As a devout Christian, I take an interest in how believers practice their faith. I took a special interest in this topic after reading the letter to the Church in Laodicea, in which Jesus warns believers against practicing lukewarm faith. I was curious to find out whether lukewarm people go to heaven, so I decided to conduct more research on it. I visited a Church, talked to different spiritual leaders, and explored other Bible verses. Last Monday, as I was teaching my college theology students about lukewarm believers, one of them asked me whether such people would go to heaven. Another asked what the Bible says about lukewarm people. Having conducted in-depth research on this and talked to numerous Bible scholars, I had all the right answers at my fingertips. So, will lukewarm people go to heaven?
No. Jesus said that not everyone that calls his Lord will enter the kingdom of God (Matthew 7:21). The problem with lukewarm believers is that they claim to be Christians but do not live by Christ. The only way that a lukewarm believer can go to heaven is if they fully believe in Jesus and abide and live by the spirit. Eternal life is a gift that God gives to anyone that fully believes in Jesus.
In this article, I invite you to join me as we examine what the Bible says about lukewarm people. Keep reading to find out why Jesus taught strongly against lukewarm people, whether they will go to heaven, signs of a lukewarm Christian, and much more!
What does the Bible say about lukewarm believers?
The Bible tells us to avoid lukewarm believers. Paul condemned evil in 2nd Timothy 3:5 and said that in the last days, hypocrisy will be common. He told Christians to avoid lukewarm believers that appear godly but deny God’s power.
Lukewarm believers claim to love God but are friends with the world. In James 4:4, James calls them adulterous people and tells them that being friends with the world is an enemy of God. Apostle John also repeated the same message about loving the world and being lukewarm believers in 1st John 2:15-16.
Additionally, Paul warns us against being lukewarm believers in Galatians 5:25. This verse tells Christians that if they live by the spirit, they should keep in step with the spirit. When Paul was in prison in Rome, he also warned believers against being lukewarm. He said in Ephesians 4:1 that he was a prisoner for the Lord and urged every believer to walk in a manner that was worthy of the calling to which they have been called.
Why did Jesus teach strongly against lukewarm believers?
Jesus strongly taught against lukewarm believers since their behavior prevents them from entering heaven. He said in Matthew 7:21 that not everyone that calls him Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus was also against lukewarm faith since this kind of hypocrisy is sickening to God. He described the lukewarm heart attitude of the Laodicea Church in Revelation 3:14-16. Jesus said that he knew their works, and because they were not cold or hot, he would spit them out of his mouth.
Jesus also teaches strongly against being lukewarm since it signals that one’s heart is far from God. In Isaiah 29:13, God said that lukewarm believers honor him with their lips, but their hearts are very far away from him, and they worship based on human rules. Therefore, Jesus warned against being lukewarm believers since it is not genuine and ruins one relationship with God.
Signs of a lukewarm Christian
A lukewarm Christian claims to be a believer but does not live by Christ. Like lukewarm water, which is neither cold nor hot, they do not fully stick to one side. Therefore a lukewarm Christian does not put God first in their life. They prioritize other things, including the things of this world.
A lukewarm Christian lives a different life on Sunday than the rest of the days. Their interest in the things of God keeps on reducing. For instance, though the Christian may have started quite well, they lose interest in fellowshipping with other believers, reading the Bible, or praying.
Such a person is not comfortable sharing their faith with the world. Their friends may not even know that they are Christians. A lukewarm Christian only turns to God when experiencing life difficulties. Additionally, they put more faith in their good works than in Christ.
How do you avoid being a lukewarm Christian?
Start by assessing where you stand with God. In everything you do, do it out of love for God and not for any other personal motives. You should also be aware of the comfort of riches. Revelations 3:17 says that when someone believes they are rich and have everything they need, they are poor and blind. Even when you are Christian and rich, you should not let your wealth deceive you. Do not put your trust in your wealth but rather in God.
You can also avoid being a lukewarm Christian by spending time with Jesus. This can prevent you from losing interest in the things of God. Revelation 3:20 says that the Lord stands at the door, waiting for you to hear his voice and open the door. If you do this, you will share a meal with him. This verse reminds us of the importance of fellowshipping with God to avoid being lukewarm.
Are lukewarm believers likely to lose their salvation?
No. Christians cannot lose their salvation since God promised that anyone who believed in him has eternal life (John 5:24). However, most Bible scholars imply that lukewarm believers are not born-again Christians and are not saved. Therefore, we cannot talk about them losing their salvation.
In the passage of the letter to the church of Laodicea, Jesus said in Revelation 3:20 that he stands at the door and knocks. This means that the Christless church has locked the Lord out of the church and was not saved since salvation comes through Jesus. Additionally, Jesus described them as poor, naked, blind, and miserable. These words only describe an unbeliever and not a believer.
What does Revelation 3:14-21 mean?
This passage is a warning that Jesus was giving to the church of Laodicea. He reminded them that he knew their works and warned them against being lukewarm believers. The church was not earnest believers. Though they did not oppose the gospel, they did not defend it.
He was telling them that the lukewarm faith that they practiced was limiting the impact they could have with God. He said they were blind, naked since their lukewarm faith was not useful. Since they were compromised as Christians, Jesus was asking them to repent. He even asked them to let them in and invite him into their church and hearts.
Jesus also tells them of the consequences of being lukewarm when he says that he will spit them out of his mouth. This means that if they continued practicing this faith, Christ would reject them.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
