What is the meaning of 1 Corinthians 6:11? And that is what some of you were. “...such were some of you...” • Paul has just listed blatant sins (1 Corinthians 6:9–10). He reminds believers that this description once fit them—past tense. • Ephesians 2:1-3 echoes the same memory of former deadness in sin, stressing that no one begins righteous. • Titus 3:3 calls to mind being “foolish, disobedient, led astray,” underlining the shared need for rescue. • This honesty guards against pride and fuels gratitude; salvation is never earned, always received (Romans 3:23-24). But you were washed “...but you were washed...” • Washing speaks of complete cleansing from sin’s stain (Acts 22:16). • Titus 3:5 links this washing to “the washing of rebirth,” stressing the new birth God provides. • Revelation 1:5 celebrates believers as “washed from our sins in His own blood,” showing the cost of the cleansing. • The verb is passive—God does the washing; we receive it. You were sanctified “...you were sanctified...” • Sanctification sets believers apart for God’s holy purposes (Hebrews 10:10). • It is both a decisive act (1 Corinthians 1:2) and an ongoing process (1 Thessalonians 4:3), shaping character day by day. • Jesus prayed, “Sanctify them in the truth” (John 17:17), tying sanctification to Scripture’s transforming power. You were justified “...you were justified...” • Justification is a legal declaration: the sinner is counted righteous (Romans 3:24). • Romans 5:1 notes the result: “having been justified by faith, we have peace with God.” • Galatians 2:16 repeats that this standing comes “not by works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ,” underscoring grace alone. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ “...in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ...” • All three blessings—washing, sanctification, justification—are grounded in Jesus’ person and saving work (Acts 4:12). • His name represents His authority and merit; we bring nothing of our own (John 14:6). • Colossians 3:17 urges believers to “do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,” living in the same grace that saved them. By the Spirit of our God “...and by the Spirit of our God.” • The Holy Spirit applies Christ’s finished work to individual hearts (Romans 8:9). • He regenerates and renews (Titus 3:5), producing evidence of new life (Galatians 5:22-23). • 2 Corinthians 3:17 reminds that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom,” confirming His ongoing role in sanctification. summary Once enslaved to sin, believers have been washed clean, set apart, and declared righteous—accomplished through Jesus’ work and applied by the Holy Spirit. The verse turns former shame into present assurance, inviting a life of grateful obedience grounded in God’s complete, triune salvation. |
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