A lukewarm Christian is someone whose faith has settled into a comfortable routine: still believing in Jesus, but no longer living as though they depend on Him. The word comes from Jesus’ own words to the church in Laodicea (Revelation 3:14–22).
Jesus’ words to that church are some of the strongest in the Bible. They also come with love, and with an open door.
Where “Lukewarm” Comes From
“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth!”
Revelation 3:15–16 NLT
Bible teachers explain “hot” and “cold” in different ways. What the passage makes clear is how strongly Jesus felt about what He saw, and the very next verse tells us why.
What Made Them Lukewarm
The church in Laodicea was comfortable, and Jesus named the real problem:
“You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.”
Revelation 3:17 NLT
At its root, lukewarm faith is faith that has stopped feeling its need for Jesus. From the outside it can look fine: church on Sunday, a prayer before meals, a Bible on the shelf. Inside, life runs on its own strength, and Jesus has become an extra rather than the One we depend on.
Even then, Jesus’ answer was an invitation. He told them to come to Him for what only He could give (Revelation 3:18).
Questions to Bring Honestly to God
A list of “signs” can easily become a test to pass or fail. These work better as questions to pray through:
- When I go to church, pray or open my Bible, am I expecting to meet God?
- Day to day, do I live as though I need Him?
- Do I know what the Bible says, and let it change what I do?
- Who is guiding my decisions: my comfort, or His Word?
Most of us know more of God’s truth than we’re living. That distance between knowing truth and living it consistently in real life is what we call The Gap (opens in a new tab). Lukewarm faith often lives right there.
If some of these questions land, take it as an invitation. Noticing is often where coming back begins.
Does Being Lukewarm Mean I’m Not Saved?
That’s often the real worry behind this question. It’s worth seeing who Jesus was speaking to: a church, people who gathered in His name. His warning was serious, and He meant it. He also told them why He gave it:
“I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference.”
Revelation 3:19 NLT
Jesus’ rebuke comes from love. He warns His people so they’ll turn back to Him.
Only God sees the heart, and no checklist can settle where you stand with Him. If you’re not sure you have ever truly put your faith in Jesus, begin there: turn to Him, trust what He has done for you, and receive Him. If you know Him but your faith has cooled, hear His call to turn back, and open the door to Him again.
Jesus Is at the Door
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Revelation 3:20 NLT
Jesus spoke these words to the church, to people who had left Him standing outside their everyday lives. He doesn’t force the door, and He doesn’t walk away. He knocks, and He offers to sit down with them as a friend.
The way back is simpler than trying harder. It’s opening the door.
How to Come Back
1. Be honest with Him. Tell God where your faith has cooled. Turning back begins with telling Him the truth.
2. Open the door every day. Spend time with Jesus in His Word and in prayer, even briefly. Come to listen, as well as to read. (For simple ways to draw near, see How to Get Closer to God (opens in a new tab).)
3. Let His Word change one thing. When a passage speaks to you, ask what it means for your day, and do it.
4. Come back with others. Tell a trusted friend, a pastor or your small group where you are. Faith grows warmer in good company.
If what you’re feeling is more like a lost desire for God, see Spiritual Apathy (opens in a new tab).
From Lukewarm to Living It
Jesus is still knocking. Opening the door is the beginning. As you spend time with Him in His Word, He renews your heart and your mind, and your faith begins to show in how you live. At Renewing Your Mind Discipleship Ministry, we teach a simple way to engage God’s Word so it changes how you live, in four parts. We call it The Process.
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
