Last time, we heard a severe indictment from the Lord against the church in Laodicea. They are lukewarm, mediocre, worldly-minded.
Yet there is also patience and grace on Christ's part. There is still patience: He is about to spit them out, but that moment has not yet come. And so, he comes with an admonition. We read in verse 18, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.” In other words, Christ urges the church of Laodicea to buy spiritual products from him instead of seeking them elsewhere for selfish reasons. He is talking about gold, eye ointment, and white clothing. With these goods, they will be rich, clothed, and able to see. Of course, all of this is spoken figuratively; it refers to spiritual goods. The Laodiceans are spiritually poor, although they think they have abundant good works. They lack the garment of righteousness of Christ but think they have everything they need. They are blind to see that Christ is the source where everything they need is available for time and eternity! And He gives it all by free grace.
Yet, Christ speaks of buying. We read, “I counsel thee to buy of me.” We are reminded of Isaiah 55:1, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”
Why does Christ speak of buying the goods He gives out for free? This language makes it clear that the goods Christ gives by grace come into our rightful possession. They are earned by Christ but belong to everyone who believes in Him. They rightfully belong to everyone who comes to Him as a beggar and receives grace from His hand. The Bible uses the language of marriage to make clear the relationship between Christ and the believer. Christ is the Bridegroom; the Church is the Bride. So, each member of the Church possesses what belongs to Christ. What a miracle! He takes upon Himself all our sins; we receive all His goods. And that by faith alone, by grace alone.