1 Corinthians 6:9
Verse
Context
Members of Christ
8Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers!9Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts,10nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
Sermons






Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom - The unrighteous, αδικοι, those who act contrary to right, cannot inherit, for the inheritance is by right. He who is not a child of God has no right to the family inheritance, for that inheritance is for the children. If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, Rom 8:17. There are here ten classes of transgressors which the apostle excludes from the kingdom of God; and any man who is guilty of any one of the evils mentioned above is thereby excluded from this kingdom, whether it imply the Church of Christ here below, or the state of glory hereafter. Several of the evils here enumerated will not bear to be particularly explained; they are, however, sufficiently plain of themselves, and show us what abominations were commonly practised among the Corinthians.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
unrighteous--Translate, "Doers of wrong": referring to Co1 6:8 (compare Gal 5:21). kingdom of God--which is a kingdom of righteousness (Rom 14:17). fornicators--alluding to Co1 5:1-13; also below, Co1 6:12-18. effeminate--self-polluters, who submit to unnatural lusts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?.... A way of speaking much like that in the Talmud, "know thou, that the world to come is not made but for the righteous?" (h) Without a righteousness there will be no entrance into the world of bliss and happiness hereafter; and this must be a better righteousness than what a sinful creature is capable of working out, and no other than the righteousness of Christ. It was a loss and want of righteousness that cast the angels down from heaven, and turned Adam out of paradise; and whoever of his posterity: are destitute of one, will fall short of enjoying the glory of God; for it is not agreeable to the holy nature of God, to his infinite justice and righteous law, to admit any into heaven without a righteousness: hence a judgment seat is erected, before which all must stand; and those that will be found without a righteousness, will be for ever excluded the kingdom of heaven; and could any unrighteous persons be received there, it would spoil the pleasure and happiness of the saints. Now this is said, partly to dissuade the Corinthians from going to law with each other before unrighteous persons, who have no right to the kingdom of God, and living and dying as they are, will have no share in it; and therefore since they are not to be fellow heirs and companions with them in another world, they should not bring their causes before them in this; and partly to reprove them for their injurious and unrighteous actions among themselves, their tricking and defrauding of one another, with other sins they were guilty of; which, if not repented of, would show, that notwithstanding their profession, they were destitute of the grace of God, were unfit to be in the kingdom of God, in a Gospel church state here below, and would be shut out of the kingdom of heaven hereafter. Be not deceived imagining, that through your knowledge and profession you shall be saved, live as you will: neither fornicators, such as are guilty of uncleanness with persons in a single state: nor idolaters; who worship more gods than one, and not the true God; who do service to them that are not gods, and perform what the Jews call "strange service": and not only fall down to stocks and stones, but serve divers lusts and pleasures, the idols of their own hearts: nor adulterers: such as have criminal conversation with persons in a married state: nor effeminate; or "soft", or, as the Syriac renders it, "corrupters"; that is, of themselves, by voluntary pollution, such as are guilty of the sin of Onan, Gen 38:8. Nor abusers of themselves with mankind; sodomites. (h) T. Bab. Yebamot, fol 47. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here he takes occasion to warn them against many heinous evils, to which they had been formerly addicted. I. He puts it to them as a plain truth, of which they could not be ignorant, that such sinners should not inherit the kingdom of God. The meanest among them must know thus much, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Co1 6:9), shall not be owned as true members of his church on earth, nor admitted as glorious members of the church in heaven. All unrighteousness is sin; and all reigning sin, nay, every actual sin committed deliberately, and not repented of, shuts out of the kingdom of heaven. He specifies several sorts of sins: against the first and second commandments, as idolaters; against the seventh, as adulterers, fornicators, effeminate, and Sodomites; against the eighth, as thieves and extortioners, that by force or fraud wrong their neighbours; against the ninth, as revilers; and against the tenth, as covetous and drunkards, as those who are in a fair way to break all the rest. Those who knew any thing of religion must know that heaven could never be intended for these. The scum of the earth are no ways fit to fill the heavenly mansions. Those who do the devil's work can never receive God's wages, at least no other than death, the just wages of sin, Rom 6:23. II. Yet he warns them against deceiving themselves: Be not deceived. Those who cannot but know the fore-mentioned