Beech Tree News Network

The title above comes I Corinthians 6:11. In context, I Corinthians 6:9-11 reminded the Corinthians (and us) that it is Christ who made forgiveness of sins possible. Let us read I Corinthians 6:9-11 and make some applications.

    “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor 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” (I Cor. 6:9-11). Our study will focus upon the statement, “And such were some of you”. To me, this statement speaks volumes.

    In context, the word “such” means “of like manner.” After reading the list of sins from verses 9 and 10, some might be inclined to look down on others and say, “I would never want to be around people like that!” The apostle Paul’s statement reminds the Corinthians that this church was made up of folks who had committed such sins, but were now forgiven (v. 11).

    In history, Corinth was a very immoral city. They were so wicked that those in the first century who lived a life of drunkenness and immorality were said to “live like a Corinthian.” It is in this climate that the apostle Paul entered Corinth and preached the gospel, converting many people to Christ (Acts 18:8; I Cor. 1:14-16).

    There is no question that the Corinthian Christians had been guilty of various sins (v. 9-10)! We know it was encouraged in their society; but these people learned better through the preaching of the gospel (Acts 18).

    Though the people had been guilty of sin (Rom. 3:23), they “were” now forgiven in Christ. They had repented (Lk. 13:3; Acts 17:30) and had been baptized into Christ (Acts 18:8, 2:38). Therefore, they “were” in sin (including sins listed in I Cor. 6:9-10), but had been forgiven by Christ when baptized (Acts 18:8).

    No one can escape his past! Even the apostle Paul, though forgiven and looking forward to a “crown of righteousness” (II Tim. 4:6-8), said he was the “chief” of sinners when he reflected upon his past life (I Tim. 1:15). The Corinthians were reminded that they “were” in sin, until they received the forgiveness of Christ!

    The word “some” in this text lets us know that the sins listed in I Corinthians 6:9-10 entangled the members of the Corinthian church. This is significant for three reasons:

    1) It says something about the apostle Paul who went to Corinth! He was willing and ready to preach the gospel to whomever would listen! (Just like he did at Rome - Rom. 1:16.) He understood Christ’s words to preach the gospel to “every creature” (Mk. 16:15), and this includes preaching to folks who have committed some of the most heinous sins! They needed forgiveness, but could not be forgiven until they are told what to do to be saved (Mk. 16:16).

    2) It also tells us that people engaged in sins can repent of sin and do what is right! Sometimes, we are told that folks’ sins are a “disease,” or that sins are somehow inbred into their genetic code. This is wrong. This passage makes it clear that regardless of the sin (one’s choice, Jas. 1:14-15), one can be forgiven when he willingly listens to and obeys the gospel of Christ (Acts 18:8; Heb. 5:8-9).

    3) Truly, God is forgiving, loving, and “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (II Pet. 3:9).

    The last phrase, “of you” speaks not only to the Corinthians, but also to all readers of this letter. May we all beware of arrogance and pride! “You” may have been guilty of the very sins mentioned here! No one can say that he has never sinned (I Jn. 1:10). Therefore, let no one look down upon one who repents of sin and is baptized, or is restored as an erring Christian (Acts 2:38, 8:22; I Jn. 1:9). We, like the Corinthians, need to be “washed … sanctified” and “justified”; and we will be when we do only what the Lord says!
 

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167