HM#002 - THOSE WHO WILL NOT INHERIT THE KINGDOM

We live in a world which has lost all sight of God's perspective about SIN.

In many places now, even the Church shows an increasing tendency to stay quiet about some specific sins, or worse, openly approve of them.

Paul has a solemn warning for those who either commit the sin themselves, or approve of those who do. (Romans 1:32)

It is worth reminding ourselves occasionally, that the Bible has several lists of people who will NOT inherit the Kingdom Of God.

These include :-

From 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 NIV

Fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, male prostitutes, homosexuals, thieves, the greedy, drunkards, slanderers, swindlers.

From Galatians 5:19 NIV

Those who practise sexual immorality, impurity, debauchery, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, etc.

(Note that etcetera at the end of Paul's list! it includes ALL the other sins Paul hasn't specifically mentioned here!)

From Ephesians 5:3-6 NIV

Sexual immorality, impurity, greed, obscenity, foolish talk, coarse joking, greed (covetousness equal to idolatry).

From Colossians 3:5-9 NIV

Sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, greed ( a form of idolatry), anger, malice, slander, filthy language, lies.

From Revelation 21:8 NIV

Cowardly, unbelieving, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, magic arts, idolaters, and ALL liars.

From Revelation 22:15 NIV

Dogs (homosexuals), magic arts, sexually immoral, murderers, idolaters, and EVERYONE who loves and practises falsehood.

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It has become all to common for Christians to make the terrible mistake of separating these lists into "Big Sins" and "Little Sins"! (Almost as though some of them don't matter quite as much to God!)

The truth is that there is no such distinction between sins. Unless they are ALL forsaken, and forgiven, they ALL have the same end result ..... DEATH!

ALL OF THESE ARE THE SINS WHICH JESUS CAME TO DEAL WITH BY DYING FOR THEM. (Hebrews 9:28)

ALL OF THESE ARE THE SINS FROM WHICH JESUS WISHES TO TURN US AWAY, IN ORDER TO BLESS US. (Acts 3:25-26)

When these sins are replaced with (Paul's list) love, joy, peace, patience,kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self control; (Galatians 5:22-23)

And with (Peter's list) faith, virtue, knowledge, self control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and LOVE, they will keep us from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Peter 1:5-8)

Peter says, "Whoever lacks these things is blind and shortsighted and has FORGOTTEN that he was cleansed from his old sins." (2 Peter 1:9)

Allon

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