3:15Revelation 3:15

Christ knows the works as neither cold nor hot, which is lukewarmness, and desires that they were cold or hot instead.ST Apr 22, 1897+2 The speaker is the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God, who reads the heart and motives without mistake.RH Jul 9, 1908+2 To be neither cold nor hot is half-hearted, formal profession that claims allegiance while joining the world, serving both God and mammon without fixed faith, true godliness and love.Lt 178, 1898, par. 22–23+2 The lukewarm are self-deceived in carnal security, thinking themselves rich and in need of nothing while wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked, a condition offensive and nauseating to Christ like lukewarm water to the taste, which He will spue out of His mouth if continued.ST Apr 22, 1897+4 The message applies to God's people in the present time and last days, calling for zealous repentance and for buying tried gold of character, white raiment of righteousness, and eyesalve of discernment, for opening the door to Christ who knocks, and for overcoming to sit with Him on His throne.RH Aug 20, 1903+4

Christ knows the works and finds them neither cold nor hot, which is lukewarmness, and wishes they were cold or hot instead.ST Apr 22, 1897+4 The true spiritual condition is exposed despite thinking to be rich and in need of nothing, for such are in need of everything and must recognize need in order to receive the heavenly provision offered in him.ST Apr 22, 1897+2 Lukewarmness among professing Christians means becoming so much like the world that no difference can be seen, and the message to the Laodiceans applies especially to the people of God today and is sent to the church of the present day.RH Aug 20, 1903+1 It must be heeded by zealous repentance and receiving the spiritual riches represented by gold tried in the fire, white raiment, and eye-salve, otherwise Christ will reject them, for the message is practical, not merely theoretical, and is not a message of peace and safety.RH Jun 10, 1852+1 To be neither cold nor hot is to profess to be a Christian keeping all the commandments while choosing the society and amusements of worldlings who are in darkness, even taking others into that temptation at a time of religious interest.3T 41.2 Such a one carries only a feeble, dim light where evil angels are present and angels of God do not attend, is left to go in his own strength, and pleases Satan, for profession of truth joined to friendship with the world makes him more efficient in Satan's service than if he made no profession.3T 41.2 The lack of spiritual warmth reflects carnal security in which people are at ease and believe they have reached an exalted spiritual condition, meaning professing to serve Christ while denying Him in life, without thorough conversion.3T 252.1–3+1 Such lukewarm profession is very offensive to Christ and brings danger of rejection.RH Jul 9, 1908

The warning is spoken by Christ as the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the beginning of the creation of God, to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans, as one who knows their works.RH Jul 9, 1908+2 He declares His knowledge of their works as being in a lukewarm middle state instead of one extreme or the other, and expresses His desire that they were in one of the extremes.Ms 34, 1902, par. 13–14+2 Being neither cold nor hot means being lukewarm through envy, evil-surmising, circulation of false reports, and self-sufficiency, a condition found in very many church members upon whom the light of truth has shone for many years.Ms 34, 1902, par. 13–14 Christ regards the lukewarm as a disgusting morsel to His taste whom He will spue out of His mouth, so disgusted that He will not take their names into His mouth to present them to the Father.Ms 34, 1902, par. 13–14+1 A heavenly Watcher marks words and deportment and reads motives, calling all now to take sides, choose blessing, develop Christian character, and purify the mind by obeying the truth.Ms 21, 1899, par. 32–33 Self-sufficiency has come in and first love has been left, so that having great light and knowledge yet not striving to give that light to the world in works that are living principles presented to the world dishonors Christ.Ms 5, 1889, par. 29–33 Those addressed represent a class who have not purified their souls by obedience to the truth.Ms 143, 1898, par. 20

As True Witness He condemns half-hearted profession and tells people exactly what they are and must be to be saved, seeing to the very center of the soul.16MR 226.3+1 The lukewarm condition that is neither cold nor hot when He desires decided coldness or heat means refusal to sense personal weakness and inability, refusal to humble the heart before God and confess errors, and prideful boasting of spiritual richness and needing nothing.16MR 226.3+1 All such boasting is vain, for Christ looks to the very center of the soul and exposes spiritual poverty to bring confession, humility, and salvation to those bracing themselves against light and evidence.16MR 226.3+1 His warning expresses love in not wanting believers to fail in their spiritual lives, calling for wholehearted Christian commitment instead of lukewarmness in those who claim to believe the truth.Lt 66, 1897, par. 19

To be neither cold nor hot is to be half a Christian, which is no Christian at all.Lt 11, 1871, par. 9–12 It is taking the Christian name and making a profession while deficient in Christian graces and a false representative of the Christian religion.Lt 11, 1871, par. 9–12+1 It means not serving God with the whole heart and with the heart's best and holiest affections, but serving self, choosing own pleasure, and following the bent of own mind and inclination in place of duty.Lt 11, 1871, par. 9–12 It means appearing indifferent to one's own salvation and to the salvation of others, neglecting the great salvation freely offered, and by unfaithful influence aiding others to do the same and becoming a stumbling block whose neglect shuts heaven against self and others.Lt 11, 1871, par. 9–12 The verse calls for decided position fully on the Lord's side in the ranks of Christ's faithful soldiers, being braced for duty and conflict, letting light shine and reflecting light to others, and awakening before it is too late to secure moral fitness for the kingdom.Lt 11, 1871, par. 9–12

Laodicea had received great light and faithful instruction, and among its members Paul had labored, and it had once been very faithful and commended, but it began to grow cold and indifferent.Ms 151, 1904, par. 58–59+2 This decline came from hearing God's warnings and appeals without taking the truth to heart and living by it and putting it into practice, showing the result of sinning against great light and rejecting what was heard.Ms 128a, 1903, par. 28–29+1 To be neither cold nor hot is to be in a middle state of carelessness and indifference, with no zeal distinguishing from the world and from Christ, which is disgusting to Christ like a disgusting morsel to be spit out of the mouth.Ms 151, 1904, par. 58–59+1 Such a state cannot afford to lose heaven and the golden crown and the words of commendation from Jesus Christ when He welcomes His people, for Christ should have the whole soul and whole being served with the whole heart, and the remedy is to take the work in hand and weave the life with Christ, never resting until possessing a living Jesus by living faith, receiving the robe of His righteousness, and working out character by watching and praying.Ms 151, 1904, par. 58–59

The message to Laodicea comes after that to Philadelphia and portrays the state of those who once knew and loved the truth, the entire history of a church fully satisfied with its spiritual condition yet under a terrible deception.Lt 186, 1903, par. 17–20 It is a message of condemnation to the Laodicean church, the opposite of the message of commendation to the Ephesian church, exposing the condition of those who are not true, humble, sanctified children of God, and those who have any part in advancing the work should keep that contrast in mind.Ms 18, 1902, par. 3 The messages to the churches in Revelation 1-3 give the history of Satan's effort to bring dissension into the church, describing difficulties that must be met today.Lt 31, 1903, par. 6 The names of the churches are symbolic of the Christian church in different periods of the Christian era, and the number seven indicates completeness, showing that the messages extend to the end of time and are in force today, with wheat developing among tares and truth standing on its own eternal basis in contrast with error, while Christ weighs the characters of those who take His name as Christians, knowing works, thoughts and intents of the heart, every word and act, and all about religious experience, whom each loves and serves, requiring close self-examination.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56

The passage belongs to Revelation 1-3 and chapter 3 is to be read and understood in full, with special force in its first three verses and then the whole traced down as a most tremendous testimony.Lt 224a, 1906, par. 7–9 Verses 13-15 stand immediately after the promise to him that overcometh in verse 12, where God distinguishes the righteous who have wrestled for the crown of life.Ms 151, 1904, par. 53–57 It is Jesus' last testimony given to John to write, one message after another to the churches including the message to the Laodiceans, given to confront the coming in and increase of selfishness that leaves destitute places unworked and to call for earnest effort to put workers into those fields.16MR 203.4–204.1 It was made known by Christ Himself to John on the Isle of Patmos and concerns the last events of this earth's history to occupy minds in these last days, when the perils of the last days are upon us, standing as solemn warning given from God and a lesson reminding of things which will be.Lt 224a, 1906, par. 7–9 Satan seeks to keep minds confused over it to gain a great victory, and confusion now may be of death unto death, so there is to be no confusion but pressing to the mark of the high calling in Christ Jesus and making paths straight.Lt 224a, 1906, par. 7–9

Laodicea in this condition is lost in the fog of sophistry and in need of the dawning of spiritual light in the soul, unable to tell where it is.Lt 239, 1904, par. 5+2 Those in this condition talk out damaging theories that harm many souls, and the Lord cannot work through them unless there is a thorough breaking up of the fallow ground of the heart, leaving little hope of their making straight paths for their feet.Lt 239, 1904, par. 5 They make a struggle, even a mighty effort, for victory they will not obtain, for one who has the truth will chase a thousand and two will put ten thousand to flight.Ms 10, 1850, par. 6+2 They are brought into close quarters by their own conclusions about the shut door, lost in foggy terrible fear with anguish of spirit seizing them.Ms 10, 1850, par. 6+2 They dare not admit that the door is shut and that it is of God and done by the Holy Ghost, after saying it was of the devil, which is the sin against the Holy Ghost, and to admit it would condemn their own life and be against their own lives, so they shall die the death.Ms 10, 1850, par. 6+2 Against them stands a poor despised company honored of God who buckle on the armor and fight the good fight of faith by looking at the Pattern and following Him who is meek and lowly in heart, with eyes shut to everything but the present saving truth.Ms 10, 1850, par. 6+2

"I know thy works" means omniscient heart-searching knowledge that sees beneath the surface every act, word, plan, thought, motive, purpose and secret desire, with no deception, false word, unholy action, rebellion or wrongdoing hidden from the all-seeing eye by closed doors or curtains.Lt 23a, 1890, par. 9–10+4 What is known is faithfully chronicled in books as in an open book, every deed, purpose, word, action and plan recorded to be met again, with profession and pretense counting for nothing and moral worth weighed when character is judged by God's holy standard of righteousness.Ms 40, 1890, par. 2–6+4 Jesus as the great Heartsearcher reads depths of every heart like an open book, noticing all conduct passing in review before Him to judge unrepented hidden guilt and moral corruption and bring accountability upon the guilty life.Ms 40, 1890, par. 2–6+2

A Watcher looks on every person and a record is kept of words, deeds, deportment and influence to be met with their effect, tracing each from cause to effect to its full results for which one is responsible.Lt 64, 1888, par. 4+2 Each must give account to God for all works when judgment sits and books are opened and He comes with power and great glory to give every person according as his work shall be.Lt 64, 1888, par. 4+1 Losing patience and self-control and becoming angry takes place in the presence of God and angels, grieves the Holy Spirit, puts the Redeemer to open shame, bears not His stamp and image but the image of the enemy, and denies Christ before the world.Lt 64, 1888, par. 4 Being neither cold nor hot is idle indifference leaving no time for such idleness now, calling for striving to develop cleansed, purified, sanctified, ennobled Christian character with spiritual understanding, choosing blessing or curse by purifying the mind through obeying truth.Ms 21, 1899, par. 34+1 If a man of influence could see his works as Christ sees them exactly as they are, including objectionable words and acts, self-exaltation over being a great worker, gathering means and appropriating it, selfish ambition and personal pleasing schemes, the sight of their results would appall him beyond bearing.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56+1

Moral value with God comes not from knowledge or exalted privileges but from what a person is in heart and principle in His sight, whether working God's works and Christlike.Lt 48, 1887, par. 6–8 One may handle sacred things and be exalted to heaven in privileges like Capernaum yet receive no benefit from light and grace unless brought into life and character.Lt 48, 1887, par. 6–8 Character is now developing and tested in probation, weighed in the golden balances of the sanctuary and measured by angels not by human self-opinion but by real moral worth as God estimates it, with judgment according to God's ideas not human estimates of self.Lt 8, 1892, par. 10–13 Christ as faithful Witness knows how people act and what spirit they cherish with no thought hidden, discerning whether fruit is earthly criticism, envying and strife or heavenly purity, peace, mercy and kindness, and words and deeds will decide the case in the judgment of the last great day.Ms 11, 1888, par. 17–19

Genuine faith uniting to Christ stirs the soul to active service and love, producing active fruit of faith working by love unto obedience, purifying the soul and leading to good works.STA 65.1+2 Works accompanying genuine faith do not earn salvation and activity alone cannot secure it, but Christ knows works and judges by works not mere profession, requiring works matching faith and allegiance.STA 65.1+3 Faith without works is not only worthless but a hindrance to other souls, and profession without corresponding works exposes sifting of purposes and motives until many are sifted till nothing remains, with the day of God coming as a snare upon all dwelling on earth with earthly works.Lt 1a, 1872, par. 16 Profession of truth does not save when the heart remains far from God and hated sins unovercome, while those turning from sin receive fellowship with Christ and strength to grow and gain victory.4T 51.1–2+1

