1 Corinthians 6: 10 Commentary

Christo,

This verse is definitely dealing with a great loss; but you are correct, it is NOT the loss of salvation. 1 Corinthians chapter 5 makes this abundantly clear all by itself; but indeed, the entire book to the Corinthians focuses on carnality in the church. To somehow suggest that Christians are “above” such things is ludicrous. But equally so, it is ludicrous to form a doctrine that rightly says on the one hand that we are saved from God’s wrath by the gracious work of Jesus ALONE; and then, on the other hand, betray that gracious doctrine by saying we must exhibit certain “behaviors” that “prove” our faith is “real”. This is a heresy that Paul himself addresses in Galatians and soundly condemns with his summary statement in 3:3.

So, the question will arise; “Just what exactly IS lost if we are saved but do not inherit the kingdom of God. What does this mean?”

The answer to this question is most glorious and cannot be adequately answered on this thread; but suffice it to say for now, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love (obey) him”– 1 Cor. 2:9. See also Jn. 14:15.

By Scott Dale (wrote 496 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 4/17/2011 16:47 pm

Thanks a lot for this commentary, because I was fearing the the gospel was a one shot doctrine that sent you to hell if you commit Adultery.. e.t.c
So, this passage is not dealing with a loss of salvation? Isn’t that?
I look forward to hearing from you.

By Christo (wrote 12 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 4/17/2011 16:03 pm

I believe the key to understanding this verse is to understand what Paul means by “inherit the Kingdom of God”.

This is not a verse dealing with Salvation. It’s a verse that deals with God’s Kingdom and whether or not we will inherit it. The difference is in the idea of “possession”. A Christian can be a citizen OF the Kingdom (saved) but not POSSESS the Kingdom (inherit). Example: Two brothers can both have an inheritance in their rich uncle’s estate. One inherits the right to live on the estate as long as he wants to. The other inherits the estate itself. There is a great deal of difference between the two inheritances.

When Paul talks about “inheritance”, it’s always in the context of “possession”. In other words, an inheritance of any kind is meaningless if you can’t possess it for yourself. In regard to God’s Kingdom; an heir becomes a co-owner and co-ruler. This is always implicit in the biblical idea of “inherit”.

Hebrews 1 says we have “inherited Salvation”. This means we possess it for ourselves through inheritance. But inheriting the Kingdom is far different than inheriting Salvation. By his faith, the thief on the cross next to Jesus inherited Salvation. And though he will dwell in the Kingdom (Paradise) as a citizen, He will very likely not inherit the Kingdom as a possession.

Read Galatians 5 and Ephesians 5 and you will see that Paul always ties “behaviors” as necessary for a Christian to inherit the Kingdom of God. If the behaviors were tied to Salvation, it would nullify the gracious work of Calvary.

After that, do a search of Paul’s letters where he talks about Salvation and you will find he always ties it to words like “believe”, “faith” and “trust” etc. in the atoning work of the shed blood of Christ alone.

Remember that Israel was “saved” out of the judgments against Egypt by the atoning blood of the Passover Lamb. But that generation did not “inherit” the Land because of their disobedience. Much of the book of Hebrews deals with this in remarkable fashion.

By Scott Dale (wrote 496 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 8/28/2010 04:47 am

i see thieves in that litany of sins. seems like ALOT of professing christians

aren’t going to inherit the kingdom as ONLY 5-7 tithe the bible way of 10%.

tithing was NEVER done away with. in the O.T. they tithed to an earthly priest

and now we tithe to a heavenly high priest, the lord jesus christ.

By edwin radler (wrote 1 Bible Commentary - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 4/20/2010 22:37 pm

Can you sent the bible commetaries on new testament

By isoa Tawakevou (wrote 1 Bible Commentary - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 4/9/2010 02:54 am

Paul is basically saying that those people who indulge in sin and are not concerned about what God has to say about it will not inherit the kingdom of God. He could actually say that those who do not receive the blood of Jesus covering their sin will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But actually it takes more than just receiving it and just continuing to indulge in and enjoy your sin after you do so. The Holy Spirit is going to start to convict your heart of that sin. Ephesians 4:30 says “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).” Receiving the sacrifice Jesus paid for us is not a license to sin. If one’s actions do not change what-so-ever, was their heart truely in the prayer?

