How should we understand the letter to Laodicea in Revelation?
Is the letter relevant to us today? Does it represent a figurative Laodicean Church Age?
Revelation 3:14 - 22
ESV - 14 And to the angel of the church in Laodicea write: 'The words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of God's creation. 15 'I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot!
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Asked October 27 2015
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Vincent Mercado
Supporter
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Vincent Mercado
So far I have heard this from two groups - William Branham's End Times group and EGW's SDA group.
Its kindda new idea for me, since I never heard this explained like this in the Catholic Church. Are there any other groups who hold the same interpretation?
Jennifer Rothnie
The 'church age' view is fairly common and has been around for a while (pre-reformation) though I think it came into prominence through the Franciscans. It's a common belief among many dispensationalists (not all) as well.
I am not sure that there is any comprehensive list as to what denominations, commentators, or other groups hold to the idea that the letters to the seven churches correspond to seven ages in history. For protestant denominations at least, it is common to find individuals with wildly different views on eschatology attending the same church group.
One difficulty is that different teachers and groups organize the seven ages in different ways. For example, some authors see Laodicea as 'the Era of “Higher Criticism”', spanning A.D. 1900 to the Tribulation. Others see Laodicea as representing the time between the rapture and the sixth seal. Other groups see Laodicea as representing the 'Power of the Laity' from 1914-1993 AD. Etc.
Some also hold to the seven churches being seven literal churches as well as seven prophetic ages, others think them completely figurative.
There are many differing beliefs on it, but one good test (as with anything) is to analyze whether a group is actually basing their belief on clear scripture, vs. trying to fit scripture into their preconceived notions or just speculating/ assuming.
Vincent Mercado
Seven prophetic ages?