In the case of Laodicea, the inscription differs from the rest, inasmuch as it is the character of Christ in himself, apart from the saints, instead of his relationship to them. Christ remains the same, although the church is gone to ruin. God could put his amen on him, if the church fail ever so. And he is available for every opened ear. There is nothing owned, but he rebukes and chastens. He is outside, standing at the door, yet ready for anyone who has ears to hear. All good is shut up in him. As for the professing church, there is entire, definite, final rejection: not a hope of restoration is held out as a whole, but positive judgment is threatened, however love may work still, as with Israel of old, towards individuals