He knows exact influence before unbelievers, especially compromising by doing as they do, talking as they talk, laughing and jesting with them, lacking spirituality and failing to live faith and faithfully warn associates, which is known and recorded in the book to be met again as bearing no fruit to God's glory and classing such as stumbling blocks and unfaithful professors.Lt 9, 1861, par. 12 A life without deep heart-work is exposed where tongue is unruly, conversation gives no strength, influence scatters rather than gathers with Christ, mold of the world remains, heart is not subdued by God's love, character is not Christlike and not in condition to receive the seal of the living God.Lt 46, 1888, par. 8 He knows neglect or harmful treatment of souls in peril, where failure to strengthen, uphold and heal those who could have been helped must be answered for, for every good or evil work will be brought into judgment.Lt 70, 1894, par. 16–18 All actions pass in review before Him for judgment, with guilt and blot resting for low degrading thoughts, feelings and acts such as trifling with affections, stealing love, stirring strife and jealousy, and seeking to break the sacred marriage covenant.19MR 223.3–224.1

He sees business dealings, words and actions with an all-seeing eye ever upon men, accurately recording and detecting every injustice, fraud, deceit, hidden greed and harsh dealing whether against believer or anyone else, making people accountable for use of abilities and requiring fair honest action.Lt 36, 1890, par. 16–19+4 No unjust dealing can be covered or hidden, condemning keeping back unfavorable facts or exaggerating praise of property to make a sale, violating conscience and uttering guile, including physicians' selfish motives and exorbitant charges recorded as dishonest gain, and selfish exploitation of poor believers contradicting profession and damaging religious influence.Lt 41, 1888, par. 5–6+3 Men in God's service must be strictly honest and unimpeachable, with pure undimmed conscience, true tongue, true eyes, and actions wholly such as God can commend in every transaction, a truth few realize.Lt 41, 1888, par. 5–6+1

He sees home conduct toward wife, husbands, fathers, mothers and children, including fretting, scolding, meanness, irritation, provocation, falsehood, taunting about not being a Christian, low thought, vulgar speaking, coarse sayings, low jests and want of courtesy.Lt 34, 1868, par. 2–3+1 Such words and actions leave impression and by frequent repetition become character barring from heaven, while false Sabbathkeeping profession publishing its own disgrace known to neighbors is neither cold nor hot to be rejected out of His mouth.Lt 34, 1868, par. 9+2 A father's unhallowed example teaches children and forms their characters for destruction in the seven last plagues, a fearful burden he will bear.Lt 34, 1868, par. 9 The sacred home must not be polluted with vulgarity, sensuality and recrimination but love, truth, kindness and forbearance cultivated in the garden of the heart, with each word and action weighed and value assigned.Lt 18b, 1891, par. 26+1

His eye is upon all lines of work, all plans and all imaginings of every mind in publishing houses, management, teachers, directors, superintendents, apprentices and helpers, seeing beneath the surface and discerning thoughts and intents.Ms 40, 1890, par. 2–6+2 Their works testify against them when revealing too little fear, love, reverence and genuine faith in His providential workings, with His eyes bent upon them in sorrow mingled with severe displeasure, putting lukewarm managers on losing ground with proud spirits refusing humble obedience so He cannot bless.Ms 18, 1904, par. 28–29+2 All labor done under His eye requires fidelity, consecration, obedience, purity, justice and lovingkindness, including choosing associates who keep the way of the Lord, with His sovereignty supreme above them.Ms 18, 1905, par. 16+1 He scrutinizes every church with searching eye from which nothing escapes, sees strict faithfulness or departure from truth and rectitude and any blemish when barriers break down, warning it is not safe to be an occasional Christian but requiring Christlikeness always preserved in God-given dignity and integrity for time and eternity, lest departure destroy the soul and reproduce evil in other minds.Ms 4a, 1885, par. 48–52+1

To be neither cold nor hot is lukewarmness: a neutral, half-hearted, formal profession that hears Christ's words without doing them, claims allegiance while praising and joining the world, serves both God and mammon, and lacks fixed faith, true godliness and love.Lt 178, 1898, par. 22–23+4 It is to occupy a neutral position, professing to love truth yet deficient in Christian fervor and devotion, daring not give up wholly and run the risk of the unbeliever yet unwilling to die to self and follow closely the principles of faith.4T 87.1–2+2 It means the internal work of grace is wanting in the heart, not engaging thoroughly and heartily in God's work and identifying with its interests, but holding aloof and ready to leave duty when worldly personal interests demand it, while flattering self to be in need of nothing.4T 87.1–2+1 Its works show it is not walking, working, praying, or teaching the Word of life, and testify against it, with selfish sinful life and lack of love contradicting profession and God's law.Ms 139, 1903, par. 45–46+1

It is to profess Christianity while conformed to the world, choosing society and amusements of worldlings, seeking human applause, following fashions and mirth, with worldly concerns and self-exaltation blinding to sacredness of present truth and leaving lives without its power and sanctification.RH Aug 20, 1903+4 It is to profess to be a Christian keeping all the commandments while choosing the society and amusements of worldlings who are in darkness, even taking others into that temptation at a time of religious interest, and taking the young to scenes of amusement and joining in singing schools with worldlings.RH Aug 20, 1903+2 Such a one carries only a feeble, dim light where evil angels are present and angels of God do not attend, is left to go in his own strength, and pleases Satan, for profession of truth joined to friendship with the world makes him more efficient in Satan's service than if he made no profession.3T 41.2+1 People expecting Christ's soon return have become worldly and seek human applause rather than God's approval, their condition resembling that of the nominal church they had left, so much like the world that no difference can be seen.RH Aug 20, 1903+2

It is to have a name and outward form of religion without thorough conversion, changed heart and living faith, professing to serve Christ while denying Him in life, claiming to believe truth but not bringing it into life or being sanctified, thus practical unbelievers misrepresenting Christ.RH Jul 9, 1908+4 It means claiming to be the commandment-keeping people of God while possessing no more vitality and consecration than the nominal churches, appearing to keep commandments, praying formally, and taking part in religious duties while lacking fixed principle, living faith, and a changed heart.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18+1 Those who claim to know truth but do not reveal an altogether different character and temper, whose old disposition remains as before, are lukewarm, and a merely nominal Christian can mislead others who measure themselves by that example.Ms 164, 1898, par. 8+1 Lukewarmness joined to self-righteousness in place of Christ's righteousness makes deception hard to recognize and hard to put away, with indifference, carelessness, and idleness separating people from Him and weakening truth's influence.2T 175.3+1

It is outward religious life without inward reality such as churchgoing, worship, meetings, testimony and missionary work while the heart is not in it and not right with God, severed from holiness, purity, righteous works and living connection, with foolish earthly conversation confirming others in unconsecrated lives.Lt 36, 1888, par. 5+2 Such profession does no good for the Master, but proves a curse to others by confirming and strengthening them in unconsecrated lives and becoming a stumbling block to sinners.Lt 36, 1888, par. 5 It is when members assent to God's work but are inwardly unmoved and fail to join in helping sinners and backsliders, content in neither burning nor shining even though many know truth and neglect duty.2T 216.2+1

It is shown in selfishness and covetousness, hardness toward brethren and neglect to help them, self-love, self-sufficiency, pride in wisdom, envy, evil-surmising, faultfinding, lack of zeal to save souls, and lifeless purposeless experience; like salt that lost savor it is insipid and its advocacy carries no weight.Ms 94, 1899, par. 10–11+4 Selfishness and covetousness can cloud spiritual sight and produce this condition, leaving people deceived about true need and satisfied with supposed wealth and self-sufficiency, through envy, evil-surmising, circulation of false reports, and self-sufficiency found in very many long-enlightened members.Ms 94, 1899, par. 10–11+1 To be neither cold nor hot is to lack healthy action and the Holy Spirit and to fail to be burning and shining lights, with lost earnest prayer, deeper piety and defective experience, tame lifeless heartless spiritless long prayers destitute of the Spirit and feeble opening of Scriptures not accepted by God.Lt 98, 1901, par. 2–3+1 It reflects coldness and hardness of heart, pride in worldly wisdom and ambition, and self-sufficiency refusing offered light, a purposeless indifferent yet pretentious experience growing with cold formality and egotism always working against Christ.Lt 122, 1901, par. 24–25+1

It means having no vital connection with God and thus powerless for good, withholding abilities and talents and refusing to shine and hold forth the Word of life, leaving souls in darkness; it would be better for sinners never to associate with such professors.Lt 55, 1896, par. 27–28+1 Each person must stand in allotted place, do duty, and shine in Christian example by holding forth the Word of life, and those withholding abilities and refusing to shine leave souls in darkness.Lt 55, 1896, par. 27–28 At a time when people need help to be saved, such self-satisfied indifference failing to use influence to lead others makes a person an ineffective worker.Lt 10, 1890, par. 21–22

It is a patchwork religion mixing self with Christ and weaving selfish threads that fade and break under temptation until none of Christ remains; Christ wants wholeness rather than this mixture, for half-heartedness spoils for both worlds and leaves one neither successful worldling nor successful follower.Ms 157, 1898, par. 15–16+2 Thinking it just as well to be half for Christ and half for the world is great deception, turning blessings into a curse to self and others, leaving without life in Christ and without spiritual growth, with surface workers found wanting when weighed.Ms 157, 1898, par. 15–16+1 Threads of selfishness woven into religion may look fine at first but fade, break under heat and stress of trial, and are worthless, with selfish patches spreading until none of Christ remains.ST Jan 8, 1902

It includes feeling hurt from supposed lack of appreciation and drawing away into coldness like an iceberg behind self-righteous walls, making oneself a judge of brethren and weighing moral worth with finite scales; it is hardness, coldness and want of sympathy except for a favorite few, having left first love.Lt 9, 1892, par. 58–63+1 It is enclosing self in walls of self-righteousness and shutting away from brethren instead of manifesting warmth of affection and friendship, discerning secret springs of action which no person is given power to do.Lt 9, 1892, par. 58–63 The call is to a higher standard reached by working in Christ's way in meekness and lowliness with true religion and rest even in hard conflict, seeking and saving the lost instead of cutting off the erring, with transformation until every action conforms to God's will.Ms 8a, 1891, par. 21–24

It is a diseased heart from failing to live by every word and to have the Spirit work on mind and heart, failing to eat and assimilate the Word which sustains spiritual life, so service is unacceptable; soul health depends on the Word and without it comes rejection.Ms 63, 1903, par. 3–6 Being cold is a life from which grace has departed, cold and Christless however religious its profession, like savorless salt illustrated by the Pharisees; yet cold or hot is preferable to lukewarm, with wholehearted acceptance or decided opposition better than indifferent response.Lt 40, 1890, par. 9–10 Such halfway belief has no value or spiritual savor and is effectively unbelief, useless and insipid.Lt 40, 1890, par. 9–10

There is no neutral or halfway position: to try to remain neutral is not serving God but coming under satanic working; as soon as influence ceases to be decidedly good it becomes decidedly bad, swelling into a tide leading to heaven or perdition, and a person is either wholly surrendered or serves the enemy as an ally.16MR 10.3–11.3+3 Those trying to remain neutral toward Christ and fellow believers are not truly serving God, for satanic forces work upon them and the first act of selfishness gives the enemy an opening.16MR 10.3–11.3 Influence like threads binds mind with mind and heart with heart in intimate relationship either with God or with the world and goes forth as savor of life unto life or death unto death even when thought unobserved, and the longer exerted the greater swells the tide of good or evil.Ms 128a, 1903, par. 35–37 Halfhearted indifferent service separates the soul from Jesus the source of strength, places a person on the enemy's side as an ally through whom Satan works, and God accepts no divided service but requires courage to stand solidly against every evil work.STA 8.2+1 His followers are to be fully committed to truth, resisting what would draw them away.Lt 80, 1896, par. 19–21+1

Half-hearted surrender, half-way converts and half-converted condition without genuine Bible religion continue own ideas and expensive habits, lacking heart power and thorough piety which learning, eloquence or wealth cannot supply; such ones do only half work, rooted in the world, an abomination that cannot prepare for eternity.Lt 226, 1903, par. 4+4 It means not being in open opposition yet not being a faithful steward, continuing own ideas and plans, with wrong spiritual condition and expensive habits leaving a person unhelped and unable to help in sacred work or set proper example in home life.Lt 6, 1903, par. 27–29 Half-way converts lack wholehearted love and thorough piety, needing heart power and converting power rather than learning, eloquence, debating skill, or wealth, with profession hanging over on the Christian side while roots are planted firmly in the world.Lt 20, 1890, par. 13+1 What is accepted is unreserved giving of self with thankfulness, whole strength turned from temptations that make forgetful of God, service with simpleness of purpose and eye single to His glory, shunning no disagreeable duty, bearing the cross daily, wearing whole armor, and pressing toward the heavenly Canaan.Lt 226, 1903, par. 4+1

