9 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, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 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. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11 KJV)
Thomas Haweis
Verses 9-11: The apostle having warned them against some particular offences, passes on to enumerate a black catalogue, of which they had formerly been guilty, and under the power of which whosoever continued to walk, he never could inherit the kingdom of God.
1. The sins mentioned are fornication, idolatry, adultery, effeminacy, and lasciviousness, sodomy, theft, avarice, drunkenness, reviling, extortion, crimes which, if indulged, must necessarily exclude the soul from any part in the kingdom of grace, and for ever banish it from the presence of God in glory.
2. He warns them against all self-delusion in this matter. There was a lie in their right hand, if they flattered themselves with any vain imaginations that they had yet hope towards God, while walking in such abominations; which then, now, and for ever, if not forgiven and forsaken, must inevitably destroy both body and soul in hell.
3. He reminds them of the blessed change which had passed upon them, that they might not again return unto folly. Such were come of you. But, glory be to God’s sovereign, rich, and boundless grace, ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, and by the Spirit of our God: ye are washed in the fountain opened for sin and uncleanness; by the atoning blood and righteousness of the adored Redeemer your iniquities are pardoned, great and aggravated as they were, and your persons presented spotless before the throne of God; and you are not only accounted righteous, but made pure in heart by the mighty operation of the Divine Spirit, and in body, soul, and spirit, renewed, that you might be made meet for the inheritance among the saints in light. Note, (1.) The greatest crimes exclude none from salvation who fly to the atoning blood of Jesus. In him there is grace abounding for the chief of sinners. (2.) All who are justified by grace are sanctified by the Spirit. We deceive ourselves, if we think we have an interest in the one, if we do not experience the effectual operation of the other. (3.) Nothing is so strong an argument to a redeemed soul to fly from sin, as the remembrance of the mercy he hath tasted, and of the ransom which hath been paid.