1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God.
There are many black and white issues in this world. Paul gives some clear ones in these verses. Our world today is trying to blur the black and white into “50 Shades of Gray.” Paul’s list here is not exhaustive. Any sin separates us from God and eternal life. The good news is that the cross covers our sins if we will accept its place in our lives. In other words, when we say “yes” to Christ, we will inherit the kingdom of God. This yes is more than verbal, or a confession at an altar of prayer. It must include a genuine repentance and rejection of sin. Verse 11 will highlight the power of God’s grace to transform us. There is a time to preach grace but there is also a time to preach sin. People must be warned about the eternal result of certain lifestyles. People cannot continue in lifestyles contrary to God’s purpose and plan as laid out in his laws. This is a difficult message to preach. Paul felt it was important enough to put in this letter. He risked the alienation of the church or parts of this church. But he was speaking the truth. The truth will speak for itself. When we preach and teach on these topics, we do not stand on our own authority but on the authority of God. We may be criticized for being bigots, intolerant, or homophobes or other terms that are thrown around these days. We may suffer ridicule or even persecution. But the truth does not change. Paul’s day was full of immorality of all kinds, yet he was not afraid to confront sin, especially in the church. But when he did talk about sin, he was always soon to offer the answer in Jesus. We can follow his pattern: preach the truth of sin but offer the way out.
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