In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, Paul writes about the reality of hell, the variety of sin, the possibility of change, and the necessity of grace.

Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. 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.

First, the reality of judgment: In the New Testament, salvation is sometimes portrayed as an inheritance. In Titus 3:7, for example, Paul speaks of Christians “having been justified by his grace, [so that they] might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.” By the same token, divine judgment is sometimes portrayed as disinheritance, as here in 1 Corinthians 6:9a. If we preach the reality of salvation, we must also preach the reality of judgment. Untouched by grace leading to repentance, sin results in judgment. This is the flip side of the good news.

Second, the variety of sin: What kind of sin leads to judgment? In verses 9b-10, Paul offers a list of sins that lead to judgment. The list is illustrative not exhaustive, based in part on the Corinthian struggles. Many Christians focus on the sexual sins, as if these are somehow particularly abominable. But notice that Paul classifies greed, drunkenness, slander, and swindling alongside sexual immorality. All sins, we might say, are equal in meriting divine judgment.

Third, the possibility of change: One of the most beautiful phrases in the New Testament is found in verse 11a: “And that is what some of you were.” Sin merits judgment. It deforms our souls. But sin does need not have the final word on our life. Change is possible. Paul uses three images to describe salvation: washing, justifying, and making holy. These are three ways at looking at the same reality. God cleans us up, makes us right, and makes us useful for his holy purposes. The before/after life of the Corinthians is evidence, as far as Paul is concerned, of the gospel’s power.

Fourth, the necessity of God’s grace: Change is a big deal in our culture. Unfortunately, most people seek change based on the exercise of their own willpower. This is unfortunate because the will is the problem, not the solution. If your will is broken, it cannot fix itself. The solution must come from outside yourself. Verse 11b points to the work of the Holy Trinity in effecting change in our loves. The Father washes, justifies, and sanctifies through the death and resurrection of the Son and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. They graciously work together to change us from the inside out.

So, by God’s grace, don’t be what you were! Be what he saved you to be!