VerseOr do you not know that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor practicing homosexuals 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.
— 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 tniv
ThoughtThere is such a powerful difference between "were" and "are" (See also Colossians 1:21-23.). And that difference is not one we could achieve on our own. That difference is made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit who has made us clean ("washed"), given us pure hearts ("sanctified"), and declared us innocent and holy ("justified"). Paul appears to be reminding the Corinthians of their conversion where they called on the name of the Lord Jesus to save them, were baptized in his name, and they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Today, I want to encourage you to look back to the time you came to Christ and celebrate who you are now, by the power of God's Spirit, and leave behind who you were before you came to know Christ. Remember who you are and don't get dragged down by who you were!
PrayerHoly and Almighty God, thank you for your wonderful grace. I praise you for what you are making me to be. I thank you that I am not what I once was. I thank you that even when I stumble, Jesus' blood continues to cleanse me and your Spirit is working to conform me to your holy character and your gracious compassion. Continue your work of transformation in me, I pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
View the full article
— 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 tniv
ThoughtThere is such a powerful difference between "were" and "are" (See also Colossians 1:21-23.). And that difference is not one we could achieve on our own. That difference is made possible by the work of the Holy Spirit who has made us clean ("washed"), given us pure hearts ("sanctified"), and declared us innocent and holy ("justified"). Paul appears to be reminding the Corinthians of their conversion where they called on the name of the Lord Jesus to save them, were baptized in his name, and they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Today, I want to encourage you to look back to the time you came to Christ and celebrate who you are now, by the power of God's Spirit, and leave behind who you were before you came to know Christ. Remember who you are and don't get dragged down by who you were!
PrayerHoly and Almighty God, thank you for your wonderful grace. I praise you for what you are making me to be. I thank you that I am not what I once was. I thank you that even when I stumble, Jesus' blood continues to cleanse me and your Spirit is working to conform me to your holy character and your gracious compassion. Continue your work of transformation in me, I pray. In Jesus' name. Amen.
Devotional provided by Heartlight®
© 1996-2016. All rights reserved.