The verse lays bare a self-deceived carnal security in which people are at ease, imagine they have reached an exalted spiritual condition, and insist they are rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing, while in truth they are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, naked, needing everything and destitute of spiritual power.ST Apr 22, 1897+4 It is a practical exposure rather than mere theory, and no message of peace and safety, for selfishness and covetousness cloud spiritual sight and leave professed believers satisfied with supposed wealth and self-sufficiency.3T 252.1–3+2 Those thus described once knew and loved the truth yet have become fully satisfied and terribly deceived, loved by Christ yet in danger of being rejected as offensive to Him unless there is diligent searching of heart and repentance.Ms 118, 1903, par. 21–24+1 Their religious life in this state is a lie, because dissatisfaction has not been deep and painful enough to work reform, and the remedy offered is to recognize need in order to receive heavenly provision, the precious jewels of truth and riches of grace and salvation and the white vesture of righteousness with no thread of human invention, with Christ knocking at the door to be bought of and opened to and to sup together in fellowship.ST Apr 22, 1897+2

Many so exposed are well pleased with self, satisfied with their own smartness, thinking themselves rich in knowledge of the truth and wise and favored with gospel blessings and the favor of God, while in ignorance they are in a deplorable selfish condition, separated from Jesus in whom hope of eternal life is centered.Lt 96, 1898, par. 27–29+4 They are as salt without savor, spurious, blinded, not discerning their wretchedness, with garments defiled by the world, not keeping the law of God nor the correct standard of character uplifted before them and failing to do what is pleasing in His sight.Lt 96, 1898, par. 27–29+2 Clinging to doubts, cherished sins, pride, ambition, hypocrisy and deception, they reject Spirit-given warnings that expose character defects while insisting they already have the truth and are doing their best.5T 101.3–4+1 The Lord does not see as man sees, and His true estimate stands in marked contrast to their own, so the warning must awaken them from security and deception about their standing before God and lead them when received to act, humble themselves, and confess sins.Lt 96, 1898, par. 27–29+2 That self-deceived lukewarm condition is the condition of a large share of professed commandment-keepers, and the severe testimony of the True Witness exposing blindness, poverty and wretchedness is correct.3T 201.1+1

Lukewarmness is offensive and nauseating to Christ as lukewarm water is nauseous to the taste, which He hates and loathes, preferring even coldness to it.RH Aug 6, 1901+4 It comes from unbelief, lack of faith and love, and indifference, with the ardor of first love lapsed into selfish egotism so that love of self excludes the love of Christ and dulls love for those for whom He died.RH Aug 6, 1901+1 To be neither cold nor hot is to occupy a neutral position, professing to love truth yet deficient in Christian fervor and devotion, daring not give up wholly and run the risk of the unbeliever yet unwilling to die to self and follow closely the principles of faith.4T 87.1–2+2 The internal work of grace is wanting in the heart, with no thorough and hearty engagement in God's work and identification with its interests, but holding aloof and ready to leave duty when worldly personal interests demand it, keeping up an appearance of ceremony and zeal that is the only fruit of self-inflated religion while flattering self to be in need of nothing.RH Aug 6, 1901+1 Those who hear His words without doing them, who praise Him while embracing the world, serve both God and mammon, or claim blessing while refusing His cross and yoke, are neither hot nor cold, and God calls for wholehearted service with no place for the half-hearted.5T 76.3+3

He will spue the lukewarm out of His mouth, and if the condition is continued He will reject them, no longer presenting their case.Ms 95, 1909, par. 1–5+4 To be neither cold nor hot is lukewarm profession, professing to serve Christ while denying Him in life, without thorough conversion, with the old disposition remaining as before truth was known and character and temper unrenewed.RH Jul 9, 1908+1 It may show itself through envy, evil-surmising, circulation of false reports, and self-sufficiency, found in very many upon whom the light of truth has shone for many years, having great light and knowledge yet not striving to give that light to the world in works that are living principles.Ms 34, 1902, par. 13–14+1 That condition dishonors Christ and so disgusts Him that He regards it as a disgusting morsel to His taste and will not take such names into His mouth to present them to the Father, and He cannot plead in their behalf because they have no desire for His glory.Ms 34, 1902, par. 13–14+2 Trifling occasional Christianity and hearing without practicing ends in rejection, so the call is to recognize spiritual condition, put away self-sufficiency, repent, and overcome before it is too late to find repentance even though sought with tears.Ms 95, 1909, par. 1–5+2

The lukewarm half-hearted condition is more abhorrent to God than open coldness or infidelity.Lt 122, 1901, par. 24–25+4 If they were cold there would still be some hope of reaching them, but professing to be children of God while not influenced by His Spirit, with no warm love of God in the heart and insensibility to His mercy and kindness and love, leaves purposeless experience and indifference in religious matters joined at times to self-righteousness in place of Christ's righteousness, making the deception hard to recognize and hard to put away.Lt 122, 1901, par. 24–25+2 Such half-hearted Christians exert an influence more harmful than the avowed infidel, as a continual stumbling block to sinners, with cold formality and egotism always working against Christ, deceptive words leading many astray, and Satan using them to do a work no one else can do.Lt 122, 1901, par. 24–25+2 They are harder to reach than an unconverted godless sinner, dishonor God more than the avowed unbeliever, make even much knowledge worthless, and when the avenging angel passes they will not be spared as those graven upon the palms of His hands.2T 175.3+1 Applied to those in responsible places who use God's publishing houses to print error and false science, it reveals paralyzed sense of sacredness, feebleness of spiritual pulse, spiritual blindness, inability to distinguish sacred from common, perverted taste and corrupted discernment, with words and deeds nauseating to God who will not walk among those who do this work and would be better pleased if they made no profession.Lt 155, 1901, par. 3–7

God has nothing to do with those who are neither cold nor hot, and He cannot prepare the cold and indifferent for the day of trial ahead.Lt 135, 1903, par. 14+2 Being neither cold nor hot means being a half-hearted Christian, and the influence of the half-hearted Christian is more harmful than that of the avowed infidel.Lt 135, 1903, par. 14+1 Lukewarm professors whose hearts are far from God despite outward profession are a burden to faithful believers and a stumbling block to unbelievers.SG4 192.2 Their course brings reproach on God's cause and gives evil angels cause to exult.SG4 192.2

The condition is now especially applicable and must be proclaimed with power.Lt 112, 1895, par. 4+2 The neither cold nor hot condition means pride, ambition, self-exaltation, double-dealing, hypocrisy, deception, and destitution of spiritual power manifested in a more decided manner than ever before, while still speaking great swelling words of vanity claiming to be rich and increased with goods and in need of nothing.Lt 112, 1895, par. 4+1 Christ is disgusted with the churches of today and cannot endure their taste, and the message applies now and must be heeded, calling for confessing sins and seeking the Lord before evil becomes the sole ruling power in life, while He still offers hope.18MR 41.3+1

Lukewarmness is a disease of the soul afflicting the church, a defective and deplorable condition in which people are blind yet feel well off.4T 88.1 Their minds are unillumined by the Spirit so they do not perceive sinfulness and feel no need of help.4T 88.1 Earthly treasure, intellect and earthly riches are powerless to remove its defects or remedy it.4T 88.1 The precious remedies that cure it must be bought, and they are faith and love, the true riches, the pure gold counseled by the True Witness.4T 88.1

The call of the verse is to be zealous and repent, and to buy the gold of character tried in fire, the white raiment of righteousness, and the eyesalve of discernment, opening the door to Christ who knocks to commune and overcoming to sit with Him on His throne.RH Jun 10, 1852+4 Lukewarmness is worldliness, coldness and formality, neither openly opposed nor wholeheartedly devoted, half-hearted instead of zealous while claiming to keep the commandments with no more vitality than nominal churches.RH Jun 10, 1852+2 It is found in very many long-enlightened members through envy, evil-surmising, false reports and self-sufficiency, and is a disgusting morsel that Christ will spue out unless self-sufficiency is put away and repentance is found before it is sought with tears too late.Ms 34, 1902, par. 13–14+1 Gold tried in fire is character that makes rich, white raiment clothes nakedness, and eyesalve gives sight to see, even the white vesture of His own righteousness woven without human thread, and Christ rebukes and chastens as many as He loves while the Holy Spirit strives to be recognized so that the willing mind reflects His image in intensity of love.Lt 65, 1896, par. 13+1 If the church becomes lukewarm it stands no more in favor than fallen churches, and those hearing truth without reformation will go on in sin and receive the plagues, while those who open to the knocking Saviour will sup with Him and compose the royal family in heavenly mansions as those sanctified through truth.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18+1

Leaving lukewarmness means repenting, feeling destitution, throwing away feelings, buying gold, eyesalve and white raiment, no longer shut in with self, exalted in own judgment, measuring self by self, or leaning on human judgment.Lt 15, 1857, par. 14–15+2 It means striking out on individual responsibility, relying wholly on God, looking to Jesus as pattern and example, and advancing continually from received light to greater light with renewed faith and earnest trust.Lt 15, 1857, par. 14–15+2 Many do not see the message applies to them nor see their true selfish pride holding them from good, and their only hope is to fall upon the Rock and be broken in decided change before God and His people.11MR 289.1

The verse demands a decided choice to be on the right side rather than with the largest number on the wrong side as in Noah's day, to take sides for blessing, put away erected idols, humble the heart and confess sins, and strive to develop cleansed, purified, sanctified and ennobled character.Ms 125, 1901, par. 29–30+4 The Lord's eye is upon His people who will suffer for truth yet have not always been firm, and a heavenly Watcher marks words and deportment and reads motives, warning against present idleness and indifference.Ms 125, 1901, par. 29–30+2 There is a right side and a wrong side that youth and students must know, for the world under Satan sustains and popularizes transgression without lessening one principle of God, so being on the right side under the Spirit's power is of highest consequence.Ms 176, 1897, par. 21–23 The Laodicean message comes home to those who do not apply it to themselves, calling them to humble themselves and confess lest God humble them, choosing blessing or curse by purifying the mind through obeying truth.Lt 60, 1898, par. 23–25+1

Thinking it just as well to be half for Christ and half for the world is great deception, for such are neither fully opposed nor fully committed, neither successful worldlings nor successful followers, spoiled for both worlds without life, growth or real development.Ms 157, 1898, par. 15–16+2 The call is to be inspired by Christ's life-work to become whole-souled with earnest desire, sincere work and whole-hearted enthusiasm for eternal interests, following Him as the true unfailing example rather than imitating spiritual sluggards.Ms 157, 1898, par. 15–16+1 Half-heartedness turns blessings into a curse to self and others, brings doubt and darkness with neither consolations of religion nor pleasures of the world, and leaves surface workers wanting when weighed in the sanctuary's balance.Ms 157, 1898, par. 15–16+1

Lukewarmness grieves the Holy Spirit day by day, prevents His working and keeps one from His gifts for want of humbling and opening the heart, marked by lack of earnestness and intensity and failure to realize eternal life and death are at stake.Ms 72, 1910, par. 18–21+2 Christ desires decided religion rather than divided half-heartedness, and lofty worldlike professors face rejection from His mouth.Lt 35, 1903, par. 11–12 The remedy is living healthy union with Christ, cleansed and sanctified discernment, an eye single to God's glory, and certain personal faith, with more intimate acquaintance entering into His will and carrying out His purposes with the whole heart in devotion constrained by His love.Lt 105, 1893, par. 14–15+1 Repentance, heartfelt seeking, confession and receiving sanctifying power transform the cleansed to witness for God in marked contrast before an idolatrous world, and the call is not to remain but to wake up, stir one another, get solid experience while the Spirit strives, pray unitedly, live to God's glory, work harmoniously under Christ for perishing souls, and so receive a renewed Spirit to carry to the cities.Ms 72, 1910, par. 18–21+3

Be not slothful in business, weak in prayer, or selfishly aloof without genuine interest in one another, but fervent in spirit, instant in prayer, earnest and fervent in worship, serving the Lord with zeal in live Spirit-filled service ready to save others.Lt 1a, 1896, par. 5+2 Zeal means earnest determined effort to overcome worldly and selfish love and become consecrated and devoted with tender warmth and love, for half-hearted prayers and confessions are not enough.Lt 70, 1886, par. 16 The warning applies when zeal does not match great truths professed, for true worship and holy life show consistent zeal.10MR 130.2–131.1 God calls for earnest whole-souled live workers hot and fervent with His love, filled with His Spirit's vivifying influence, seeing Him as supreme Ruler, proving His promises, helping the Lord against the mighty, and preaching and practicing Bible truth so every ray shines as a burning lamp.9T 140.1+1

