What does it mean that the "effeminate" will not enter the kingdom of God?
The meaning of this greek word is "soft" or "gently", hence I'm not sure how being soft or gentle prevents them from entering the kingdom of God. Hence more explanation on this issue is needed.
1 Corinthians 6:9
ESV - 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality.
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Asked November 10 2014
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Arun Kumar
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Krista Lemings
I'd like clarification on what exactly is the kingdom of God. My understanding is that once you have accepted Christ as your Savior, sin cannot separate us from salvation.
mary h
Once you have accepted Christ then the work begins, to follow him we must take up our cross and deny ourselves! We can't say we will definitely be saved, because we have free will and can turn back at anytime when tempted! Jesus said "but he that endures to the end, the same will be saved" (Matthew 24:13).
We have to have faith, and follow Jesus' life till the end of ours. As he said to the woman who was to be stoned, "your sins are forgiven , go sin no more!" He didn't say its ok, you just have to believe, but you can carry on sinning! We must let him into our hearts daily. When we sin, we should ask God for forgiveness, but we can't purposely live as a slave to sin, yet say I believe and I'm saved!
God knows our hearts. And returning to sin can most definitely separate us from God, and salvation! We have to endure till the end!
The kingdom of God in earth, is his spirit in your heart, that's why in the lords prayer we ask for his kingdom to come daily. Then if we receive it, his will will be done in earth as it is in heaven! In Luke 17:20 -21 Jesus says " the kingdom of God comes not by observation. Neither shall they say, or lo here! Lo there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you".
Steve Stoll
This most definitely is a question many people wrestle with in their Christian life. Consider this scenario: A Christian couple have an argument, and for a moment they allow satan to wiggle his destructive influence into their relationship. Things are said out of this very momentary and uncharacteristic anger and someone leaves the house. The one who leaves (a recovering alcoholic) is particularly angry and drives down to the local liquor store. After 30 minutes of drinking and driving the person smashes into a tree and is killed. Did this person's "returning to sin" separate them from God? I think not. Nothing can separate us from the love of God.....nothing at all. I won't get into the Biblical argument itself, I've seen people turn scripture on it's head to help support their belief one way or another in this matter. At the end of the day I believe our Savior wants us to live an abundant life; it's hard to live that way if you are living in fear of losing your salvation because you "missed the mark" in a particular situation.