WASHED, SANCTIFIED AND JUSTIFIED

“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 homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”

-1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (NKJV)

I used to think that being a good person was enough; that being a good person, no matter what your beliefs or faith or religion, would be enough to gain access to heaven in death. Of course, I was such a person in my own mind; after all, I was nice to others, I tried to help others who needed help, I was pretty honest, I didn’t do drugs, I didn’t really steal, and most importantly I hadn’t killed anyone. I looked pretty good compared to those people you here about in the six o’clock news. Yes, when I used man’s standard of measurement, I was good or at least good enough. The problem with this reasoning is God does not use man’s standard of measurement, for all of man has fallen and all of man sins. We are measured against God’s standard of measurement and there is no curve, only pass/fail. As I read 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, it is painfully obvious to me that I was not as good as I thought I was; I was not good enough. When I measure my old self against God’s standard, I am faced with the harsh reality that I would have gotten seven check marks against me and all I needed was one to fail. When I look at my life through God’s eyes, I am definitely not good enough and in fact, I am pretty revolting. But the beauty and the hope for me comes in 1 Corinthians 6:11, “But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” The day that I repented and looked to Christ, I was washed, I was sanctified, and I was justified in His name and by the Holy Spirit. Because of Christ, I am washed clean and I have been made as white as snow. Thank you Jesus!

The world would have you believe that being a good person is good enough, but what does that mean? What does it mean to be a “good person?” If all of man is corrupt, if all of man has fallen, then being a good person doesn’t really amount to much. I exhort you today, do not be deceived by the lies of the enemy that would have you believe that you are good enough in and of yourself; you are not, no man is. Take a close look at your life and measure not against other men, but against scripture, against the Word of God. My hope is that if you are like me, if you believe as I once did, that you are good enough; my hope is that the Lord would reveal the truth to you and bring you to the saving knowledge of His grace. I am so very thankful the Lord revealed the truth to me before I had to stand before Him in judgment and I pray that He would do the same for you. The final exam is coming, though we may not know when; are you in good standing, will you receive a passing grade?

COACH'S CALL TO ACTION

• What does it mean to be a “good person?”
  
• When using God’s standard of measurement, how do you measure up?
  
• Were does your hope come from?

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