GALATIANS 5:21 - AND SUCH LIKE

The apostle Paul closes his list of the "the works of the flesh (Galatians 5:19-21) with "and such like."  This implies that there are other common practices God considers abominable.  The dictionary definition of sin is "an immoral act considered to violate divine law."  The Bible definition is, "sin is the transgression of the law" (God's Law being understood - 1 John 3:4).                                       

Paul enumerates a similar list of sins to Christians at Corinth in 1 Corinthians 6:9-20.  In both cases God points out that those that practice such "shall not inherit the kingdom of God."  In spite of these clear statements by God, most Americans still believe these will still spend eternity in Heaven. There is no deception like self deception!

Paul's Corinthian list still has adultery and fornication at the top of the list.  However, he does clarify "uncleanness [NIV = sexual immorality]" by mentioning the "effeminate" and "abusers of themselves with men (1Corinthinas 6:9)."   It really looks as though God would be classified as a "homophobe" today.  He also adds thieves.  Evidently, if enough of us steal and rob we too will make it through the Pearly Gates. 

     "Such like" will surely include a similar list found in Romans one.  God speaks of those "who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshiped and served the creature more than the Creator (Romans 1:25)."  This strikes to the heart of America in the 21st century, as it did to the Roman world of the 1st century.  It illuminates their "vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature:  And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet" (Romans 1:26-27).

     The Roman list goes on to include: "all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful" (Romans 1:29-31).  The inspired writer points out that those who know the judgement of God (where are our Bible students on this point?) know "that they which commit such things are worthy of death" (verse 32).  How many so called Christians today "not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them?"

     Finally, Christians are admonished, "love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.   And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever" (1 John 2:15-17).

Dale I. Royal, Elk City OK   


  


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