In today’s text the Apostle Paul takes the time to clarify the immense difference between the “unrighteous” and the “saints”. In the conclusion of our text Paul says…

“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. 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 Corinthians 6:9-11, NKJV.

In our sermon today we will take some time to clarify this list of sins that define the lifestyle of the unrighteous. But in this short space I would like to emphasis verse eleven.

… and such were some of you – These lifestyles of sin (V:9) should be “past tense” in the life of a follower of Christ.

Verse eleven declares the current condition of the Christian…

You were washed – The critical difference between the righteous and unrighteous is that the righteous have been made right by what Christ did on the cross for us. (Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:26; Revelation 1:5) We recognized our sinful condition and then trusted in Christ to cleanse us.

You were sanctified – Sanctified means “set apart”. After you were washed by the blood of Christ He set you apart for His plan and purposes (Hebrews 10:10-14).

You were justified – Notice this statement is also “past tense”. If you are a Christian, you are not working towards being right with God. You have already been made right. You are now right with God! (Romans 3:24; 5:1)

Live as the new creature in Christ that you are. Walk in newness of life! Put the past behind you and be who God created you to be!

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

Pastor Mike