Each must do his own work of examining his own heart, correcting evils, righting known wrongs, believing God accepts, seeking diligently and climbing by faith, rather than judging, controlling or finding fault with brethren.SG2 222.1–223.1+4 The message is corrupted when used to oppress others through extreme demands or fear, to watch others with jealous care in little particulars, to judge them not zealous or quick enough, to dictate unbidden burdens, or to reprove and bear down upon them.SG2 222.1–223.1+2 Each must care for his own soul and repent for himself, not for brother or sister, for attending to others' consciences while neglecting one's own leaves one in darkness unable to separate right from wrong and worse than those reproved.Lt 17, 1859, par. 4–6 The way to rise when feeling down and not knowing how to arise is to take hold in earnest, be zealous and repent, right every known wrong, believe God receives instead of mourning, take Him at His word, drink of salvation, move understandingly, yield wrong aside, begin anew, and climb by faith in Him who is faithful, and God will give back former good.1T 165.3–4+2

Overcoming comes only as Christ overcame, by full obedience with real virtue refusing to act by halves and all graces cherished into beautiful symmetrical character.Lt 63, 1903, par. 8+1 True religion is obedience to all commandments, for obedience brings salvation and disobedience brings ruin, and those striving to overcome are pursued by satanic agencies tempting them to corrupt the principles they must maintain to reach God's high standard.Lt 63, 1903, par. 8 Victory requires overcoming self, temper and inclinations and bringing the will into harmony with God's, especially while Satan intensifies effort and God's work must be done, for heaven's glory belongs to those working out Christ's righteousness on earth.4MR 172.2–3 Half-and-half service is no service but pretended godliness God cannot accept, producing no righteousness, making none laborers together with God, misrepresenting transforming truth, and defeating grace's eternal purpose not only to save souls but to reveal Christ's perfection to the universe.Lt 70a, 1900, par. 7–9

Being hot means taking Christ's life virtue into one's own, being impressed by truth and determined to obey, pledging to live wholly for God, stepping upward round by round, living so purely He owns believers as brethren, and being as wholly consecrated as the world is given to evil.Ms 66, 1905, par. 45–48 It is never safe to remain lukewarm for days, months or years, for every day is probationary time belonging unreservedly to God who claims all endowments for entire consecration.Lt 118, 1896, par. 10–11 Lukewarmness fails to use what God gave, while faithfulness improves every talent by exercise, increasing physical, intellectual and spiritual capabilities to His glory in cooperation with Him for others' good, and growing as all living things must grow or show no spiritual life.Lt 118, 1896, par. 10–11 Growing out of lukewarmness pours forth thanksgiving as newborn souls in first-love fervor clothed in His garments as potent living agencies, letting light shine, advancing His work, encouraging one another, correcting errors, and doing yoke-duties without which one is not a Christian.Lt 118, 1896, par. 10–11+1 The rebuke to idlers in the vineyard who plead unfitness and rest in unfruitful musings calls each for his own soul's sake to find fitness, fill his place, seek God's wisdom, search for needy souls as the true shepherd seeks lost sheep, study Scripture diligently for oneself, and conform to simple truth walking carefully and humbly.Ms 26, 1905, par. 7

Working to save others melts the coldness surrounding the soul and is the remedy for lukewarm, selfish, covetous souls.Ms 26, 1905, par. 7+1 Loving service finds fitness, fills place, seeks lost sheep and studies Scripture to conform the life to simple truth.Ms 26, 1905, par. 7

The message to Laodicea belongs to the present time and the last days, applying especially to the people of God today and to Seventh-day Adventists, and it is sent to the church of the present day as a gracious last call to repentance to a backslidden church that is cold and formal, self-confident and determined to carry out its own ideas.RH Aug 20, 1903+4 It declares that Christ knows the works as neither cold nor hot, meaning a lukewarmness in which professing Christians have become so much like the world that no difference can be seen, at ease in carnal security while believing they have reached an exalted spiritual condition.RH Aug 20, 1903+4 If the commandment-keeping church becomes lukewarm it stands in no more favor with God than fallen churches, and those who have had opportunity to hear and receive truth yet remain without reformation will go on in sin and receive the plagues just as verily as those who oppose the law, unless they heed the warning to be zealous and repent, open the door to the Saviour who knocks, overcome to sit with Him on His throne, and compose the royal family in heavenly mansions prepared for those who love Him, keep His commandments, and are sanctified through truth.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18 The message is practical and not merely theoretical, not peace and safety but startling denunciation, to be proclaimed to all churches in all its phases together with justification by faith and Christ's righteousness.3T 252.1–3

It applies to Adventists who have received great light but have not lived by it or walked in it, who have made great profession without keeping step with their Leader, and unless they repent they will be rejected and spewed out of His mouth.18MR 193.2–194.2+3 God is leading out a people and has a chosen people, a church on earth made depositaries of His law with sacred trust and eternal truth to give to the world, and He reproves and corrects them, calling them not to rely on self or pride of position but to recognize need of the Spirit's grace and righteousness and come to Jesus in childlike trust.18MR 193.2–194.2+2 The message to pronounce the church Babylon and call God's people out of her comes from no heavenly messenger nor any human agent inspired by the Spirit, for pride, self-sufficiency, stubborn unbelief and refusal to yield ideas despite clear evidence do not make the church false or abandoned nor cause it to cease to exist, but call for reform and renewed faithfulness to correct dangers and existing evils.Lt 16, 1893, par. 12+2

The message must be received not as originating with men but as the Word of God in truth, which alone can work effectually in believers, for treating message and messengers as human words and holding them in doubt rejects God's Word and leaves believers without its influence on mind and heart and in darkness.Lt 24, 1892, par. 31–35+1 Every word of Revelation 3 is to be studied by those who watch for souls as those who must give account, belonging to the watchmen's work to guard every outpost and answer in clear decided tones under the Holy Spirit, calling ministers and doctors everywhere to rouse themselves and not remain stubborn in unbelief lest souls be left uncertain, led wrong, confused and perishing with blood required at watchmen's hands.Lt 100, 1906, par. 17 It is truth for this time to be given now with distinct and particular evidence and just as it is with earnestness and power wherever Providence opens the way, held fast against interpretations and fables loosening the platform, calling for humble repentance now to receive pardon and save souls from death, because repentance mixed with hay, wood and stubble brings wrong and underhanded dealing into practice while talking principle but acting satanic principles, with every evil work coming into judgment.Lt 346, 1905, par. 6–7 Those claiming fellowship with God while refusing light, misnaming sin and deception, and mixing good works with falsehood need to study the Laodicean message and repent, seeking the precious gold of character that makes rich, the white raiment that clothes so shame does not appear, and the eyesalve giving sight to see, for Christ rebukes and chastens as many as He loves and stands knocking to come in and sup with whoever opens, which is the Holy Spirit striving to be recognized so that a willing mind admitting Jesus reflects His image with intensity of love.Lt 116, 1905, par. 13–17+1

Its work is close examination of heart, confession of sin, deep humility, purification and zealous repentance to expose backslidings and sins that shut out Jesus, to prepare believers for Jesus' presence and for the loud cry of the third angel, and this fearful message will do its work but not in a few short months, for God gives it time to work.SG2 223.2+2 Where counsel of the True Witness is fully heeded God works in greater power, raising the cause, sending angels to prepare unbelieving hearts, and bringing many from error and darkness to rejoice in truth, while failure to see a powerful work in a short time causes many to lose its effect and hardness of heart limits it.SG4 190.3+1 Jesus bears patiently and does not spew out in a moment, but weighs and reads the heart, giving time for excitement and fear to wear off so willingness to obey counsel is proved and character developed, for stirring of feelings is not enough and response must be settled in principle and faith rather than moved only by feeling.SG2 224.1+2 Yet expected repentance has not occurred and influence wears off because counsel is not heeded.1T 186.1

The True Witness's straight solemn testimony causes a shaking among God's people, and the church's destiny depends on it, though it has been lightly regarded, lightly heeded or disregarded.EW 230.4–231.1+2 Those who truly receive it are stirred in heart to raise the standard, speak truth plainly, repent deeply, obey and be purified, while some resist it, oppose those who proclaim it, and are shaken out.EW 230.4–231.1+3 The careless and indifferent who flatter themselves they are Christians while lacking the light of Jesus and living experience of grace, with pride, worldly conformity, empty talk and selfishness weighing against them as spiritually poor, miserable, blind and naked, are shut in darkness and left behind.SG4 194.2+1 God is testing His professed people step by step, with the third angel leading forward and each step bringing a test toward a searching work of judgment and cleansing.SG4 194.2+1

The rebuke rests on those who have long known truth, stand in positions of trust, and have had great light and many privileges, yet are feeble and inefficient with feeble fragmentary power, lacking healthy action and the Holy Spirit and failing to be burning and shining lights, a sight for angels to behold.Lt 98, 1901, par. 2–3 It declares the works of many ministers and the churches they serve to be neither cold nor hot, describes churches generally as ceasing to be faithful while professing godliness, and rebukes Sabbath-school members marked by self-esteem and self-sufficiency.TSSW 56.3+2 It calls every Christian to ask whether he has the Holy Spirit, since only practice of Bible principles will revive the church, and calls churches to humble hearts in sincere devotion, put away the self-centered boastful accusing faultfinding spirit, repent and be zealous so victories are gained and Christ can present names of those in responsibility to His Father.Lt 98, 1901, par. 2–3+1 Applied to those in responsible places who use publishing houses to print error and false science, it reveals indifference in religious practice without spiritual mindedness, failure to guard God's honor and vindicate His name, paralyzed sense of sacredness, feebleness of pulse, blindness unable to distinguish sacred from common, perverted taste and corrupted discernment, which is nauseating to God so He will not walk among such workers and would be better pleased if they made no profession, and because they are neither cold nor hot He will spue them out.Lt 155, 1901, par. 3–7 It is charged specifically upon Los Angeles and upon churches generally, calling them to awake and do the given work.Lt 98, 1901, par. 2–3+1

It exposes the church at Battle Creek, and a large share of professed commandment-keepers, as really believing they enjoyed gospel blessings and were rich in God's favor while the True Witness declared them poor, naked, blind and miserable, for the Lord does not see as man sees.3T 201.1+1 Especially in the school and publishing house to whom people look for guidance, it is destitute of true light while counting itself rich and increased in goods and needing nothing, with eyes blinded and experience confused so light cannot be discerned from darkness nor truth from error, because counsel of the True Witness is not heeded.21MR 183.5–184.2 Worldly influence, unbelief, pride and neglect of prayer weakened spiritual life, so some were only briefly warmed by others' efforts then chilled by formal religion and worldly influence, unaware of need for help, bringing grief to those who see this backsliding and terrible dearth and darkness from failure to make thorough work in confessing wrongs with the end at hand.TBC1868 1.1–3.1+1 Spoken to those resisting light and evidence, it calls for full decision rather than half-hearted indecision, lamenting sad blindness walking without knowing what is stumbled at and crooked paths turning the lame out of the way, for the Holy Spirit was offered again and again and breathed upon souls for whom Christ died, inviting honor to God, love for heavenly things, and beholding Jesus unto cheerful grateful praise reflecting His likeness, but the heavenly anointing departed and mischief entered because the soul was untrained to pity, faith scarcely existed, and handlers of sacred things were sharp, critical and censorious.17MR 174.3–175.1

His searching eye scrutinizes the churches in California and nothing escapes it, with faults, errors, neglects, failures, sinful departure, declensions and shortcomings lying open before Him.Lt 21, 1886, par. 26–27+1 The close scrutiny sees vanity and a religion of vanity, words without vitality and character without moral strength rooted in pride, worldliness, formalism and self-sufficiency, a perilous lukewarmness to be earnestly aroused from with rich blessings to follow.5T 484.2 The same applies to people in California and all through the churches in America now in the Laodicean state, not earnest and alive, not aroused to act as one man while horrors and destruction of human life increase and the world remains unwarned, calling them to fall upon the Rock and be broken before the day of the Lord comes unawares as a thief in the night.Lt 73a, 1896, par. 43 Churches in that condition need a fresh new experience and must prepare for Christ's coming near at hand, yet there is hope if the message is heeded through decided earnest seeking, personal evangelistic labor to invigorate others with gospel hope, and stirring assemblies by old heart-searching truths bringing conviction, removing self-complacent spirit and lethargy seen in Sabbath meetings where assigned songs are sung with effort but not from the heart without joy of Christ, meekness, humility and evangelistic spirit, so that true faith lets the Spirit mold the soul into a pure holy dwelling place with Christ formed within as hope of glory imparting new life.Lt 165, 1903, par. 18–19+2

