm water does not taste good. For water to be of any value, it must be hot or cold. Cold water refreshes; hot water cleanses and heals.

What Christ was saying was that Christians who are neither refreshing nor healing to the world around them are of no value to him. As I tell my own congregation, nobody is allowed to sit in the bleachers. As Christ-followers, we are all down on the playing field, and we better be refreshing or healing.

Hopefully, this answers your question, but if you need any more info, please ask away. Just be aware that it may be weeks before I respond due to many deadlines nearing in my personal and vocational life.

God bless.