truth are but too apt not to attend to it. Men are very much inclined to flatter themselves that God is such a one as themselves, and that they may live in sin and yet die in Christ, may lead the life of the devil's children and yet go to heaven with the children of God. But this is all a gross cheat. Note, It is very much the concern of mankind that they do not cheat themselves in the matters of their souls. We cannot hope to sow to the flesh and yet reap everlasting life. III. He puts them in mind what a change the gospel and grace of God had made in them: Such were some of you (Co1 6:11), such notorious sinners as he had been reckoning up. The Greek word is tauta - such things were some of you, very monsters rather than men. Note, Some that are eminently good after their conversion have been as remarkably wicked before. Quantum mutatus ab illo! How glorious a change does grace make! It changes the vilest of men into saints and the children of God. Such were some of you, but you are not what you were. You are washed, you are sanctified, you are justified in the name of Christ, and by the Spirit of our God. Note, The wickedness of men before conversion is no bar to their regeneration and reconciliation to God. The blood of Christ, and the washing of regeneration, can purge away all guilt and defilement. Here is a rhetorical change of the natural order: You are sanctified, you are justified. Sanctification is mentioned before justification: and yet the name of Christ, by which we are justified, is placed before the Spirit of God, by whom we are sanctified. Our justification is owing to the merit of Christ; our sanctification to the operation of the Spirit: but both go together. Note, None are cleansed from the guilt of sin, and reconciled to God through Christ, but those who are also sanctified by his Spirit. All who are made righteous in the sight of God are made holy by the grace of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:9-11 Those who willingly sin have no share in the Kingdom of God. The lives of Christians must reflect the faith they confess. 6:9 Don’t fool yourselves: Sin is deceptive; believers should not take it lightly, as if it were somehow acceptable (Jer 17:9). • Continuing to indulge unrepentantly in sexual sin indicates a heart that has not been renewed by the Holy Spirit. Sexual sins include adultery (see Exod 20:14; Matt 5:27-28) and practicing homosexuality (cp. Lev 18:22; 20:13; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Tim 1:10).
1 Corinthians 6:9
Members of Christ
8Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, even against your own brothers!9Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts,10nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
Agreeing to Tempt the Spirit of the Lord
By Carter Conlon3.8K42:52Tempting God1CO 6:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the season of incredible grace described in Acts chapter 4, where prayers are being answered, signs and wonders are happening, and hearts are turning to God. The preacher draws parallels to the present moment, highlighting the recent experiences of a church congregation returning from Brundy, where an entire nation turned to God and reconciliation occurred. The sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine conversion and walking in truth, warning against playing games with the Holy Spirit. The preacher also shares the story of an individual who attended church but lived a lie outside of it, emphasizing the need for true surrender to Christ and the futility of a religious system without genuine transformation. The sermon concludes with a reminder of the biblical admonitions against unrighteousness, fornication, idolatry, and covetousness.
Why Should I Turn From Sin?
By Carter Conlon2.5K44:01Forsaking SinGEN 3:7MAT 6:331CO 6:9HEB 10:26In this sermon, the preacher urges the audience not to waste their lives pursuing worldly things and living apart from the word of God. He emphasizes the importance of coming to Christ, giving Him their hearts, and turning away from sin. By immersing themselves in the Bible and aligning with God's will, they will experience a transformation and receive a new mind, heart, and spirit. The preacher also highlights the power of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, which broke the power and penalty of sin, and opened the way for humanity to come back to God. He encourages the audience to let go of their idols, such as money, and instead follow Jesus, who offers true satisfaction and treasure in heaven.
Directions Against Fornication and Uncleanness
By Richard Baxter2.4K49:45FornicationHolinessAudio Books1CO 6:9Richard Baxter delivers a powerful sermon on the dangers of fornication and uncleanness, emphasizing that no sin is so vile that it cannot be rationalized by frequent engagement. He argues that the will of God, as expressed in Scripture, is sufficient to condemn such actions, and that our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, which should not be defiled. Baxter provides practical directions to avoid temptation, including the importance of self-control, avoiding idleness, and the necessity of marriage for those unable to contain their desires. He warns that those who reconcile their consciences to fornication often become desensitized to other sins, leading to a life devoid of moral integrity. Ultimately, he calls for a return to holiness and the recognition of the severe consequences of sin.
