“Or 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 men who have sex with men 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 (NIV)

At one point in my life, I was sexually immoral, an idolater, a thief, a greedy person, etc. That was my identity during a season when I felt like I had no purpose—nothing pushing me forward. I see that same reality all around us in our culture today.

The verse says that wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God, which is speaking about heaven. So does that mean I am separated from God for eternity?

Let’s look closely at what Scripture says.

Yes, wrongdoers will not inherit the kingdom of God. That is true. And as we’ve discussed, you and I have both been wrongdoers. But the verse continues by saying, “And that is what some of you were.”

God knows that we have sinned and fallen short. So how does God save us from hell?

He saves us by washing away our past sins and our old identity. He sets us free from who we once were.

This does not mean we will be perfect. The Bible says that a righteous person may fall seven times, but they get back up. It means we repent—we turn to God for His forgiveness and His grace.

God loves you, and He has a plan for your life. He wants to see you grow, thrive, and walk in freedom.

I’ve been set free, and I encourage you to run to Jesus and be set free too.