It rebukes lifeless purposeless tame pointless sermons and messages that lull people to sleep and fail to awaken or proclaim truth with urgency, when a message of life and death must be given.Lt 211, 1902, par. 28–30+2 Every discourse is to be given under sense of awful judgment soon to fall on the world, with truth proclaimed by lips touched with live coal from the divine altar, in earnest spiritually powerful preaching rather than tame words.Lt 211, 1902, par. 28–30+1 Spiritual backsliding is shown by making no effort to give the message rather than preaching with earnestness and purpose.10MR 220.3–221.2 The lukewarm condition is seen when camp-meetings are held in a tame shiftless way in out-of-the-way places to save expense, as if hiding the light, contrary to God's order, showing the church far behind in spirituality.Lt 159, 1901, par. 9–10

It calls for religion in the home and for educating and training children to well-balanced characters the Lord can approve, demanding thorough work in home life without which God's blessing cannot be expected, though the Lord will work with human efforts He will not do the work He has given people to do.Ms 19, 1889, par. 1–2 Families must not remain lukewarm but begin correcting neglect, reform homes, openly show commitment and true colors, and begin the appointed work rather than persist in neglecting duties.7T 66.1+1 Reform begins in each home with pure uplifting speech, with parents aroused, converted and sanctified so sanctification shines in clear distinct rays, humbling the heart, repenting, confessing sin and drawing near to God so He will draw near, fearing to continue in transgression and believing on the Son for everlasting life.Ms 119, 1901, par. 13–15+1 Christ's knowledge of works bears on fitness to guide others, for grace must be shown in character beginning at home before wisely caring for new believers.Lt 6b, 1890, par. 26–27

It exposes lukewarmness as self-indulgence rather than self-denial, backsliding on health reform, failure to cherish given light, and sacrificing life and health through indulgence of appetite and carnal lusts, for which Christ as True Witness speaking to God's people at this time will spew them out unless they closely follow the self-denying Saviour.Lt 15, 1888, par. 5 Sacred relation with God requires temperance in eating and drinking to keep mind and body most favorable for service, denying perverted appetite so God can cooperate, and those backslidden on health reform light are called to be converted and take decided position.5MR 407.5–408.1 Continuing to eat flesh meat is part of that lukewarmness, for it is not right food for God's people because it animalizes nature, robs of love and sympathy, and brings a condition where lower passions control higher powers, since human beings are built up from what they eat, and where fruits, grains and nuts abound there is no need to eat flesh of dead animals.5MR 407.5–408.1 The insipid experience that does not bear decided witness for truth applies most decidedly to those permeated with worldly spirit and calls for reform in God's institutions, including decided testimony such as not placing meat before sanitarium patients.Lt 98, 1901, par. 9+1

Dependence on lawyers, legal documents and agreements, with adoption of worldly principles, makes Christians like Laodiceans and is abhorrent to God.Ms 128a, 1903, par. 11+1 Being neither cold nor hot is being half-hearted in practice by leaning on the arm of the law, placing dependence on lawyers and legal documents, allowing worldly principles to be introduced, engaging in commerce in God's institutions after the world's manner, and making laws of the land a defense, which is a disgrace Christians must not bear and which God will not endorse.Ms 128, 1903, par. 11–12 Dependence on lawyers and worldly business principles can make workers halfhearted, and leaders continuing therein will be left in the enemy's hands to be spoiled through success or failure, with success bringing certain ruin.Ms 128, 1903, par. 11–12+1

In the time of delay character develops, what is in the heart is brought out, and the precious are separated from the vile, testing the neither-cold-nor-hot condition that will be spewed out.Ms 6, 1859, par. 44 That lukewarmness is shown by pride of dress such as ruffles and bonnets covered with bows and ribbons, which index a proud heart and contradict professing to wait for Jesus to change vile bodies and fashion them like His glorious body.Ms 6, 1859, par. 44 To be lukewarm when God's work must be done is to sink into failure to discern signs of the times and to be unable to recognize importance of present truth when commercial work absorbs mind and strength.Ms 190, 1905, par. 10–12+1 Satan is working with intensity, uniting enemies of God's kingdom in desperate confederacy to gain control of the world faster than imagined, demanding refusal of lukewarmness.Lt 144, 1901, par. 19 The medical missionary association's commercial spirit and failure to prepare people for a sound healthy experience that can stand the judgment show that Laodicean condition, dishonoring God, belittling His work, and leaving those who are lukewarm unfit to control or neglect faithful gospel medical missionaries.STB 80.3+2

The verse belongs to the last message of mercy and warning, proclaimed with the third angel's message, and if the church becomes lukewarm it stands in no more favor than fallen churches become the habitation of devils.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18+1 Those who have heard truth and united as commandment-keepers yet have no more vitality and consecration than nominal churches will go on in sin and receive the plagues as surely as those opposing the law, because the emptying, defiling and burning of the earth is very near and the Lord is coming out of His place to punish iniquity and disclose uncovered blood.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18+2 The call is to heed, be zealous rather than half-hearted and repent, open the door to the Saviour who knocks and sups with whoever opens, and overcome to sit with Him on His throne as He overcame and sat with His Father.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18+1 Only those sanctified through truth, loving Him and keeping commandments, will compose the royal family in heavenly mansions prepared for them.Lt 35, 1898, par. 16–18+1

Lukewarmness is reached not at once but little by little through conformity to the world, ceasing to war against its spirit, following fashions, losing peculiarity and spirituality and the transforming influence of the Spirit while still professing truth.1T 141.1–3+2 Cares absorb the mind until self-examination and private prayer are neglected, armor is laid aside, love of the world and earthly treasure eats out life, with affections set on getting more and more, formal prayers and outward obedience lacking fixed faith and true godliness.1T 141.1–3+3 Many complacently hear most solemn soul-stirring truths for years without practicing, growing less sensible of preciousness and value, unmoved by reproof and warning, giving no love and gratitude for justification by faith and Christ's righteousness, steeling the heart against offered gold, white raiment and eyesalve, folding hands in complacency and trying to praise world and God together.Ms 1, 1857, par. 2+1 At last the Spirit is withdrawn, angels are bidden to let alone, Jesus ceases to intercede and bear names to the Father, names are dropped and He spues out, yet profession continues with no glaring departure and no missing of withdrawn light, while only a few afflict souls and heed counsel to be zealous and repent of worldly-mindedness, selfishness and covetousness before going into darkness ensnared and overcome.1T 141.1–3+2

God tests His professed people step by step, each step bringing a test that exposes pride, worldly conformity, empty talk, selfishness, vain conversation and lack of light, living grace and renewal, weighing evil against good until it chokes the sown seed.SG4 194.2+2 Successive choices reveal whether cherished idols are prized above truth and Jesus, and resistance shows need to overcome selfishness, pride and evil passions and heed counsel or be spewed out.SG2 225.1+1 The third angel leads upward higher and higher, and those meeting each test and overcoming are prepared for latter rain and translation, while the careless indifferent not earnestly seeking victory are shaken out, and unless changed the sentence as upon Eli's house and the whetted sword for a clean cutting work among professed people will come, for the lukewarm condition must be left through greater devotedness and renewing of mind to become acceptable.1T 181.3–182.1+3

Those resenting straight testimony may be unconverted and blind to sinfulness of self-indulgent actions, loving self-indulgence and murmuring, ignorant of sin and unwilling to repent.Lt 106, 1909, par. 1–3+1 Claims of faith do not ready for coming and judgment, for works are recorded and evasion excuses nothing, and examination of recorded works will come when no later confession, self-defense or anguished too-late confession can right wrongs done by refusing to use powers in service and failing practical righteousness, which is nauseating and cannot be endured.Lt 106, 1909, par. 1–3+2

Being neither cold nor hot means hearing the Word without practicing so it becomes a dead letter, making no self-application but applying it to neighbors.Ms 163a, 1898, par. 9 Because sinfulness is not realized Christ cannot present the case to the Father, though if realized He could plead and the Lord would arouse by the Holy Spirit; the state is worse than death in trespasses, ending in rejection from His mouth.Ms 163a, 1898, par. 9 Such claim to be children and Christians while knowing and advocating commands without obeying, not bringing controlling power into daily hourly transactions, not knowing God by experience nor encircled by unseen realities, unimpressed by faithful reward and the near great day, having form without power wrapped in self, with doctrinal hearing but no simple practice of believing, and nothing can help until true condition is realized.Ms 163a, 1898, par. 7+1

All church members are on trial and all dishonoring God's name will have no place in His kingdom.Lt 3, 1902, par. 22 Christ moves among candlesticks and will never be without a church, so when test comes faithful true witnesses stand unflinchingly while those failing to testify and refusing to shine prove faithless, their candle put out and faithful taking their places.Lt 3, 1902, par. 22

God looks with perfect indifference upon the halfhearted whose life is not becoming a follower in sobriety, seriousness and solemnity.Lt 9, 1861, par. 15 Unless changed by a great work He will give sorrow and mourning instead of peace, prosperity and gladness, and those not forming right characters will fail of everlasting life.Lt 9, 1861, par. 15 Half-and-half service becomes no service, a pretension God cannot accept but counts offense, producing no fruits of righteousness nor laborers together with God, misrepresenting transforming sanctifying power and defeating grace's eternal purpose not only to save souls but to reveal Christ's character perfection to the universe.Lt 70a, 1900, par. 7–9 Lukewarmness does very little after so much done, complains, holds to inclination, ease and pleasure instead of fixing eye on the Pattern, attends to trivial earthly matters while treating salvation secondary and serving ineffectively despite available gifts and power, calling for shame, fleeing to the Lord's side, humbling, putting away self-seeking, drinking of life's fountain, growing in faith and love, making election sure so power is revealed and light shines in and out.ST Sep 9, 1889+1

The verse pictures spiritual life of many with precious promises to the overcomer.Lt 66, 1910, par. 6 Jesus knows they are neither cold nor hot yet bears patiently and does not spew in a moment, but weighs, reads hearts and gives time for excitement and fear to wear off so character develops and obedience from principle rather than feeling is proved.1T 186.2 At South Lancaster many responded by turning from lukewarmness and accepting His invitation to receive what they lacked.Ms 30, 1889, par. 56–61

God knows covetous withholding from treasury and servants, seeing deeds, with every privation, tear and pang written in the book, every helpful act recorded and every selfish withholding recorded as all deeds pass in review.Ms 1, 1857, par. 6–7 Covetousness and selfishness as greatest present sin is exposed in prizing lightly wearing labor of servants who sacrifice time and strength to carry life's word, bear burdens, reprove errors, tear weeds and feed flock new and old, yet are let pass without temporal ministry while a day-laborer is paid full wages, indifferent to wants of ministers whose time belongs to church and families need food and clothing, beset and depressed when lightly prized.SG2 236.1+1 Willingness to pay laborer fairly while withholding from sacrificing ministers shows lightly prizing labor, and unfaithful stewards will account not only for Lord's money but for depression, heartache and crippled effort brought upon chosen servants.SG2 236.1+1

Everything is known and open before God, requiring honesty in prayer with self-searching to see departure and return, especially by faithfully returning tithes and offerings for His work.Ms 93, 1898, par. 16–20 Professing belief in coming while refusing even small share of increase shows faith contradicted by conduct, which Christ knows and hates as stingy offerings and defective sacrifices.SG2 237.2 Lukewarmness is selfishness withholding lent goods from treasury, failing valuable offerings and to be channels of light, leaving unprepared and ensnared when lying wonders appear in trials ahead.Lt 15, 1888, par. 3 Generous giving to needy and God's work rather than spending on pride and pleasure evidences faithful service receiving approval, to glorify God not gain praise, with large gifts not excusing neglect of nearby poor brother, secret kindness and fair prices and wages to afflicted, widows and worthy poor recorded, and advantage-taking known.1T 190.1+2

The True Witness knows works with all-seeing eye reading every dishonesty, secret thought and action no darkness hides, discerning peril of unfaithful parents neglecting stewardship of children's souls and of untruthful children, determining every sinner's true place so the unchanged come up with wicked in second resurrection, with covered sin prospering not but finding out, calling parents to awake, watch, be faithful and recover children before remedy is past.Lt 23, 1888, par. 16–17 He knows and records acting a lie, false claims of being misjudged and severely treated, deceiving others, forcing home known truth to break resistance and humble before God, including secret lying.Lt 16, 1888, par. 37–38+1 The message faithfully describes one long encouraging enemy till bearings lost, finding admission extremely difficult though some right moves made, and it applies to members construing calamity like Job's comforters to condemn after Sanitarium burning, their own condition making it applicable, with students resisting restraint as lukewarm and demoralized order, and condemns breaking ranks by publishing opposing views and turning warfare against brethren, demanding heeding Christ over own judgment and loving as He loved.Lt 29, 1904, par. 2+3