(Through the Bible) 1 Corinthians 5-6
By Chuck Smith2.1K1:16:10Through The Bible1CO 6:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of laboring for the Lord and not getting caught up in worldly projects that have no eternal value. He reminds the audience that even if their efforts seem to go in vain, their labor for the Lord is never in vain. The speaker also highlights the freedom that comes with being a Christian and the captivity of living in sin. He encourages the audience to live in a way that pleases God and to respect their bodies as instruments created by God. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing his desire to hear Jesus commend him as a faithful servant on the day of judgment.
Christian Living in a Corinthian World
By Albert Barr1.8K1:00:28Christian LivingMAT 6:331CO 6:91CO 6:19In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a holy and loving life as a testimony to others. He shares a story about a rescue attempt gone wrong to illustrate how some people's outward appearance of holiness can hide a mean and unloving heart. The preacher also highlights the need for balance in Christian living, acknowledging the freedom and liberty that Jesus has given believers. He references 1 Corinthians 6:9 to remind the congregation of the moral purity expected of those who will inherit the kingdom of God.
Richard Owen Roberts 2 - Broken Before the Throne 2010
By Richard Owen Roberts1.6K2:07:321CO 6:9This sermon emphasizes the need for true humility and repentance in order to experience the power of God in our lives and in the church. It highlights the dangers of pride, lack of love, brutality, and other sins that hinder the manifestation of God's power. The speaker urges the audience to examine their hearts, seek forgiveness, and strive for holiness and love in order to see revival and transformation.
Same-Sex Attraction Part 2 - Answers to Difficult Questions
By Shane Idleman1.5K1:02:271CO 6:9This sermon addresses the importance of surrendering to God and seeking His will, emphasizing the need for repentance and turning to Him for true change. It delves into the struggles individuals face with desires and the power of God to transform lives. The sermon also touches on the significance of standing firm on biblical truths amidst societal challenges and the role of legislation in curbing evil. Ultimately, it highlights the need for individuals to submit to God for lasting transformation.
Liberty Not License
By Neil Rhodes1.3K49:231CO 6:9In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Samson from the Old Testament as an example of someone who misused the grace and power given to him by God. Samson was a judge in Israel for 20 years, but he abused his liberty and made poor choices. The preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that aligns with God's will and not ending up with regrets. He encourages the audience to allow God to write the script of their lives and to make choices that will be recorded in the annals of eternity.
Can a Christian Commit Suicide?
By Tim Conway1.2K32:19PSA 34:17ISA 41:10MAT 27:5MRK 3:281CO 6:91CO 10:13HEB 12:1JAS 4:21JN 2:3REV 21:4This sermon addresses the question of whether a Christian can commit suicide, highlighting that suicide is self-murder driven by unfulfilled desires. It explores biblical examples of suicide and the implications of such actions on one's faith and salvation. The speaker emphasizes the need to trust in God's grace and endure suffering, rather than resorting to self-will and unrighteousness. Suicide is portrayed as a dishonorable and sinful act, contrasting with the call to find rest and satisfaction in Christ.
Don't Be a Sucker
By John Piper1.0K30:161CO 6:9This sermon emphasizes the dangers of being deceived and falling into self-delusion, drawing parallels between the historical stock market crash of 1929 and the warnings in the New Testament against being 'suckers' who are easily misled. It highlights the importance of being discerning, wise, and undeceivable in a world filled with false promises and flattery, urging listeners to anchor themselves in the truth of the gospel to avoid being led astray.
Repentance
By James Robison1.0K58:521CO 6:9This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of repentance and turning to Jesus Christ for salvation. It shares personal testimonies of individuals who turned away from destructive lifestyles, found redemption, and experienced the life-changing love of God through repentance. The message highlights the importance of genuine repentance, faith in Jesus, and the need for individuals and nations to turn to God for salvation and restoration.
Know, Receive, and Believe - Part 2 Receiving
By Derek Melton1.0K53:27BelievingMAT 5:27MRK 11:24JHN 1:1JHN 6:63JHN 10:211CO 6:9In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of truly receiving Jesus Christ and understanding what it means to do so. He challenges the notion that simply saying we have received Jesus is enough, and highlights the need for a deeper understanding and commitment to His commandments. The preacher addresses the current generation's disregard for Jesus and His truths, and calls for believers to live with integrity and obedience. The sermon also delves into the exposition of John chapter 1, focusing on the significance of the Word being with God and being God, and the role of Jesus as the light of men.
