In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we have the following,
"Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom
of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, not idolaters, nor
adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners,
shall inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but
ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God."
In verses 9 and 10, the apostle Paul cites a list
of heinous sins so common in those of the world. Then, in verse
11 he frankly says, "And such were some of you:"! We
emphasize the word "were." Why is it that they "were"
such but are no longer thus? It is because they were washed, sanctified,
and justified. This being the case, let us look at these three
words and see what they mean.
First, it seems elementary that a washing implies
a cleansing. The Hebrew people were very familiar with the various
rites of washing. Before God's people met with Him, they were
to wash themselves. (Exodus 40:32). In the New Testament this
washing involved baptism, (Acts 22:16). As we read in Acts 2:38,
this baptism is to be preceded by repentance, which involves a
change of mind, a change of desire, and a change of action. So,
these Corinthians were "washed" or baptized. That is
why they were no longer fornicators, idolaters, or such like.
Secondly, they were sanctified. W. E. Vine's Dictionary
of New Testament Words informs us that the word sanctified
or sanctify comes from the same root word as "saint,"
which means one who has been set apart. This is closely akin to
the Greek word ekklesia, which is translated church.
It means "a called out group." The church is a called
out - set apart from the world - group of people. Therefore, they
are no longer a part of that group of people who practice such
sinful ways. They are a new creation (people). (2 Corinthians
5:17).
Third, they were justified. Webster defines justify
as: "To prove or show to be just, right or reasonable; vindicate;
absolve:" Having repented, been baptized, and living a sanctified
(set apart) life, they were absolved of their past sins, "in
the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God."
This threefold effect happens to everyone who
is obedient to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dear friend, will you not hear the word of God,
believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, repent of your sins,
confess Jesus is the Son of God, and be baptized for the remission
of your sins? I pray that you will. It may be that some of the
readers of this good paper may have broken fellowship with the
church and are in need of being restored to the Shepherd and Bishop
of their souls (1 Peter 2: 25). Confess your sin(s) and ask God
for His gracious forgiveness. There is no more precious thing
that you have than your eternal soul. -5636 Cherrywood Dr., Lorain,
OH 44053.