Daily Devotional for Monday, March 31, 2025

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Who Will Not Inherit the Kingdom of God According to 1 Corinthians 6:9–10?

1 Corinthians 6:9–10 states, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men of passive homosexual acts, nor men of active homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor greedy persons, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.” This passage, written by the apostle Paul to the Corinthian church, delivers a clear and uncompromising warning about the moral and ethical standards required to enter the kingdom of God. These verses emphasize that those who persist in unrighteousness—defined by specific sinful behaviors—will not inherit eternal life. Paul’s warning is not merely a call for moral improvement but a reminder that a life characterized by habitual sin demonstrates a heart that has not been transformed by the gospel.

The verse begins with the rhetorical question, “Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God?” This phrase introduces an emphatic reminder to the Corinthians, who were in danger of being influenced by the immorality surrounding them. The term “unrighteous” (adikoi) refers to those whose lives are marked by habitual disobedience to God’s commands. The word carries the idea of those who act unjustly, sinfully, and without regard for divine law. Paul’s use of this term sets the stage for a list of specific sinful behaviors that disqualify individuals from inheriting the kingdom.

The phrase “will not inherit the kingdom of God” introduces the consequence of a life of persistent sin—exclusion from God’s eternal kingdom. To “inherit” (klēronomeō) means to receive possession or a rightful share in what has been promised. In this context, the “kingdom of God” refers to the eternal blessings of God’s reign, including salvation, fellowship with Jehovah, and ultimately, eternal life. Paul’s statement is not ambiguous—those who persist in unrighteousness will not receive eternal life. Galatians 5:21 echoes this same warning, where Paul lists similar sinful behaviors and concludes, “I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

The next phrase, “Do not be deceived,” is a strong admonition against self-delusion. The Greek verb planaō means to be led astray or to wander from the truth. Paul is warning the Corinthians not to allow false teaching, cultural influences, or personal rationalization to convince them that persistent sin is compatible with inheriting God’s kingdom. This warning was necessary because, even in Paul’s day, many sought to minimize the seriousness of sin and redefine moral boundaries to justify their behavior. Today, this warning remains just as relevant as many attempt to distort biblical standards of morality and holiness.

Paul then provides a comprehensive list of sinful behaviors that characterize those who will not inherit the kingdom of God. The list includes:

“Neither fornicators” (pornoi)—This term refers to those who engage in sexual immorality outside of the covenant of marriage. It encompasses a wide range of sinful behaviors, including premarital sex, extramarital affairs, and any form of sexual activity that violates God’s design for marriage (Hebrews 13:4).

“Nor idolaters” (eidōlolatrai)—Idolatry is the worship of false gods or placing anything above Jehovah in one’s life. While the Corinthians were surrounded by literal idols in their pagan society, idolatry today can manifest in many forms—money, power, fame, materialism, and even self-centeredness. Colossians 3:5 identifies greed as a form of idolatry, underscoring that anything that takes precedence over God becomes an idol.

“Nor adulterers” (moichoi)—This term refers to those who violate the sanctity of marriage by engaging in sexual relations with someone other than their spouse. Adultery is a grave sin that not only breaks the marriage covenant but also corrupts the purity that Jehovah designed for marriage (Exodus 20:14; Matthew 5:27–28).

“Nor men of passive homosexual acts” (malakoi) and “nor men of active homosexual acts” (arsenokoitai)—These two terms describe those who engage in homosexual acts, specifying both passive and active roles. The Greek term malakoi refers to men who assume a passive role in homosexual relationships, while arsenokoitai denotes men who assume an active role. Paul’s explicit use of both terms leaves no ambiguity about the biblical prohibition of homosexual conduct. This teaching aligns with other passages, including Leviticus 18:22 and Romans 1:26–27, which condemn homosexual behavior as contrary to God’s created order.

“Nor thieves” (kleptai)—This term refers to those who take what does not belong to them. Theft, whether through deception, force, or dishonesty, violates the command to love one’s neighbor and respect the property of others (Exodus 20:15).

“Nor greedy persons” (pleonektai)—Greed is an insatiable desire for more, often at the expense of others. It reflects a heart that prioritizes material wealth and self-interest over faithfulness to Jehovah. Colossians 3:5 warns that greed is idolatry, highlighting the destructive power of unchecked covetousness.

“Nor drunkards” (methusoi)—This term denotes those who habitually indulge in excessive drinking, leading to a loss of self-control and moral restraint. Proverbs 20:1 warns, “Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.” Drunkenness not only impairs judgment but often leads to further sinful behavior.

“Nor revilers” (loidoroi)—This term refers to those who verbally abuse, slander, or insult others. Revilers tear down others with their words, reflecting a heart that lacks love and compassion. Ephesians 4:29 instructs believers to “let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up.”

“Nor swindlers” (harpages)—This term describes those who engage in deceitful or fraudulent practices to exploit others for personal gain. Swindling involves dishonesty and manipulation, often causing harm to others in pursuit of profit.

Paul concludes by repeating the consequence of persisting in these sins: “will not inherit the kingdom of God.” This phrase is a solemn warning that those who live in habitual disobedience to God’s commands forfeit the hope of eternal life. It is important to note that Paul is not describing isolated acts of sin that are repented of but rather a persistent lifestyle of sin that demonstrates a lack of true conversion. Galatians 5:21 echoes this warning, emphasizing that “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.”

However, the following verse, 1 Corinthians 6:11, provides hope and redemption: “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.” This verse highlights that while these sins once characterized the Corinthians, repentance, baptism, and obedience to the gospel had transformed them. It serves as a reminder that forgiveness and new life are available through Christ for those who turn from sin and walk in righteousness.

Ultimately, 1 Corinthians 6:9–10 underscores that a life of persistent sin is incompatible with inheriting the kingdom of God. Those who reject God’s moral standards and live in rebellion exclude themselves from the eternal blessings He promises. Yet, the gospel offers hope to all who repent, turn to Jehovah in obedience, and commit their lives to walking in righteousness.

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About the author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).