First Corinthians 6:9-11, NKJV, “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God…” So, what is God’s response to these sins? Judgment! We will all be judged if we practice any of these things. To claim anything else is to compromise the truth of God’s Word, which clearly states, none of them “…will inherit the kingdom of God.” This is very serious, and should not be taken lightly!

As I conduct services and engage in one-on-one ministry at Macomb County Jail, I hear all too often of a man living with a woman to whom he is not married. Each will claim to be Christian, and even believe he or she will go to heaven. Then when I reveal First Corinthians 6:9-10, I’m in no way attempting to bring damnation to the person, but rather loving conviction – so that person can turn away from and repent of their sin, and embrace the only hope of salvation that is available to all of us sinners. That hope is, of course, faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus’ own words in Luke 13:3, “I tell you no; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish.” He reiterates two verses later, in verse five, “I tell you no; but unless you repent…”

First Corinthians is clear about the eternal consequences for those who practice fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and the like. But – there is good news! No matter what the sin is, God has provided forgiveness, salvation and hope of eternal life to those who repent, who embrace the Gospel of grace. Right after Paul identified those who will not inherit the kingdom of God, he said, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Cor. 6:11, NKJV

So – what should our response be to the fornicator, homosexual, adulterer, thief, or drunkard, etcetera? Our response should always be the Gospel. We should be equipped to confront him or her with the truth of the scriptures that condemns the behavior as sinful, yet points the sinner to the only hope of salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ – leaving the results to Him!

Staying true to His Word,
Chaplain Steve Malek