In biblical literature, the terms "hot" and "cold" are often used metaphorically to describe spiritual fervor, zeal, or the lack thereof. These terms are most notably referenced in the context of spiritual commitment and the state of one's faith.

Revelation 3:15-16
The most direct biblical reference to "hot" and "cold" is found in the book of Revelation, where the risen Christ addresses the church in Laodicea: "I know your deeds; you are neither cold nor hot. How I wish you were one or the other! So because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to vomit you out of My mouth" (Revelation 3:15-16). Here, "hot" symbolizes fervent, passionate faith, while "cold" represents a clear, albeit distant, stance from faith. The "lukewarm" condition is criticized as it reflects a complacent and indifferent spiritual state, which is displeasing to God.

Spiritual Zeal and Indifference
The metaphor of being "hot" is often associated with spiritual zeal and enthusiasm for God's work. This is seen in various biblical figures who demonstrate fervent commitment to God's commands and purposes. For instance, the prophet Elijah is depicted as zealous for the Lord, confronting the prophets of Baal with fiery determination (1 Kings 18:20-40).

Conversely, "cold" can represent a state of spiritual indifference or opposition. However, in the context of Revelation, being "cold" is paradoxically preferable to being "lukewarm," as it indicates a definitive stance that can be more easily addressed and transformed.

Old Testament Imagery
While the specific terms "hot" and "cold" are not frequently used in the Old Testament to describe spiritual states, the concepts are present. The fervor of the Israelites when they are faithful to God is often depicted through imagery of fire and heat, such as the burning bush (Exodus 3:2) or the pillar of fire that guided them by night (Exodus 13:21). These images convey God's presence and the intensity of His relationship with His people.

New Testament Application
In the New Testament, the call to be "hot" in one's faith is echoed in the exhortations to be fervent in spirit, serving the Lord (Romans 12:11). The early church is encouraged to maintain a passionate commitment to the teachings of Christ and the apostles, avoiding the pitfalls of spiritual complacency.

Practical Implications
For believers, the metaphor of being "hot" or "cold" serves as a call to examine one's spiritual life. It challenges individuals to pursue a vibrant and active faith, avoiding the dangers of becoming lukewarm. This involves regular self-assessment, prayer, and engagement with Scripture to ensure that one's relationship with God remains dynamic and alive.

In summary, the biblical use of "hot" and "cold" serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual fervor and commitment. It underscores the importance of maintaining a passionate and active faith, warning against the dangers of spiritual indifference and complacency.Revelation 3:16
So then because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of my mouth.
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Revelation 3:1-22
And to the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things said he that has the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know your works, that you have a name that you live, and are dead.
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1 John 2:1-29
My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:
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Romans 8:1-39
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
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Romans 8:28
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
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1 Timothy 2:1-15
I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;
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Ephesians 5:1-33
Be you therefore followers of God, as dear children;
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2 Thessalonians 1:1-12
Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
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Revelation 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.
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The Laodicean State of Christendom.
... Much doing but little accomplished. Much display but little power. Neither hot nor
cold: neither out and out for God, nor out and out for the Devil. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/3 the laodicean state of.htm

What is Our Free Will, which Stands in Between the Lust of the ...
... of lukewarmness, and make us like those who are rebuked by the Lord's remonstrance
in the Apocalypse: "I know thy works, that thou art neither hot nor cold. ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter xii what is our.htm

The Holy Communion.
... of heart, and dead of faith, if all with one consent begin to make excuse, and say,
'I cannot come.' I had rather they were either hot or cold, but because ...
/.../the village pulpit volume ii trinity to advent/xxxix the holy communion.htm

Pythagoras; his Cosmogony; Rules of his Sect; Discoverer of ...
... that the terrestrial sends up a production from earth, and that this is water; and
that the celestial is a fire, partaking of the nature of air, hot and cold. ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter ii pythagoras his cosmogony rules.htm

Eighth Tractate. Nature Contemplation and the One.
... The Nature-Principle must be an Ideal-Form, not a compound of Form and Matter; there
is no need for it to possess Matter, hot and cold: the Matter that ...
/.../plotinus/the six enneads/eighth tractate nature contemplation and.htm

Whether the Five Exterior Senses are Properly Distinguished?
... But the sense of touch grasps several contraries; such as hot or cold, damp or dry,
and suchlike. Therefore it is not a single sense but several. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the five exterior senses.htm

The Right to the Ordinary Safeguards of Good Health
... Fragrant tea, bitter tea, hot tea, cold tea; tea served in hand-painted china, tea
in an earthenware bowl"whatever the cup was, we lifted it to our lips and ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/williamson/have we no rights/chapter 3 the right to.htm

How those are to be Admonished who do not Even Begin Good Things ...
... It is required, then, that every one be either hot or cold, lest, being lukewarm,
he be spued out: that is, that either, being not yet converted, he still ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter xxxiv how those are.htm

Care of the Speaker's Throat
... The diet of the public speaker should be reasonably moderate, and the extremes of
hot and cold avoided. The use of ice-water is to be discouraged. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kleiser/talks on talking/care of the speakers throat.htm

The Doctrines of Apelles; Philumene, his Prophetess.
... (He maintains,) however, that (Christ) formed his body by taking portions of it
from the substance of the universe: that is, hot and cold, and moist and dry. ...
/.../the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxvi the doctrines of apelles.htm

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