Really if one takes the above scripture as condemnation to lukewarm Christians, it really contradicts the notion that all it takes to be saved is to repent and acknowledge Christ as your personal savior. It means that works are required to maintain your salvation. It also opens up a can of worms when it comes to determining who are the hot and who are the cold. It really takes away any assurance of salvation, because how do you know whether you are hot enough?Rev 3:16 "So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth."
As I became a Christian who learnt to seek answers for themselves, rather than just trusting everything I was taught, I read this verse in the context of the entire chapter. Well actually the verses from 7-22 which are aimed specifically at the church of Philadelphia. If you take it in context it is a verse obviously aimed at those who have not yet accepted Christ as their savior. In other words, non-Christians! ie, If you are hot, have made the decision to follow Christ. If you are cold it means you haven't.
This scripture is aimed at people sitting "on the fence" who have not made a decision to follow Christ. In this case they are people who in verse 17 it says believe they have everything they need, who see no need for Christ in their lives. In v19 it then goes on to say that these people need to repent.
So questions:
Is verse 16 refering to wishy washy Christians or people who have not yet accepted Christ as their lord and savior? Or does this scripture refer to something else all together?
Please justify your answer.
