We have lists of sins in several places in the New Testament, accompanied by phrases which express the end of the sinner. For example, 1 Corinthians 6:7-10. Which indicates that none who engage in these sins “will inherit the kingdom of God.” Note that this is not an eternal disqualification, but an indication that those who continue in these practices, never repenting, will be punished. In fact, in verse 11 Paul wrote, “And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.”
Another such list is found in Romans 1:28-32, ending with the phrase, “those who practice such things are deserving of death…” A third list is found in Galatians 5:21. The pronouncement here is “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” John has a similar list of sins in the book of Revelation 21:8, ending with “shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone.” There are, of course other examples, but these primary ones serve to make the point.
Now, for a list of the sins themselves compiled from these texts, with repeated references omitted: suing a brother, doing wrong, cheating, fornication, idolatry, adultery, homosexuality, sodomy, thievery, covetousness, drunkenness, extortion, wickedness, maliciousness, envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness, whispering, backbiting, hating God, violence, pride, boastfulness, inventing evil things, disobedience to parents, a lack of discernment, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful, approving of evil in others, uncleanness, lewdness, sorcery, hatred, contention, jealousy, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambition, dissension, heresy, revelries, cowardice, unbelief, abomination, and all liars.
Some of these terms may overlap a bit in their meaning, and others need some further context and explanation. One thing needs to be made clear, such lists are to be considered representative, not exhaustive. The apostle Paul made this very clear in two of the lists he compiled. In Romans 1:29 he included the phrase “all unrighteousness.” In Galatians 5:31 he finished the list with the phrase “and the like.”
The lesson is very clear, obedience to the commands of God are necessary to go to heaven. God’s grace covers a multitude of sins, but His granting of forgiveness is conditioned by an effort on the part of His children to serve Him faithfully. A gospel that doesn’t acknowledge this truth is a different gospel than that preached by our Lord and His apostles. Sin is serious, that is why Christ had to die for us. Please respect His death, and strive to emulate His life! To treat sin casually is to belittle His sacrifice for us!
