The Problem with Laodicea

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This is a biblical analysis of the symptoms, and the cause of the symptoms of the Laodicean Church. As with all prophecy, we must allow the scriptures to interpret themselves. Let us analyze the issues:

We are told by Jesus regarding the seventh and final church of the seven churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 that laodicea blind and naked because it is “lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.” Revelation 3:16. We are also told that it professes to be “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” Revelation 3:17.

In a careful analysis of these issues, let us start with the first question about why Laodicea is spued out of His mouth. It is important to notice that regarding the Laodicean church, it does not say “because you might be lukewarm, I might spue you out”. There is to be no second guessing here, Laodicea is lukewarm, and absolutely will be spued out.

Why is Laodicea spued out? The bible says:

Leviticus 18:24-28 Defile not ye yourselves in any of these things: for in all these the nations are defiled which I cast out before you: And the land is defiled: therefore I do visit the iniquity thereof upon it, and the land itself vomiteth out her inhabitants. Ye shall therefore keep my statutes and my judgments, and shall not commit any of these abominations; neither any of your own nation, nor any stranger that sojourneth among you: (For all these abominations have the men of the land done, which were before you, and the land is defiled;) That the land spue not you out also, when ye defile it, as it spued out the nations that were before you.

The bible tells us that the statutes given to Moses were to be kept by all nations, even before Israel was given the law, these statutes were to be kept by the nations that were in the land before Israel. Laodicea professes to “keep the commandments of God”, but yet also professes that these “statutes and judgments” which were “given to Moses” were nailed to the cross. I will show examples shortly.

In their blindness they nail the statutes to the cross. The very statutes that explain and define the ten commandments. Imagine someone giving you a new word, and not telling you what it means or giving you the definition. The ten commandments also have statutes to explain them. For instance, the health statutes explain and define the sixth commandment. When we eat something unhealthy we are actually killing ourselves.

Knowing that Laodicea is “blind”, we can read of the cause of blindness in the scriptures. We are told in 2 Corinthians chapter 3 that there is a blindness issue many have when reading the books of Moses.

2 Corinthians 3:14-15 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart.

Laodicea is “spued out” because they are “defiled”. Why are they defiled? Because they are violating the statutes of God contained in the books of Moses. Laodicea is “blind”.

For instance, let us consider carefully the following chart taken from Seventh-day Adventist website Amazingfacts.org.

MOSES’ LAW GOD’S LAW
Called “the law of Moses” (Luke 2:22). Called “the law of the Lord” (Isaiah 5:24).
Called “law … contained in ordinances” (Ephesians 2:15). Called “the royal law” (James 2:8).
Written by Moses in a book (2 Chronicles 35:12). Written by God on stone (Exodus 31:18 32:16).
Placed in the side of the ark (Deuteronomy 31:26). Placed inside the ark (Exodus 40:20).
Ended at the cross (Ephesians 2:15). Will stand forever (Luke 16:17).
Added because of sin (Galatians 3:19). Points out sin (Romans 7:73:20).
Contrary to us, against us (Colossians 2:14). Not grievous (1 John 5:3).
Judges no one (Colossians 2:14-16). Judges all people (James 2:10-12).
Carnal (Hebrews 7:16). Spiritual (Romans 7:14).
Made nothing perfect (Hebrews 7:19). Perfect (Psalms 19:7).

In the line above, Luke 2:22 is quoted. The problem with that can be noted right away by looking at the immediate context of this verse regarding the “law of Moses”. Notice it is not just called “the law of Moses”.

Luke 2:22-24 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; (23) (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) (24) And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

Notice how the term “law of the Lord” is used to refer to the ceremonial ordinances. And several examples could be shown that the term “Law of Moses” refers to the moral statutes. The terms “Law of Moses” and “Law of the Lord” are not references to different laws, but rather refer to “the law” as a whole and include both moral statutes, as well as the ceremonial law.

But the chart above is meant to read of the Law of Moses having “ended at the cross” and also being “carnal”. All verses referenced in their context do not say “law of Moses”. The problem is that it is not the law of Moses that ended at the cross. The ceremonial laws contained in the law of Moses however were nailed to the cross. The law of Moses includes all of the law, ceremonial and moral, and this point has been misunderstood by “Laodicea”. And now because of this they are left without “vision” as we shall see.

Deuteronomy 31:26 Take this book of the law, and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, that it may be there for a witness against thee.