The message exposes pretentious piety and self-sufficiency with works opposed to holy principles, long professing truth with unchristlike spirit God cannot tolerate and finds nauseating.Ms 62, 1904, par. 20–22 It exposes a cruel disloyal element pretending truth while following own way and will, working insidiously against truth, harassing minds, bringing confusion and perplexing discouraging God's people, above which girded people rise with strength.Lt 195, 1904, par. 9–10 It exposes professing much while works deny profession, resisting Spirit and disregarding sent messages, becoming worse than if never receiving them.Lt 93, 1904, par. 22–23

Remaining lukewarm while feeling rich and needing nothing is a stumbling block, equally with running ahead with self-important ideas and work He has not entrusted.Ms 82, 1894, par. 28–30+2 The neither-cold-nor-hot condition means reluctance to accept richest proffered blessings, stubborn rebellion refusing to humble to receive merciful light, indifference carrying truth with no burden, lacking sense of need and not heeding sent message.Lt 77, 1893, par. 46–47+1 Such become destitute of Spirit so Lord cannot use them, go backward, lose first love, do more harm than good preaching, and unless converted retracing steps will never enter blest mansions.Lt 77, 1893, par. 46–47

Youth neither cold nor hot have not put on whole armor nor depended on Spirit to resist temptation and fight battles manfully, but habitually work to uplift self, left to own strength with words, spirit and actions unlike Christ and self revealed in all connections.Lt 65, 1898, par. 37–39+1 Christ will not work with or for those cherishing and exalting self but permits littleness, pride, haughtiness and poverty to exhibit.Lt 65, 1898, par. 37–39 He as True Witness knows every work, seeing spirit of schoolground amusements where Satan and angels inspire unwary and heavenly angels record all transacted, calling for less amusement and more seeking heavenly wisdom, standing firmly to colors as true Christians in whole armor of righteousness.Lt 17, 1893, par. 13–15 Disheartened backslidden youth drifting when lacking sympathy, affection and love and feeling uncared for must be met not with blame and coldness but tender solicitude, personal effort to gain confidence and determined labor to save and win to Christ, for lukewarmness in youth calls for armor and heavenly wisdom over amusements.CE 48.1–49.2+1

The church long torpid in spiritual energy and apparent death needs revival through renewal of straight testimony borne in years past point by point into clear present truth by powerful divinely sealed words, with resurrection to follow and confidence held steadfast against tearing down foundation.MWISDAP 41.3+1 That arousing message is testimony exalting Christ's righteousness for this time, whose good results prove it good.11MR 293.3–294.1 Sleeping watchmen give no positive warning nor burden, and from fear of extremes and fanaticism hinder advance and counteract influence; if opposition succeeded the arousing message would cease and that testimony be silenced.11MR 293.3–294.1

Christ's message applies to today's churches, disgusting and unendurable yet offering hope and calling to repent.Ms 139, 1903, par. 47 He knows works as personal present Saviour always accessible to contrite hearts, with living faith affecting conduct, calling to leave slumber lest spiritual death become eternal, leave lukewarm experience, obey truth and live wholly for God with His life shaping theirs.STMW10 21.1+1 It rebukes divided lukewarm state and calls to wholehearted devotion to the Redeemer rather than world-centered life, to complete waking with ears refusing not Jesus inviting presence, needing faith and love beyond professed belief into practiced faith representing Christ in spirit, words and all character.Lt 60, 1894, par. 21+1

God will restore the militant church; declaring neither cold nor hot wounds only to heal not to perish.RCNBP 16.2 He reproves, rebukes and chastens only to restore and approve at last, giving no man a message to discourage and dishearten.RCNBP 16.2 Receiving would revive living testimony, purge hypocrites and sinners, restore to favor, transform to shine with purity and strength, removing curse with servants laboring with Christ.EW 192.1+1 Those claiming divine message yet turning warfare against church instead of evil and restoring by this message bear no credentials.RCNBP 16.2 Applied now especially to Battle Creek institutions as temple needing cleansing, it warns of peril requiring purifying, to be given humbly after seeking God with clear utterance by watchmen seeing danger under Spirit.Lt 78, 1896, par. 49

The larger message warns against losing hold on things heard from light's Source, calling to hold fast and repent because subtle theoretical faults spread mind to mind through departed ones imperceptibly imbue with withdrawing spirit.12MR 125.4–126.2 It warns against false teaching undermining faith and leading from truth, calls for humility, fairness to differing views, and receiving light on law as Christ's righteousness.Ms 15, 1888, par. 46–48+1 It does not reassure hearers they are right or reproof undeserved but confronts wrongs.3T 257.2 As continuing mercy to be read with prayer for import, it exposes theories about God as in Living Temple making plain Word of no effect till Bible is regarded fiction.MWISDAP 38.3+1

The verse shows Jesus as living One dead and alive forevermore, resurrection and life, speaking directly now declaring He knows works, calling to turn from human counsel to Him all-sufficient, worship with praise and bring sorrows, difficulties and need of wisdom to Him alone to whom belonging is by creation and redemption.Ms 78, 1900, par. 43–45 He supervises appointed place and work of every being from loftiest angel to lowliest soul, with co-laborers in order and harmony under supervision divested of selfishness, living in self-sacrifice to add others as agents in devoted service.Lt 52, 1891, par. 36–37 His messages to Asian churches portray today's religious world, names symbolic of periods, seven indicating completeness extending to end and in force, wheat among tares and truth contrasted with error, weighing characters, knowing works, thoughts, intents, every word, act and experience, whom each loves and serves, requiring close self-examination and earnest self-sacrificing effort.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56 Being neither cold nor hot means idle indifference with no time now for it, with heavenly Watcher marking words, deportment and motives, calling to strive for cleansed purified sanctified ennobled character and choose blessing or curse by purifying mind through obeying truth, tracing each work from cause to full results and responsibility, including objectionable words, self-exaltation, appropriating means, selfish ambition and pleasing schemes whose sight would appall.Ms 21, 1899, par. 34+2

Choosing own way by human judgment while rejecting plain light pictures the Jewish nation rejecting prophecies of coming and therefore not receiving Christ.Ms 128a, 1903, par. 30–31+1 Those knowing present truth with great light, opportunities and privileges rest under responsibility to communicate graciously given light, meet Christ's mind and be penetrating light amid error's darkness as dense as enveloping Jews.Lt 35, 1898, par. 6–8 To cease witnessing, know truth yet feel no burden to reveal corresponding works, is Laodicean like servant knowing will but not doing; every converted soul is appointed to witness in good works not mere talk, trading talents of light, ability and influence rather than self-pleasing, yoked in perfect obedience with increasing consecration, efficiency and tact as laborers together with God.Lt 35, 1898, par. 6–8 The dreaded self-satisfied condition magnifies encouragements but treats cautions, warnings and reproofs as nothing.Ms 128a, 1903, par. 30–31

God requires decided service with strict honesty especially in business and selling property, pure conscience, true tongue and eyes, commendable actions without concealment, exaggeration, guile or deception, for holy eye witnesses every act and no unjust dealing is covered.Lt 41a, 1888, par. 5–7 He sees corrupt thoughts and actions hindering growth, and one cannot rightly teach while unchanged and unrepentant.Lt 5, 1886, par. 4 Lukewarmness is indifference doing nothing to put things in order, letting drift while relying on leader rather than God, settling into failure to act leaving disorder.GW 420.2–421.1+1 It is perilous murmuring neglecting earnest seeking of those outside fold, calling for decided testimony with intercession, pleading and prayer, with reluctant unadvanced unprepared professors at home, neighborhood and church needing converting power, ministers too, rather than remaining indifferent.Lt 125, 1901, par. 8–9+1

Lukewarmness means religion degenerated into form, spiritual temperature very low, Lord dishonored, name to live yet dead.Ms 24, 1891, par. 75+1 Sabbath is kept merely as cessation of physical labor rather than sweet foretaste above, songs sung Sabbath after Sabbath with effort not from heart, lacking joy, meekness, humility, personal labor and evangelistic spirit amid moral darkness with few true bright lights.19MR 254.4–255.1+2 Those in trust feel no time for services, absent from meetings, lay off garments, fail to assemble in prayer and praise near throne worshipers, lamps untrimmed feebly reflecting glory.19MR 254.4–255.1 Yet hope remains if message is heeded through decided earnest seeking, personal labor invigorating others with gospel hope, and stirring assemblies with old heart-searching truths bringing conviction, so true faith lets Spirit mold soul into pure holy dwelling and Christ formed within imparts new life.Ms 139, 1903, par. 39–43+1

It shows in lack of deep humility, brotherly love, pity, courtesy and union, with hard speeches and selfish interests and opinions, a worldly spirit Satan uses to extinguish light.Lt 3, 1867, par. 8–9 It shows in shunning straight testimony and lacking moral courage to lay decided hand on wrong and reprove, rebuke and exhort, with careless neglectful habits at home, temporal and spiritual, leaving church matters carelessly, passing with crooked half-hearted ones with smooth general easy peaceful testimony suiting drowsy ones, lulling to carnal security, leaving dead, preferring to slide church to church and let followers do laborious part, with elegant speech without power accomplishing nothing and labor worse than lost without living testimony.Lt 33, 1861, par. 6–7 Lack is not in pulpit where preaching may be pointed but out of pulpit in reproving individual wrong, being tried with reprovers, sympathizing with disaffected weakening manhood, letting prejudice affect dealing, misunderstanding circumstances and character, censuring those to unite with and building up those needing tearing down and severe censure.Lt 15, 1862, par. 10–12 The call is to rally round standard, disentangle from world, act as waiting for Lord, cease hard speeches, draw near as yoke-fellows seeking Christ's glory, and zealously repent errors, wrongs, lukewarmness and indifference to seek holiness.Lt 3, 1867, par. 8–9

It shows in careless indifference and want of power even while numbers increase rapidly and spiritual and temporal prosperity is enjoyed.Lt 8a, 1879, par. 7 It means failure to be thankful, zealous, earnest and vigilant, backsliding from health reform and mingling with worldly men expecting power from them.Lt 8a, 1879, par. 7 God's people must remain distinct as designed, gathering divine rays from Sun of righteousness and diffusing amid moral darkness instead of being lifted by prosperity.Lt 8a, 1879, par. 7

It shows in false repentance retaining cherished sins Satan uses as snares while making outward grief for sympathy, professing Spirit's inspiration while fired by zeal without knowledge and dishonoring by proud ambitious spirit.Ms 35, 1903, par. 6 It disregards secret heart sins cherishing envy, pride, self-preference and unbelief while seeming to progress to assumed ecstasy, yet stranger to godliness and no more imbued than Satan in rebellion, deceiving chosen for a time till revealed in true light.Ms 35, 1903, par. 6 Remaining neither cold nor hot is only for a time; without root and unchanged tendencies grace is not grown in, interest lost, return to sin follows while profession continues without honoring truth, finally hardened to good impressions, careless, worldly, inattentive hearing without receiving.RH Apr 1, 1902+1

It shows in choosing when to become angry and do evil, making obnoxious to God.Ms 161, 1904, par. 46–47 It is standing between commitment and opposite, neither one thing nor other, dangerous with character faults, gossip and false reports, calling to repent and take Christ's side.Lt 143, 1904, par. 16–17 It is indifference, self-satisfaction, failing to use influence to lead others when help is needed, making ineffective worker facing rejection.Lt 10, 1890, par. 21–22 It is putting self and interest first with religion and truth secondary and heaven afterwards, attaining desire but receiving leanness of soul and withheld light.Lt 17a, 1864, par. 7–8 It is attending to trivial matters while treating salvation secondary and serving ineffectively despite gifts and power, needing growth in faith and love.ST Sep 9, 1889

It shows in professing to love God yet not advancing step by step from light to greater light to meet claims, unprepared to work at home, neighborhood and church, holding back from fuller stand and reluctant to move after labor, prayer and calls, as if spellbound.Ms 45, 1890, par. 21–24 This comes when temptation to make world all-absorbing prevails, expelling God's love and filling vacuum with world-love.Ms 45, 1890, par. 21–24 Cure comes only when God's love and power return to heart, working with human effort to dislodge world-love by keeping better world in view, through converting power and baptism of Spirit strengthening what remains ready to die, with ministers too needing converting power before strengthening others.Ms 45, 1890, par. 21–24+1

It shows in professing belief with no living connection, building character after world's pattern, not partaking divine nature nor representing Christ.Lt 142, 1903, par. 23 Unless altogether different experience is gained such will never see King in beauty, and even if admitted would not remain happily, finding no happiness now in communion.Lt 142, 1903, par. 23

It shows in deathlike slumber and long delay entering cities and establishing memorials for present truth, persisting years among ministers and members who have not taken work to heart nor cooperated to restore ready to die, though few did what they could.Ms 51, 1908, par. 8 It is seen in unreliable workers claiming Christianity yet not honoring Christ, selfish, covetous, world-shaped, unable to help spiritually.HPMMW 13.1–3 Those neither hot nor cold are half-hearted with no place in God's work, requiring union, entire consecration and thorough devotion amid increasing numbers and enlarging facilities.Ms 152, 1897, par. 9