Church Live Re-Visited: Session Six - Part 2
By Ron Bailey98730:201CO 6:9This sermon delves into the distinctions between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven, emphasizing the internal versus external aspects of these concepts. It explores the significance of being washed, sanctified, and justified in the context of priesthood and God's rule in the heart. The sermon highlights the transformative power of Jesus Christ's sacrifice and the Holy Spirit's work in salvation.
Greek Superstition & Debauchery
By Steve Gallagher89951:481CO 6:9This sermon delves into Paul's journey through Europe, particularly in Athens and Corinth, highlighting the clash of cultures as he brings the gospel to these influential cities. Despite facing rejection, strife, and cold receptions, Paul perseveres, establishing churches and spreading the message of Christ. The narrative underscores the importance of humility, perseverance, and trusting in God's greater plan, even when faced with challenges and unappreciation.
The Sanctity of the Body
By Paris Reidhead84635:11Body1CO 6:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the preaching of the word of God is not up for debate or argument. It is a revelation from God with the purpose of being understood by all. The speaker then discusses the effect of regeneration, highlighting that those who have been regenerated by God are no longer the same. They have become new creations and their lives reflect this transformation. The speaker also emphasizes that God has called believers to liberty, not to a long list of rules and regulations. The focus is on the supernatural miracle of God's grace and the transformation it brings in the lives of believers.
When Jesus of Nazareth Passes By
By Brian Long5951:00:32JesusGEN 6:3AMO 7:8AMO 8:2LUK 18:351CO 6:92CO 5:17In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of having a living relationship with Jesus Christ. He references the story of Noah and the flood as an example of God's patience and pleading with people to repent. The preacher also discusses the feeding of the 4,000 and highlights Jesus' compassion for the multitude. He warns against being spiritually blind and urges listeners to have a heart that is broken over the lost and loves what God loves. The sermon concludes with a poem by Zach Poonin that encourages self-reflection and surrender to God's will.
Three Father's Under Attack
By Edgar Reich54149:241CO 6:9This sermon focuses on the stories of three godly fathers under attack: Samson, King David, and King Solomon. It highlights their struggles with sin and the consequences they faced, but also emphasizes God's forgiveness and mercy towards them. The sermon calls for repentance, surrender to Jesus, and the importance of following God's commandments in relationships, particularly within families.
Spiritual Warfare - Part 2
By David Ravenhill40052:131CO 6:91CO 15:332CO 2:10GAL 6:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22This sermon delves into the topic of spiritual warfare, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and engaging in the battle against the enemy. It highlights the deception that can lead believers astray, such as thinking they are not vulnerable to spiritual attacks, being influenced by bad company, false pride, lack of action despite knowledge, practicing sin, and unforgiveness. The speaker urges the audience to be vigilant, discerning, and proactive in their spiritual walk to avoid falling into these deceptive traps.
Moral Purity
By Peter Maiden1451:16:26Purity1CO 6:9In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not living isolated lives and the need for companionship and friendship. He refers to the Genesis account of creation, where God saw that it was not good for man to be alone. The speaker also shares the story of David and Bathsheba from 2 Samuel, highlighting the consequences of David's isolation and lack of accountability. The sermon concludes with an invitation for individuals to come to God with their sins and struggles, and the availability of OM leaders for support and guidance.
Moral Purity - Part 4
By Nigel Lee1001:04:27Purity1CO 6:9In this sermon, the speaker recounts a conversation with someone who fell in love on an overnight ferry. The speaker advises the person to keep their feelings to themselves and not indulge in fantasies. The sermon then discusses the presence of sin and exploitation in the world, using the story of David and Bathsheba as an example. The speaker urges the audience to live a disciplined life and focus on cleansing their hearts and minds with the word of God.
The Holy War Eph 5_23
By Phil Beach Jr.2750:30Spiritual WarfareIdentity in ChristThe Holy War1CO 6:9Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the ongoing 'Holy War' in the lives of believers, where the Holy Spirit is reclaiming His property—us. He discusses the identity crisis faced by Christians, who often forget that they are not their own but belong to Christ, and how this misunderstanding leads to sin and bondage. By referencing 1 Corinthians 6, he highlights the importance of recognizing our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, meant to express Christ's desires rather than our own. The sermon calls for a transformation in thinking and living, urging believers to yield to the Holy Spirit and embrace their identity in Christ to experience true victory over sin. Ultimately, Beach encourages the church to awaken to their true identity and the power of Christ within them.
