Friday, August 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 6:9-10 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.
JESUS DOES RECEIVE SINNERS
Yes, there is a danger that we could be misled by the philosophy and faulty logic of the world! Satan tempted a perfect Adam and Eve and they sinned -- and we are far from perfect. Truth be told we are corrupt to the core by nature. Lest we be misled, the Law of God passes sentence on: "Those who practice sexual immorality; those who take part in the worship of idols or false gods; those who commit adultery and do not repent; those who actively and passively practice homosexuality; those who steal; those who are covetous and greedy for gain; those who get drunk; those who are abusive and those who swindle people -- they will not inherit the Kingdom of God."
Clearly, the sins here listed separate sinners from God! These and all other sinful actions (including those we do) bar human beings from heaven.
The world may claim such things are innocent, but the Word declares the frightening truth about sin. It puts us at odds with God. It's not something that will just go away if swept under the rug and ignored.
Is it impossible for someone who sins in this way to get into heaven? NO! God saves sinners of all stripes. In fact, there were some among the Corinthians who were guilty of these very sins, but God saved them.
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.
A striking revelation! There were some among the Corinthian Christians who had formerly practiced these sins. It would have been a hopeless situation -- except that God is merciful, and wants everyone to be saved.
God didn't reject them. He cleansed them of their sins through the shed blood of Jesus. They were sanctified (separated from sin and dedicated to God). They were each declared "not guilty" of sin through faith in Jesus Christ. Their slates were wiped clean even as ours have been. God still cleanses, sanctifies, and justifies those who confess their sins, abandoning their sinful ways and trusting in Jesus for forgiveness.
Jesus sinners doth receive; Oh, may all this saying ponder
Who in sin's delusions live And from God and heaven wander!
Here is hope for all who grieve -- Jesus sinners doth receive.
(The Lutheran Hymnal, 324:1)