It shows in assenting to God's work yet remaining inwardly unmoved and failing to help sinners and backsliders, lacking wholehearted participation.2T 216.2 It means sunk to dead level of ordinary professors without realizing God requires undivided affections and Jesus whole sacrifice and entire consecration.1T 240.1 It lacks personal experience, individual responsibility and heart work by Spirit leading to love and choose society of God's people above all and be separate from those loving not spiritual things.1T 240.1+1 Instead it loves society of those with no regard for sacred truths, appears like them, content with enough religion to be agreeable without censure, and unless aroused making efforts for salvation will fail of everlasting life.1T 240.1+1

It shows in thinking clothed with righteousness while lacking, not led by Spirit, speaking boasting offensive words, seeking glory of men not God, threatening law against crossers, failing to teach truth with care, unfit for marriage supper where self-dress is civilian dress, needing conversion lest people be led strange paths.11MR 317.3–318.2+2 It is selfish pride holding from good, seen by few in themselves though message applies, whose only hope is to fall upon Rock and be broken with decided changes before God and people.11MR 289.1

It shows in long walking and working away from truth and holiness, away from Christ and God, which Christ says He would rather be cold or hot than.Ms 176, 1903, par. 5 It is strengthening self in own way, following own mind's impulses, refusing admonitions, once firm now careless yielding without opposition to well-laid plots.Lt 5, 1903, par. 22 Churches as lukewarm have heard doctrine but not learned simple practice of believing.Ms 8, 1890, par. 3

It shows in reluctance, stubborn unbelief and refusal to yield ideas despite piled evidence.RCOC 6.2+1 Yet this does not blot out church nor cause ceasing to exist.RCOC 6.2+1 It is opposing plain testimony while connected with God's work, taking no decided stand with little spirit of present truth, resisting plain reproof, preferring smooth words, overlooking sins, complaining straight testimony harsh as evidence of departure, calling for clear stirring message exposing wrong and urging decision.SG2 283.2–284.1+1

It shows in low worldly discouraged state bound by love of world and treasure, coming partway while keeping property, farms and treasure in heart, struggling for freedom without full surrender.RH Apr 15, 1858 Getting right requires giving up world out of heart, laying property on altar and selling to give for cause.RH Apr 15, 1858 Pleading to keep treasure and pulling others back from selling and going with truth is the neither-cold-nor-hot spirit needing labor and prayer to reach decision.RH Apr 15, 1858

It shows in stupid indifference imperiling soul and forfeiting eternal life unless earnest to reform, having light but neglecting to follow, perceptions blinded by selfish world-love, hearts hardened, will and temper unovercome, selfishness unlaid, sympathy withheld from unfortunate, which would mar heaven and must transform.3T 533.1–3 The True Witness counsels quick arousing and zealous repentance, for God mercifully now accepts broken heart and contrite spirit, while neglect of neighbor duty loses eternal life.3T 533.1–3

It shows in works proving faith empty, as stingy offerings and defective sacrifices from those claiming belief in coming yet giving little or nothing, which Jesus hates.1T 195.2+1 It is tame lifeless heartless spiritless long prayers destitute of Spirit and feeble opening of Scriptures not accepted, with lost earnest prayer, deeper piety and defective experience, calling now for humility, contrition, burden for perishing, intercession like Jacob, earnest seeking and full turning so candle burns brightly, lest weak lifeless grow more abhorrent till spewed and candlestick removed.Lt 40, 1901, par. 2–4 It is receiving light without trading talents to increase, professing great truth without proportionate zeal, neglecting given work, with Bible truth as test; whoever truly has last mercy message will be awake proclaiming it and revealing holy principles in life, others needing thorough conversion under God's denunciation for neglected work.Ms 129, 1901, par. 1–4 It is indifference to foretold signs proving end right upon us, warning to prepare to meet coming in clouds with power and glory by advancing and receiving saving grace day by day, with watchful prayerful blessing bringing Holy Spirit's rich gift.Lt 386, 1904, par. 1

It shows in cold formal religious self-confidence determined to carry own ideas and plans, an in-between indifference God abhors pressing who will heed.Lt 125, 1903, par. 32–34 It represents not purifying soul by obedience.Ms 143, 1898, par. 20 It means no progress in grace or knowledge, blindness pall over discernment, corrupted ways, intelligence tainted to gratify imaginings, appetites and desires, sustaining each other in self-confidence, fixed habits hard to change, opinions expressed as freely as if Daniel's light, unsafe for institutions, calling to be born again, see condition, remove blindness, restrain self and heed counsel, for cold or heat is desired.Lt 43, 1898, par. 13–15 It is warning and mercy to those sinning against great light, declaring known works neither cold nor hot and desiring cold or hot.Ms 128, 1903, par. 38–39 It means having great light and opportunities without appreciating, and for missionaries failing to seek higher standard and living connection leads to mingling self and common practices with sacred principles ready to be spewed, opposite to faith working by purifying love cleansing pride and idols.RH Mar 11, 1902

It shows in professing to follow Jesus but not doing His works, thus not His servants.MWISDAP 13.2+1 Such have gone years against light and knowledge, dishonoring profession making false paths for own and others' feet, corrupted in faith and principle, selling to sin, sacrificing faith for worldly favor, leavened against righteousness, no longer knowing pure religion.MWISDAP 13.2+1 At first compunction was felt but turning refused, now hardness prepares for hopeless apostasy and judgments, having resisted appeals, abused mercy, rejected redeeming love's infinite-sacrifice provisions, with boasting proving invitation unheeded, yoke unworn, meekness unlearned, Saviour excluded.MWISDAP 13.2+1 Unless sinfulness seen, God dishonored acknowledged, and repentance and conversion for soul's sake occur, eternal life never comes.MWISDAP 13.2 Yet heart yearns and hand stretches still to save, with provision that receivers receive power to become sons of God.MWISDAP 13.2+2

It shows in neglecting solemn responsibilities and not heeding testimonies so blessings withdraw, calling for awakening from destitution.5T 719.2 Christ knocks at heart's door and devises awakenings with angels going church to church doing duty, but True Witness reproof is heard not obeyed because own way is followed with self uncrucified, so light little affects mind and heart.5T 719.2 Works out of harmony with truth are against truth, standing with counsel to heed correction, repent and receive word in faith and practice.Lt 106, 1898, par. 3–7

It shows in claiming truth but lacking daily personal piety, self-satisfied, not practicing Christ's humility, forbearance and love nor bringing truth into life, which Christ would rather be cold or hot than.Ms 59, 1899, par. 7–8 It is embracing message without thorough reformation, living for self, indulging appetite, idolizing self, shrinking from good, refusing self-denial and bearing church expenses while eating loaf, with selfish spirit despised and prayers offensive.Ms 4, 1860, par. 6–9 Those easily offended by straightness and plain testimony remain half-hearted, marring truth, weighing down church till God rejects; unless taking hold earnestly with self-denial and good works, God's people pass along leaving behind till spewed out.Ms 4, 1860, par. 6–9+1

It shows in ministers lacking heartfelt piety and devotion needing to heed reproof and counsel, for consecration enables influencing church and world by works as well as words.5T 20.2–21.1 Christ cannot use lukewarm workers in saving souls but needs lives showing received and shared light, life and grace.9T 26.1 Half-hearted service is unacceptable requiring earnestness, and managers' lukewarm service must give way to reformation putting away cherished unchristlike traits to become clean and sanctified, for Spirit is not placed in impure unsanctified hearts but only in cleansed.STB 288.2–289.1+2

It shows in selfishness lacking depth of piety and zeal corresponding to position, with which God will not be trifled, requiring no wasted time but resolving into wholehearted unselfish persevering service with single eye, discharging duties and improving opportunities.Lt 9, 1893, par. 11–13 Remaining without seeing selfishness brings assured shipwreck and danger of sudden unready death, weighed wanting, losing heaven for earth, while wholeheartedness brings learning in Christ's school, transformed character, His mold, completeness, divine nature, escape from corruption and channel of light.Lt 9, 1893, par. 11–13 It warns not to be unreliable, cherish sin or set lukewarm example, because defection encourages others astray into serious sin, calling for constant watchfulness, prayer and Bible's high standard.GW92 462.2

It shows in trifling with soul letting it diseased and inefficient by being only occasionally Christian and devout, occasional glance at Word and petition, living a lie and great deception instead of truth implanted regulating daily practice; spewing means Christ no longer presents name to Father.Lt 253, 1904, par. 1–5 It is doing very little after so much done, complaining, holding to inclination, ease and pleasures instead of fixing eye on Pattern, calling for shame, fleeing to Lord's side, drinking life's fountain, humbling, putting away complaining and self-seeking, doing more, so heart reads right, election made sure, power revealed and heaven's light shines in and out.Ms 17, 1887, par. 12

Most professed believers in this state are spiritually dead in trespasses while complacently hearing without practicing, as above, growing less sensible, unmoved, steeling against gold, folding hands, denying power while professing, praising world and God together unacceptably, facing abhorrent rejection if continued, needing awakening before everlastingly too late.Ms 13, 1892, par. 5–6 Indifferent worldly professors cherishing idols and conforming will not be sanctified or saved, in contrast to humble self-sacrificing pressers toward perfection.1T 608.3 The dreaded self-satisfied condition understands and magnifies encouragements for years but treats cautions, warnings and reproofs as nothing, choosing own way by human judgment rejecting plain light like Jews rejecting prophecies and not receiving Christ, welcoming encouragement but counting reproof worthless.Ms 128a, 1903, par. 30–31+1

The present condition must awake to true state with wholehearted obedience, for overcomers pursued by satanic agencies tempting to corrupt principles needed for God's high standard overcome only as Christ overcame by full obedience, real virtue refusing halves and all graces cherished into symmetrical character, true religion obeying all commandments bringing salvation while disobedience brings ruin.Lt 63, 1903, par. 8+1 The church feels down but knows not how to arise, calling each to experience individually by taking hold earnestly, being zealous and repenting.Ms 2, 1857, par. 5–6 Arising means righting every known wrong, then believing God accepts, not mourning but taking Him at word, seeking diligently believing reception, climbing by faith because Promiser is faithful, in New York and elsewhere drinking salvation and moving understandingly.Ms 2, 1857, par. 5–6

God knows works neither cold nor hot and requires earnest striving to be right.Ms 4, 1860, par. 26 Those developing character unworthy of Christian name have no right to house privileges, with opportunity given to develop, and family sympathy must not block church action.Ms 4, 1860, par. 26+1 False sympathy blunting straight testimony, excusing crookedness in children and resisting right action, must die; it began in heaven at Satan's fall, has existed ever since and pleases him, while God will have only earnestly striving.Ms 4, 1860, par. 26+1

The message is living pointed testimony revived to develop character and purify church, with True Witness knowing all works and angels weighing moral worth.Lt 18, 1861, par. 5+1 Allowing truth to purify makes labors a blessing, elevating, refining taste, sanctifying judgment, aiming to imitate unfallen angels with holy character, comely manners, guileless words, adding virtue to faith and knowledge to virtue step by step till fitted for translation.Lt 18, 1861, par. 5+1 Choosing own course without baptism of third angel's spirit leaves labors unable to benefit cause.Lt 18, 1861, par. 5+1 As rays presented by two messengers, it is to be received into good honest hearts and reflected as living channels with clear perception, sanctified imagination, exalted conceptions, joyful heart and clear powerful convincing testimony, first by long-experienced, unprejudiced, searching Scriptures; refusing treasures brings woe, loss of rich experience and providential links, and first opposition becomes continual snare and stumbling to self and others.Lt 24, 1892, par. 36–38

The message exposes neither-cold-nor-hot works as peril requiring purifying, applied now especially to Battle Creek institutions as temple needing cleansing, to be given humbly after seeking God with clear utterance by watchmen seeing danger under Spirit.Lt 78, 1896, par. 49

The church being lukewarm needs arousing message which is testimony exalting Christ's righteousness for this time whose good results prove good; opposition succeeding would cease message and silence that testimony.11MR 293.3–294.1

The verse belongs to solemn reproof not reassuring hearers they are right nor undeserved, but confronting wrongs.3T 257.2 Apparent prosperity does not mean good condition, for need of everything exists; Christ softens not nor excuses wrongs, neglects, selfishness, pride and world-love.GW92 87.3–4+1 Severity is tender love, and ministers and people must practically apply correction rather than shield reproved.GW92 87.3–4+1 Correction reproves to restore not destroy or discourage, wounding only to heal to bring restoration and final approval.DTCP 5.5