(The Activity of the Holy Spirit) the Temple of the Holy Spirit
By Peter Brandon733:58Identity in ChristHoliness1CO 6:9Peter Brandon emphasizes the significance of our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, explaining that our physical, emotional, and spiritual selves are interconnected and sacred. He discusses the dangers of immorality and the importance of maintaining purity, urging Christians to recognize their identity in Christ and the transformative power of salvation. Brandon highlights that, as believers, we are washed, sanctified, and justified, and our bodies should glorify God in all aspects. He warns against the permissive society that undermines Christian values and encourages believers to stand firm in their faith. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of the holiness of our bodies and the necessity of living in a way that honors God.
Should Christian's Drink Alcohol? - Part 1
By Keith Malcomson0LEV 19:17PRO 20:1PRO 27:51CO 5:111CO 6:9GAL 5:21GAL 6:1EPH 5:11JAS 5:19Keith Malcomson addresses the controversial topic of alcohol consumption among Christians, highlighting the shift in attitudes towards social drinking within the church. He emphasizes the dangers of drunkenness, the biblical warnings against alcohol abuse, and the consequences of failing to address this issue within the Christian community. Malcomson delves into the biblical perspectives on wine, the facts about alcohol, the sin of drunkenness, the implications for Christian drunkards, and the importance of restoring fallen brothers who struggle with alcoholism.
Day 199, John 2
By David Servant0JHN 1:29JHN 2:4JHN 2:6JHN 2:231CO 6:9David Servant preaches on the Gospel of John, emphasizing its focus on the sacrificial death of Jesus. The Gospel highlights Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world, pointing towards His ultimate sacrifice on the cross. Through the story of Jesus' first miracle at the wedding feast, we see a foreshadowing of His future crucifixion and the significance of His blood being poured out for everyone's spiritual needs.
Beware of Being Deceived
By Phil Beach Jr.0JER 17:91CO 3:181CO 6:91CO 15:33GAL 6:3GAL 6:7JAS 1:22JAS 1:261JN 1:8Phil Beach Jr. preaches about the dangers of self-deception, emphasizing the need for honesty and prayerful reflection on our hearts and actions. He highlights the deceitfulness of the human heart, the importance of being doers of God's Word, and the danger of denying our sins or thinking we are wise in our own eyes. Phil Beach Jr. also warns against the deception of thinking we are something when we are nothing, believing we can sow without reaping consequences, or assuming unrighteous actions will not affect our salvation. He concludes by stressing the need to guard against self-deception by living in God's truth and light.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
The unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom - The unrighteous, αδικοι, those who act contrary to right, cannot inherit, for the inheritance is by right. He who is not a child of God has no right to the family inheritance, for that inheritance is for the children. If children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ, Rom 8:17. There are here ten classes of transgressors which the apostle excludes from the kingdom of God; and any man who is guilty of any one of the evils mentioned above is thereby excluded from this kingdom, whether it imply the Church of Christ here below, or the state of glory hereafter. Several of the evils here enumerated will not bear to be particularly explained; they are, however, sufficiently plain of themselves, and show us what abominations were commonly practised among the Corinthians.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
unrighteous--Translate, "Doers of wrong": referring to Co1 6:8 (compare Gal 5:21). kingdom of God--which is a kingdom of righteousness (Rom 14:17). fornicators--alluding to Co1 5:1-13; also below, Co1 6:12-18. effeminate--self-polluters, who submit to unnatural lusts.
