Q. Of what is the Laodicean Church symbolic? Does it refer to non-Christian religions, or to liberal denominations within nominal Christianity?
A. Actually, the answer is neither. The churches listed in Chapters 2 and 3 of the Revelation comprise a thumbnail sketch of the history of the Christian church from its beginning until the return of Christ. Obviously, any other religion that, from its inception, denies the basic Christian doctrines as presented in the Bible, would not be included in this consideration. Their members belong to bodies which, from their creation, have been leading their members to a Christless eternity.

The Laodicean church is comprised of those who claim the name of Christ and “go through the motions” of Christianity, but who have no saving knowledge of our Lord. The Bible speaks of them in Revelation 3:15-16.

We cannot associate this lukewarmness with particular denominations. While we often speak of “liberal, mainline denominations” within Christianity, it is on an individual basis that a person is saved or lost. While, for the most part, the individuals in some of these bodies are lost, we recognize that a certain percentage of people within them have come to Christ as personal Savior. On the other hand, it is a sad but true fact that there are people in evangelical, Biblebelieving churches who have no such relationship with Christ, and who are lost. So, it is not by denominational affiliation that a person is a member of either the Laodicean church or the Philadelphian church; this is determined by an individual’s relationship—or lack thereof—with Jesus Christ. To those within the Laodicean church who wish to come out, Christ offers them the opportunity in Revelation 3:20.

Q. If a person takes the mark of the beast out of ignorance or misinformation, how do they repent and have the mark removed?
A. Unfortunately, the Bible offers no hope for such a person. Anyone who misses the Rapture because they were not saved during the Church Age will have a very serious decision to make—whether or not to take the mark of the beast. Even if that decision is made in haste or ignorance or whatever, it will have eternal consequences. After describing the mark of the beast in Revelation Chapter 13, and how it will be universally required to buy or sell, the Bible describes the fate of all of them who accept it in Revelation 14:9-11.

The people who you refer to as ignorant or misinformed are actually under the “strong delusion” described by the Apostle Paul: “And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:11-12).

Although there will be an opportunity for those left behind after the Rapture to be saved, they will have to resist the Antichrist and his mark. This will be hard to do, since no one will be able to buy or sell without the mark. Also, the Antichrist will be a very persuasive individual who will convince multitudes to follow his “strong delusion.” Yet, the Bible says that there will still be many saved during the Tribulation (Revelation 7:9-17), despite the fact that most of them will pay for their decision with their lives.

Q. Why is it that some people fear Bible Prophecy?
A. One guess is that they are not Christians. If this is the case, then they would be very justified in being afraid about what is to come. The fearful judgments spelled out in the Book of the Revelation and elsewhere, coupled with the despotic rule of the Antichrist during the Tribulation, can and should strike fear into the heart of anyone who does not know Jesus Christ as personal Savior. This, then, should prompt them to admit they are sinners and come to Jesus Christ as Savior, so they may participate in the Rapture of the Church and be spared from the wrath to come during the Tribulation. This is all described in Revelation 3:10.