The ancient sanctuary is but a type of the biblical truth that “ye are the temple of God” (1 Cor 3:16) And so therefore this “book of the law” is to be in our hearts. (Jer 31:33) In the chart above, the book is said to be nailed to the cross. This is contrary to the truth of the gospel.

Though this looks very close to truth, the statutes contained in the little book in the side of the ark as referenced in Deuteronomy 31:26 in the chart above are to be written in your heart, the heart being a reality of what the ark is a type of. You are the temple of God. And regarding the idea of “defiling yourself” Paul wrote:

1 Corinthians 3:16-17 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defilethe temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Yes, that is what the temple was a type of. You are the temple. And the little book placed in the side of the ark was a type of God writing his laws, statutes and judgments in your heart. , These commandments, statutes, and judgments were moral, and were to be kept by all nations, in all lands, throughout all ages. They are eternal. Just as we were told in Leviticus 18, which we read earlier.

The term “type” merely means “symbol”, and that law was called the “typical” or “symbolic” law. It “typified” or “symbolized” many “realities”.

Who hath “blinded” the mind of the Laodicean to these things “when Moses is read” (2 Cor 3:14, 15)?

2Corinthians 4:3, 4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Satan has blinded the minds of those in Laodicea. He has lead them to think and say that “we are God’s commandment keeping church” when in reality Laodicea does not really keep the commandments of God.

In Leviticus 26 we are told:

Leviticus 26:3-4 If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield her increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit.

But if we do not walk in these things we are told that something would happen to our eyes:

Leviticus 26:14-16 But if ye will not hearken unto me, and will not do all these commandments; And if ye shall despise my statutes, or if your soul abhor my judgments, so that ye will not do all my commandments, but that ye break my covenant: I also will do this unto you; I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and the burning ague, that shall consume the eyes, and cause sorrow of heart: and ye shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it.

A curse if we violate the law of God. The curse of blindness, loss of vision. We are also told in the bible that regarding “vision” that those who don’t keep His law have no “vision”:

Pro_29:18 Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.

“Happy is he” that keeps the law, but the Laodicean is “miserable” we are told, and he is “blind” or has “no vision”. Well, the only reason for that can be that they think, believe, teach and tell people they keep the law, when they “knowest not” that they don’t.

Lam_2:9 Her gates are sunk into the ground; he hath destroyed and broken her bars: her king and her princes are among the Gentiles: the law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the LORD.

One of God’s promises regarding not keeping his laws would be blindness. However, if we keep his commandments we walk blind cliff lawless laodicea vision in the light.

Proverbs 6:20-23 My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother: Bind them continually upon thine heart, and tie them about thy neck. When thou goest, it shall lead thee; when thou sleepest, it shall keep thee; and when thou awakest, it shall talk with thee. For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life:

How much more do God’s people need the light today? “So much the more as ye see the day approaching.” (Heb 10:26) And therefore these commandments are for the spiritual life of the people, then they must allow the spirit into the midst of them. They must open the door to allow Christ to come in and dwell with them. (John 14:17, 18)

God’s spirit is signified by rain. (See Joel 2:23, 28) In Leviticus 26:4 we were told that “If ye walk in my statutes, and keep my commandments, and do them; Then I will give you rain in due season”

We are also told in Deutoronomy in several places that “ if ye shall hearken diligently unto my commandments which I command you this day, to love the LORD your God, and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul, That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season..” (Deu 11:13, 14)

If God’s people would receive the latter rain, the holy spirit, or the fullness of him, it would be important for them to believe the word and to keep his commandments and statutes. We are also told regarding the latter rain that God has appointed times for pouring out the latter rain:

Zechariah 10:1 Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field.

Zechariah mentions the rain only one other time in his book, and that is in Zechariah chapter 14. God gives us the appointed time for pouring out His rain:

Zechariah 14:16-18 And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles. And it shall be, that whoso will not come up of all the families of the earth unto Jerusalem to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, even upon them shall be no rain.

The rain is to come down on those who come up to the feasts. This principle can also be seen in a careful study of Joel chapter 2. The apostles who received the early rain in Acts chapter 2 were gathered on the day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them. The feasts being mentioned in the statutes. God said “And ye shall keep it a feast unto the LORD seven days in the year. It shall be a statute for ever in your generations:” (Lev 23:41)

With such a small amount of time remaining in this world, our Father has called the Laodiceans up to the feast.

