But You Were Washed

by: Chic Broersma

Reading Paul’s catalogue of sins in verses 9 and 10 reminds us that, morally speaking, things have changed very little. In terms of technical achievements, we’ve become giants. Morally, we are pygmies. But if we reflect on the culture the church of Corinth lived in, we may take heart. The tallest building in Corinth was the temple of Aphrodite, the goddess of love; translate that lust. The temple employed prostitutes. Idolatry and immorality went hand in hand in this heathen worship. The Roman emperor Nero, who was reigning when Paul wrote this letter, took a boy, married him in full ceremony, and lived with him as his wife. People of means wallowed in luxury and uncontrolled eating and drinking. The strong lusted for advantage over weaker members of society, never satisfied with what they had.

Can you see similarities to our culture? Or even to the life you used to live? Are any of us completely free from Paul’s list of ugly `no, no’s? Free from greed? Free from modern idol worship? Such sins still shut the doors to God’s kingdom.

Praise God if today you know you’ve been washed clean in the blood of Christ, made holy by his Spirit, and declared righteous in the eyes of God! Washed is a victory word. Sanctified is a conquest word. Justified is a “Hallelujah, not guilty” verdict in God’s courtroom. How will you celebrate your freedom from shame and guilt? One way would be to invite others into the transforming reality of Christ.