The Real Meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Many Christians are familiar with the passage in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 where Paul lists various sins and states that those who commit them "will not inherit the kingdom of God."
These verses have often been misinterpreted, leading to confusion and, in some cases, harmful theology. But what does 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 really mean?
Let's examine what these verses mean in their proper context and explore how they apply to both Christians and non-Christians today.
The Passage in Question
The verses in focus are:
"Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God."
(1 Corinthians 6:9-10)
Understanding the Context
Before diving into interpretations, it's crucial to understand the context in which Paul wrote these words. The apostle was addressing a specific situation in the Corinthian church where believers were taking their disputes to secular courts instead of resolving them within the church community.
Paul was concerned that Christians were asking for judgments from unbelievers "whose way of life is scorned in the church." He questioned why they would seek resolution from those who didn't understand their new way of life in Christ. His suggestion was rather to "be wronged" or "be cheated" than to take these matters before unbelievers.
The context shows that Paul's primary concern wasn't creating a definitive list of sins that exclude people from heaven but rather addressing the disconnect between the Corinthians' new identity in Christ and their behavior in seeking judgment from those who didn't share their faith.
Common Misinterpretations
Misinterpretation #1: These Sins Automatically Condemn to Hell
Some interpret these verses to mean that anyone who has ever committed any of these sins is automatically condemned and cannot enter heaven. However, this interpretation falls apart when we read the very next verse (v. 11): "And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God."
Paul explicitly acknowledges that some of the Corinthian believers had previously engaged in these behaviors but were now forgiven, made holy, and declared righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. This demonstrates that past sins, no matter how serious, can be forgiven through faith in Christ.
Misinterpretation #2: Persistent Sin Proves You're Not Really Saved
Another common misinterpretation suggests that while past sins can be forgiven, continuing to struggle with these sins proves someone was never truly saved. This view suggests that "real" Christians don't persistently struggle with such behaviors.
However, this interpretation doesn't align with the reality Paul describes in the same letter. In chapter 11, he addresses church members who were getting drunk during the Lord's Supper – yet he still refers to them as "saints" and members of "the church of God." Their behavior was inappropriate and needed correction, but it didn't negate their salvation.
Consider how Paul addresses the Corinthian church in his opening lines: "To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling." He doesn't qualify this by excluding those struggling with sin – they are all saints by virtue of their faith in Christ, not their behavior.
The Real Meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
The real message of these verses is about identity and transformation in Christ, not about behavior-based salvation. Here are the key points:
1. Salvation Comes Through Faith, Not Behavior
Paul's emphasis is not on perfect behavior but on the transformative power of Christ. Christians are saved by grace through faith, not by their ability to avoid certain sins. This is a fundamental truth that runs throughout Paul's letters and is particularly evident in this passage.
2. New Identity in Christ
When someone becomes a Christian, they receive a new identity. They are "washed, sanctified, and justified." This new identity isn't earned through behavior but is received as a gift through faith in Christ. This transformation is complete and permanent, even though our behavior may still be catching up to our new identity.
3. Freedom from Sin
These verses actually offer hope by showing that no sin defines a believer's identity. Paul's point is not to condemn but to remind believers that they are no longer bound by or defined by their past or present struggles. This freedom from our sin nature is a crucial aspect of the Christian life that many believers need to understand and embrace.
4. Growing in Grace
While salvation is immediate, being conformed to the image of Christ on the outside is not. The Corinthian church demonstrates this reality. They were genuinely saved but still learning to live out their new identity in Christ. This process involves both God's work in us and our cooperation with His Spirit as we grow in grace.
Application for Today
For Seekers
These verses highlight our need for transformation that only Christ can provide. No amount of self-improvement can make us righteous before God. Jesus offers forgiveness and a new identity as a free gift, received through faith.
The path to salvation isn't through behavioral modification but through accepting Christ's finished work on the cross. When we place our faith in Him, we receive complete forgiveness and a new identity, regardless of our past.
For Believers in Christ
If you struggle with any of these sins:
Remember that your identity is in Christ, not in your behavior
Know that stumbling doesn't negate your salvation
Focus on who you are in Christ rather than trying to prove your salvation through perfect behavior
When you fail, don't redefine yourself by that failure
Keep your eyes on Jesus and continue walking with Him as His beloved child
Don't fall into the trap of trying to overcome sin struggles to prove your Christianity. Instead, rest in your identity in Christ and let His work in you produce the fruit of changed behavior. Remember that you are completely forgiven, made holy, and declared righteous, even as you continue to grow in your faith.
Conclusion
The message of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 isn't about condemnation or behavior-based salvation proof. Instead, we see the transformative power of Christ and our new identity in Him. While certain behaviors may not align with who we are in Christ, our salvation and identity are secured not by our perfect behavior but by His perfect sacrifice and our faith in Him.
This passage should bring hope, not fear. It reminds us that no matter our past or present struggles, Christ's work is sufficient to rescue us from our sin. As we grow in understanding our new identity in Him, our behavior will increasingly reflect the reality of who we already are in Christ.