But also, when we evangelize a person, we don’t simply say a prayer with them and walk away thinking we “just increased the Kingdom of God by one today.” We should let them know that God is expecting a changed heart and life. Let them know that they will not be able to walk the walk of obedience to Christ alone. Have a good Bible preaching church nearby for them to attend, if at all possible. Instruct them to get into prayer , asking God the Holy Spirit to give them the strength to change and please Him. Tell them to read the Bible. Starting with the Gospel of John is a good place to start. Help them to become obedient children of God.

The sins listed in verses 9 and 10 do not send a person to hell, because in verse 11 it says “Some of you used to be like that. But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God’s Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God.” They were changed. But for those who do not change and continue to indulge in their sin, thinking all is well, because they have received Christ’s blood as payment for their sin, and now they can go ahead and indulge in sin freely, not having to fear of the consequences, they will be sorely mistaken. In James 2:17 it says “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” Will deadless faith save a person? From these verses we can know that the answer is obviously no. If a person refuses to live a changed life, if they refuse to see that their sin seperates them from God and they continue to enjoy their sin they will pay the same price as all sinners. As a major part of obedience, they need to be kind and loving to others who are struggling with the sins they used to struggle with. Not only those sins, but the sins of the world. When the Holy Spirit is talking to our hearts we need to try to obey Him, and ask for His strength. Believe me; I know how difficult it is to walk this world free from sin with little godly fellowship.

By Pete (wrote 2 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/27/2010 12:58 pm

Paul is basically saying that those people who indulge in sin and are not concerned about what God has to say about it will not inherit the kingdom of God. He could actually say that those who do not receive the blood of Jesus covering their sin will not inherit the Kingdom of God. But actually it takes more than just receiving it and just continuing to indulge in and enjoy your sin after you do so. The Holy Spirit is going to start to convict your heart of that sin. Ephesians 4:30 says “And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God [do not offend or vex or sadden Him], by Whom you were sealed (marked, branded as God’s own, secured) for the day of redemption (of final deliverance through Christ from evil and the consequences of sin).” Receiving the sacrifice Jesus paid for us is not a license to sin. If one’s actions do not change what-so-ever, was their heart truely in the prayer?

But also, when we evangelize a person, we don’t simply say a prayer with them and walk away thinking we “just increased the Kingdom of God by one today.” We should let them know that God is expecting a changed heart and life. Let them know that they will not be able to walk the walk of obedience to Christ alone. Have a good Bible preaching church nearby for them to attend, if at all possible. Instruct them to get into prayer and reading the Bible. Starting with the Gospel of John is a good place to start. Help them to become obedient children of God.

The sins listed in verses 9 and 10 do not send a person to hell, because in verse 11 it says “Some of you used to be like that. But now the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and the power of God’s Spirit have washed you and made you holy and acceptable to God.” They were changed. But for those who do not change and continue to indulge in their sin, thinking all is well, because they have received Christ’s blood as payment for their sin, and now they can go ahead and indulge in sin freely, not having to fear of the consequences. In James 2:17 it says “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” Will dead faith save a person? From these verses we can know that the answer is obviously no. If a person refuses to live a changed life, if they refuse to see that their sin seperates them from God and they continue to enjoy their sin they will pay the same price as all sinners.

By Pete (wrote 2 Bible Commentaries - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 3/27/2010 12:45 pm

Could someone please explain to me what Paul means when he writes that neither thieves, nor covetous …. shall inherit the kingdom of God?
1 Corinthians 6. 9-10.

By Maria de Freitas (wrote 1 Bible Commentary - permalink to this Commentary)
Posted on: 2/28/2010 15:16 pm