Luk 14:13 But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind:

But Laodicea says that they are “rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:” (Revelation 3:17)

Jesus goes on to speak a parable in the context of calling these “poor” and “blind” folks to a “feast”: (Brackets Added)

Luke 14:16-24 Then said he unto him, A certain man (Jesus) made a great supper (Feast), and bade many: And sent his servant at supper time (appointed time) to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. (I have a job and can’t take the time off) And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. (I would rather work than come up to the feast) And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. (I’m attached to a church and can’t go as she might not like that) So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house(church) being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. (Laodicea) And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.

It is written that they which came not up to the “feast of tabernacles” in Zechariah 14 which speaks of the appointed time for the out pouring of the latter rain, that they would not receive the latter rain, but rather would suffer the plagues. One of those plagues would be “blindness.”

Zec 14:12 And this shall be the plague wherewith the LORD will smite all the people that have fought against Jerusalem; Their flesh shall consume away while they stand upon their feet, and their eyes shall consume away in their holes, and their tongue shall consume away in their mouth.

Their eyes shall consume away in their holes” – Blindness and this shall be “the punishment of all nations that come not upto keep the feast of tabernacles.” (Zech 14:12, 19)

Laodicea and the Church of God

It is interesting to note that Christ is not in the Laodicean church.

Rev 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

Why is this important to note? Why is it important to understand where Christ is with respect to this church? The bible explains.

Ephesians 1:22-23 And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.

The presence of God is inside his church. The presence of God alone constitutes his church. If Christ is on the outside of the church knocking, that implies that his “body” is outside of the church of Laodicea. The head, shoulders, knees toes, and all other members of the body stand on the outside of the Laodicean church.

We are told in several scriptures that the temple of God is “the fullness of him” by his spirit in each individual member of the church. (See 1 Cor 3:16, 17, 1 Cor 6:19, 2 Cor 6:16, Eph 2:18-22, etc.) We are told that “Jerusalem, which is above is the mother of us all” (Gal 4:26) and that if we are children, we must be “children of promise” (Gal 4:28) or in other words “born again…by the word” (1 Pet 1:23) or in other words “born of spirit” (Gal 4:29). That the only way by which we might be children of the mother of us all, and members of the church, is we must be born into the family, the “remnant of her seed” and having “the testimony of Jesus” which is “the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev 12:17, 19:10)

With that in mind, the spirit not being in the midst of this church, we can conclude that the Laodicean church is not “the temple of God.” If it is not the church of God, or the “kingdom of God” (John 3:3) Then who’s kingdom or church is it?

Laodicea is “naked”, God’s church is “clothed with the sun” (Revelation 12:1) Could it be that the Laodicean Church is but a counterfeit of God’s true church in these last days. The last church is seen in Revelation 12 and 14.

Rev 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads.

Of the seven churches, there is one who bears the credentials of having the Father’s name in their forehead? Who have been sealed by that spirit of God? Who are children of the Mother of us all, also having her name in their forehead? The sixth church, Philadelphia.

Rev 3:12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.

These are the pillars that constitute the “temple of God”. But what of Laodicea? If they are not “the temple of God”, and they are “blinded by the god of this world.” Who then do they represent?

Rev 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

This church which confesses to be Jews, Christian, Protestant, Commandment Keeping, Seventh-day Adventist, without “the fullness of him that filleth all in all” is but a counterfeit of the “temple of God”, “the body of Christ”, “the church of the firstborn”. If it does not have the spirit in it, it is not “the temple of God”. So therefore it could only be but a counterfeit professing to be “God’s church” in this last day.

Now before we finish, I am only reading what the word of God clearly tells us. It is not in God’s order for us to go around calling other churches “the synagogue of Satan” to others, even if we know that they are. However, the word has clearly revealed this by principle and spoken it, and we can know and understand these things so that we might not make the mistake of saying “the synagogue of Satan is the church of god.”

Most of us have aided in building up the kingdom of Satan, and are as guilty as any other who we might perceive to be among them. God help us that we should never again say “I am increased with goods and in need of nothing”. For the mercy which he has had on us, I pray it to be had on every soul who may be deceived into this Laodicean state of mind. And may we all heed the call to come out of it. And to be among the children of God, “who have the spirit of His Son whereby we cry of Abba, Father” (Gal 4:6)

Let us be among those who come up to feast with Christ and “will sup with him, and he with me.” (Revelation 3:20)

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