John Gill Bible Commentary
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God?.... A way of speaking much like that in the Talmud, "know thou, that the world to come is not made but for the righteous?" (h) Without a righteousness there will be no entrance into the world of bliss and happiness hereafter; and this must be a better righteousness than what a sinful creature is capable of working out, and no other than the righteousness of Christ. It was a loss and want of righteousness that cast the angels down from heaven, and turned Adam out of paradise; and whoever of his posterity: are destitute of one, will fall short of enjoying the glory of God; for it is not agreeable to the holy nature of God, to his infinite justice and righteous law, to admit any into heaven without a righteousness: hence a judgment seat is erected, before which all must stand; and those that will be found without a righteousness, will be for ever excluded the kingdom of heaven; and could any unrighteous persons be received there, it would spoil the pleasure and happiness of the saints. Now this is said, partly to dissuade the Corinthians from going to law with each other before unrighteous persons, who have no right to the kingdom of God, and living and dying as they are, will have no share in it; and therefore since they are not to be fellow heirs and companions with them in another world, they should not bring their causes before them in this; and partly to reprove them for their injurious and unrighteous actions among themselves, their tricking and defrauding of one another, with other sins they were guilty of; which, if not repented of, would show, that notwithstanding their profession, they were destitute of the grace of God, were unfit to be in the kingdom of God, in a Gospel church state here below, and would be shut out of the kingdom of heaven hereafter. Be not deceived imagining, that through your knowledge and profession you shall be saved, live as you will: neither fornicators, such as are guilty of uncleanness with persons in a single state: nor idolaters; who worship more gods than one, and not the true God; who do service to them that are not gods, and perform what the Jews call "strange service": and not only fall down to stocks and stones, but serve divers lusts and pleasures, the idols of their own hearts: nor adulterers: such as have criminal conversation with persons in a married state: nor effeminate; or "soft", or, as the Syriac renders it, "corrupters"; that is, of themselves, by voluntary pollution, such as are guilty of the sin of Onan, Gen 38:8. Nor abusers of themselves with mankind; sodomites. (h) T. Bab. Yebamot, fol 47. 1.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here he takes occasion to warn them against many heinous evils, to which they had been formerly addicted. I. He puts it to them as a plain truth, of which they could not be ignorant, that such sinners should not inherit the kingdom of God. The meanest among them must know thus much, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God (Co1 6:9), shall not be owned as true members of his church on earth, nor admitted as glorious members of the church in heaven. All unrighteousness is sin; and all reigning sin, nay, every actual sin committed deliberately, and not repented of, shuts out of the kingdom of heaven. He specifies several sorts of sins: against the first and second commandments, as idolaters; against the seventh, as adulterers, fornicators, effeminate, and Sodomites; against the eighth, as thieves and extortioners, that by force or fraud wrong their neighbours; against the ninth, as revilers; and against the tenth, as covetous and drunkards, as those who are in a fair way to break all the rest. Those who knew any thing of religion must know that heaven could never be intended for these. The scum of the earth are no ways fit to fill the heavenly mansions. Those who do the devil's work can never receive God's wages, at least no other than death, the just wages of sin, Rom 6:23. II. Yet he warns them against deceiving themselves: Be not deceived. Those who cannot but know the fore-mentioned truth are but too apt not to attend to it. Men are very much inclined to flatter themselves that God is such a one as themselves, and that they may live in sin and yet die in Christ, may lead the life of the devil's children and yet go to heaven with the children of God. But this is all a gross cheat. Note, It is very much the concern of mankind that they do not cheat themselves in the matters of their souls. We cannot hope to sow to the flesh and yet reap everlasting life. III. He puts them in mind what a change the gospel and grace of God had made in them: Such were some of you (Co1 6:11), such notorious sinners as he had been reckoning up. The Greek word is tauta - such things were some of you, very monsters rather than men. Note, Some that are eminently good after their conversion have been as remarkably wicked before. Quantum mutatus ab illo! How glorious a change does grace make! It changes the vilest of men into saints and the children of God. Such were some of you, but you are not what you were. You are washed, you are sanctified, you are justified in the name of Christ, and by the Spirit of our God. Note, The wickedness of men before conversion is no bar to their regeneration and reconciliation to God. The blood of Christ, and the washing of regeneration, can purge away all guilt and defilement. Here is a rhetorical change of the natural order: You are sanctified, you are justified. Sanctification is mentioned before justification: and yet the name of Christ, by which we are justified, is placed before the Spirit of God, by whom we are sanctified. Our justification is owing to the merit of Christ; our sanctification to the operation of the Spirit: but both go together. Note, None are cleansed from the guilt of sin, and reconciled to God through Christ, but those who are also sanctified by his Spirit. All who are made righteous in the sight of God are made holy by the grace of God.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:9-11 Those who willingly sin have no share in the Kingdom of God. The lives of Christians must reflect the faith they confess. 6:9 Don’t fool yourselves: Sin is deceptive; believers should not take it lightly, as if it were somehow acceptable (Jer 17:9). • Continuing to indulge unrepentantly in sexual sin indicates a heart that has not been renewed by the Holy Spirit. Sexual sins include adultery (see Exod 20:14; Matt 5:27-28) and practicing homosexuality (cp. Lev 18:22; 20:13; Rom 1:26-27; 1 Tim 1:10).