It belongs to warning to awaken slumbering church, to be given clearly distinctly as spiritual peril with earnest untiring effort, calling for spiritual sight and recognizing condition before God.STB 47.3+1 Lukewarmness as indifference and sloth must be aroused because dangers increase and time is short.Lt 263, 1904, par. 8–10 Indifference and sloth lose personal religion and heaven.Lt 263, 1904, par. 8–10 Overcoming requires whole armor to block Satan's advantage, strong angels aiding lest faith eclipse in fierce conflict, renewed energy, vigilant action and untiring effort, for Satan comes with great power in all deceivableness in perishing, uniting enemies in desperate confederacy to control world faster than imagined, requiring discerning signs and refusing to sink lukewarm when God's work must be done.Lt 263, 1904, par. 8–10+1

It belongs to continuing mercy to be read with prayer for understanding and thankfulness that God still sends mercy, exposing theories making Word of no effect.MWISDAP 38.3+1 It calls for more than common efforts, working energetically with working God, each feeling deep interest, turning eyes within, afflicting soul, mourning, praying and begging salvation.Lt 12, 1857, par. 7 It calls for working with God who works, with deep interest.MWISDAP 38.3

The message applies to all professing to keep law yet not doing it, showing selfish neither-cold-nor-hot professors with hard stony unsympathetic hearts not representing Christ in every phase, needing softening by grace.Ms 167, 1898, par. 27–29 Churches are called to reconversion through Spirit's heart-molding yielded to in probationary time to work out salvation with fear, or lose immortal title and hear rejection.Ms 167, 1898, par. 27–29

The message applies where members show pride, self-sufficiency, stubborn unbelief refusing to yield despite piled evidence, describing those members' neither-cold-nor-hot condition not whole body.1MR 362.2–363.1 It does not make church Babylon, blot out existence, nor disorganize into independent atoms; tares and wheat grow together till harvest when angels separate.1MR 362.2–363.1 It faithfully describes own condition calling to heed, be converted and open eyes to discern spiritual things.Ms 7, 1902, par. 32–33+1

The message reveals present condition where first love is gone and faith weak, needing repentance and thorough transformation without delay.RH Dec 15, 1904 God's people hold theory without saving power not because He departed but because they departed from Him.1T 210.1–3+1 Claiming belief without really believing nor striving for conformity, power is not possessed nor presence in midst; if Christ formed within as hope of glory, conformity would be seen and trials separating from Christ disappear.Ms 156, 1898, par. 10 Yet disgust unendurable stands with hope calling to repent.Ms 139, 1903, par. 47

The verse calls families and institutions to reform with decided witness for truth including health reform.Lt 98, 1901, par. 9 Insipid experience not bearing decided witness applies most to those permeated with worldly spirit, calling for reform in God's institutions with all bearing decided testimony such as not placing meat before sanitarium patients.Lt 98, 1901, par. 9+1

The verse declares Christ knows works of church and every person, seeing every action, taking in humble laborers' mistakes and efficient workers' graver blunders.Lt 135, 1895, par. 11–16 Because no partiality is with God, those erring themselves must not count another out and withhold encouragement but appreciate workers He appreciates.Lt 135, 1895, par. 11–16 He weighs works including family words and actions assigning value to each.ST Nov 14, 1892 He knows by works warning against halfway Christians, calling followers fully committed resisting drawing away.ST Aug 6, 1885 His knowledge calls each to examine honesty including returning claimed portion for work's support, seeing dishonest dealings with no unjust act hidden, and condemns breaking ranks dividing brethren by opposing publications and mutual warfare, demanding heeding Christ over own judgment and loving as loved.ST Mar 15, 1899+2

The verse shows Christ speaking directly now declaring He knows works, and because living One calls to turn from human counsel to Him all-sufficient, worship with praise and bring sorrows, difficulties and need of wisdom to Him alone by creation and redemption.Ms 78, 1900, par. 43–45

The verse warns against remaining lukewarm self-satisfied indifferent, calling to awake, put all energy into conforming to God's will and grow toward holiness in Christ.Ms 38, 1899, par. 11–12 Lukewarm souls with dulled senses need wakening and quickening, rubbish removed from heart's door and heart opened to Jesus.5MR 233.2–3 Leaven of Christ's righteousness put into experience energizes softly silently, wakening senses, quickening soul, arousing sensibilities with mysterious diffusive power through contacts, till each member is light of world.5MR 233.2–3

The verse demands individual zeal and repentance for own wrongs, each caring for own soul and repenting for self not brother or sister.Lt 17, 1859, par. 4–6 It forbids judging others insufficiently zealous, watching their speed, taking undictated burdens, reproving bearing down and binding burdens.Lt 17, 1859, par. 4–6 Attending to others' consciences while neglecting own leaves in darkness unable to separate right from wrong, worse than reproved; wrong must be yielded aside with new beginning and God will restore former good.Lt 17, 1859, par. 4–6

The verse calls for ending lukewarm indifferent careless backslidden experience by arising and zealously thoroughly repenting, realizing danger and making complete work, not merely temporary response sliding back after warning upon warning.15MR 326.1+1 Time to arise has come, and those not efforting to repent will be spewed out.15MR 326.1+2 Those refusing change continue as before and are rejected; those zealously repenting find favor.1T 143.2–144.2 Those with great light not walking in it, professing greatly but not keeping step with Leader, will be spewed unless they repent.1MR 300.2–3 Christ charges ministers and people with feebleness neither cold nor hot, abhorrent unless revival and reformation lead Him to acknowledge as children, with young people's works known calling to repent and become zealous.RH Feb 25, 1902+1

The verse shows Christ knows works calling to account, with generous giving rather than prideful spending evidencing faithful service receiving approval, requiring honesty in prayer through self-searching and faithful returning of claimed portion.Ms 93, 1898, par. 16–20+2

The passage itself does not explain cold-hot contrast; its contrast points to choice between resisting searching testimony and responding with strong faith and earnest pleading, for indifference and carelessness enclose in darkness and bring shaking.STM2 7.2+1 The message is to be proclaimed in all phases with justification by faith and Christ's righteousness and receiving offered riches and welcoming Him.15MR 93.3–94.1

Being neither cold nor hot is failing out of pulpit to reprove individual wrong though pulpit preaching may be pointed, being tried with reprovers, sympathizing with disaffected, letting prejudice affect dealing, misunderstanding character, censuring those to unite with and building up those needing censure.Lt 15, 1862, par. 10–12

Being neither cold nor hot is tame inactive response dishonoring Christ while souls perish.Ms 152, 1906, par. 3 His warning is meant to awaken from sinful inaction and stir sincere love expressed in fervent decisive action, doing given work rather than lukewarm neglect with zeal and wholehearted commitment.Ms 129b, 1901, par. 1+1

Being neither cold nor hot is spiritual indifference whose works testify against, showing not walking, working, praying or teaching Word of life.Ms 139, 1903, par. 45–46 It is perilous murmuring neglecting earnest seeking of those outside fold, calling for decided testimony with intercession, pleading and prayer.Lt 125, 1901, par. 8–9

Being neither cold nor hot is Laodicean state lacking sense of need and not heeding sent message.Lt 113, 1904, par. 1–4

Being lukewarm is standing between commitment and opposite, neither one thing nor other, dangerous.Lt 143, 1904, par. 16–17 It is having become lukewarm after early piety, backslidden, lost first love, blind not acknowledging, needing repentance, breaking with darkness, dying to self and turning fully to Christ.Lt 269, 1904, par. 10–11

Being lukewarm is selfish lacking depth of piety and zeal corresponding to position which God will not trifle with.Lt 9, 1893, par. 11–13 It is seen in workers not honoring Christ, unreliable, unable to help spiritually, and in indifference failing to use influence to lead others when needed, making ineffective worker facing rejection.HPMMW 13.1–3+1

Being lukewarm is standing half with believers and half with unbelievers instead of keeping clear separation between serving God and not.Lt 44, 1903, par. 32 To be Christian is to link with Christ.Lt 44, 1903, par. 32 God tells such divided workers to stand aside because He cannot endorse misleading influence which has made many infidels.Lt 44, 1903, par. 32

Being lukewarm is indifference doing nothing to put things in order, letting drift while relying on leader rather than God, settling into failure to act leaving disorder.GW 420.2–421.1+1

Being lukewarm is sinking into that condition when God's work must be done, requiring discerning signs and refusing it.Lt 144, 1901, par. 19 It is unconverted, not serving with God's way but mixed in human theories, not understanding self, far from perfect character and kingdom, unable to lead others into narrow path while remaining.Lt 219, 1905, par. 3–5

The verse describes professed followers in decay and declension rather than living zeal, purity and consecration, whose real condition contradicts profession and connection weakened.Ms 143, 1901, par. 5–10 Condition is serious but not beyond remedy, calling to repent and receive gold of truth, faith and love and white raiment of righteousness formed in purity and obedience, with awakening bringing renewed love and decisive change heeding counsel.Ms 143, 1901, par. 5–10+1

The verse shows Christ knows works neither cold nor hot in a member whose self-justification hindered church, showing lukewarmness can include refusing to gather with Christ and instead scattering, calling for honest recognition and repentance.Ms 42, 1895, par. 11–14

The verse exposes pretentious piety and self-sufficiency rooted in pride and self-exaltation grieving Spirit, making church weak strengthless opposed to holy principles and nauseating.Lt 261, 1904, par. 5–7 The heavenly message must be given just as it is with earnestness and power.Lt 261, 1904, par. 5–7 If ignored Lord will cast away; responsible men are rebuked calling all to heed Word, listen, repent while chastening gives opportunity after opportunity, for following own way refusing to hear brings affliction and finally being left to perish.Lt 261, 1904, par. 5–7

The verse shows True Witness knows works and condition where worldliness, unbelief, pride and covetousness dishonor God and weaken church even when faulty feel flourishing, making difficult to distinguish serving from not serving.2T 125.1

The verse shows God must discipline every person to act a part, discipline meaning repression, submission and bending will after His will and way, with none retaining perverse character yet led and taught.Ms 25, 1899, par. 3–4 Those irritated at reproof hindering selfish way cannot be used.Ms 25, 1899, par. 3–4 Pride of temperament, self-esteem, masterly subordinating spirit must change, self die, errors, crude manners, discourteous unchristlike words and unsanctified practices separate till character resembles God's, so family of children work together with Him.Ms 25, 1899, par. 3–4

The verse warns one imperiled by indulging passions and delusive snares, with One in heaven looking declaring knowledge from which no closed door hides, every action clear as light and secret thoughts, character and purposes known in full universe view.Lt 24, 1893, par. 8–9 It calls to flee sin as poisonous serpent, grant passion no indulgence, cultivate true pure holy affections, remember eternity and God, hold favor rather than surrender life, lest Spirit's graces be lost one by one unto entire eternal loss while holy intelligences sadly look on.Lt 24, 1893, par. 8–9

The verse applies to those thinking they possess all truth and priding in word knowledge although sanctifying power has not shaped lives.Ms 143, 1901, par. 17–22 Hearts lack fervent love making people a light, leaving cold, lifeless, without Christ, failing grateful response, content with advantages while resisting grace and neglecting opportunities.Ms 143, 1901, par. 17–22

The verse means Jesus closely examines works and sees perilous lukewarmness as religion of vanity, words without vitality, character without moral strength, rooted in pride, worldliness, formalism and self-sufficiency.5T 484.2 Close scrutiny rests on California churches where nothing escapes, faults, neglects, failures, departures, declensions and shortcomings open before Him.5T 484.2 It must be earnestly aroused from, with rich blessings following.5T 484.2

The verse shows Lord knows works and works out of harmony with truth are against truth, standing with counsel to heed correction, repent and receive word in faith and practice.Lt 106, 1898, par. 3–7 He looks from heaven with displeasure on self-satisfied course feeling rich increased needing nothing while wretched blind poor miserable naked.Lt 17, 1879, par. 7 True Witness graciously invites buying now before too late gold to be rich, eyesalve to see, white raiment pure faultless character to clothe shame, for God's day will present every case as it is, with fearful awakening for those cherishing not Spirit's graces but preoccupied lifted in self-will.Lt 17, 1879, par. 7

The verse shows Christ as counselor coming with knowledge of motives, unbelief, suspicions and jealousies hid from men to those impatient and jealous at frequent warnings keeping sins before them, to show remedy.3T 256.3 He fully knows works including secret dishonoring actions recorded to confront in judgment unless repentance and healing come.Lt 22c, 1890, par. 2–3

The verse shows True Witness knows every person's works and exposes profession without corresponding works as profession high as heaven with no practice, hearing without obeying and purifying.Ms 50, 1904, par. 27 Such have no place in God's work, are against Christ scattering not gathering, harder to reach than unbelievers and poor ignorant sinners.Ms 50, 1904, par. 27

The verse is part of messages portraying today's religious world whose names symbolize periods, seven indicating completeness extending to end and in force, with wheat among tares and truth contrasted with error.Ms 81, 1900, par. 54–56