I never understood these words.
Does Jesus mean you’re screwed anyway if you’re consistently evil but at least you didn’t waffle or did he mean there’s more of a chance for that person than for a luke warm person to get to Heaven, or at least Purgatory?
First, find purgatory for me in the Bible.
Let me offer a Reader’s Digest version of the interpretation of that passage from Bible teachers I trust.
The context is key, and the Laodiceans would have known exactly what the message meant. Over the centuries the idea has been a bit lost, though a kernel of the truth remains.
So maybe this will help.
The area around Laodiciea (forgive my fat finger cell phone spelling please) was known for its springs of water. People traveled there for them. The hot springs provided relief from muscle pain and various other maladies while the cool springs were wonderfully refreshing and delicious.
The idea may very well be that Christ is urging His people to play one of these roles. Both are vital to life: relieving our fellow man of pain and hurt AND refreshing them with love, friendship. What is our role?
The waters that were stagnant had no function...didn’t heal, didn’t refresh. Christ cannot use that type of bad water.
I hope this helps.
I think to get to Purgatory you have to follow the yellow brick road. Or is that Oz? I can’t remember.