Things that jeopardize salvation

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ChristRoseFromTheDead

ChristRoseFromTheDead

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Nov 1, 2024
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I'm going to start with this verse and spend some time with it because the translations of some words don't given the intended meaning IMO.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21​
 
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We all have a pretty good idea what adultery and fornication are, but what does uncleanness mean?

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 ​
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Uncleanness
G167 ἀκαθαρσία akatharsia (a-ka-thar-siy'-a) n.
impurity (the quality).

The word seems to convey the idea of impure, unclean things of the world that defile our walk, which seems to be summarized well in this passage:

Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unblemished from the world. James 1:27​
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Noun
Jesus used the word to describe the spiritual condition of the pharisees in Matthew 23:27.
Paul used the word for the impurity of lustful, luxurious, profligate living in Romans 1:24; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Ephesians 4:19; 5:3; Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:7. And he used it to describe impure motives in 1 Thessalonians 2:3.

Adjective
It is used frequently in the gospels and in Acts 5:16; 8:7; Revelation. 16:13; 18:2 to refer to “unclean” spirits.
Other places it's used: Acts 10:14, 28; 11:8; 1 Corinthians 7:14; 2 Corinthians. 6:17; Ephesians 5:5; Revelation 17:4.

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Lasciviousness means licentiousness, which means unrestrained conduct leading to excess in any number of things.

Idolatry means worship of images. Paul stated elsewhere that covetousness is idolatry. So coveting something that is not ours is idolatry

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21 ​
 
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Witchcraft is the Greek word pharmakeia (φαρμακεία) from which the word pharmacy is derived. There's no doubt in my mind that many people are under the spell of modern day witchcraft practioners masquerading as medical doctors and psychiatrists.

G5331 φαρμακεία pharmakeia (far-ma-kei'-a) n.
1. the use of drugs, potions, and enchantments.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21​
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The word hatred means hostility. I take that as meaning expressing ill will towards someone. Paul said that love fulfills the law because it works no ill towards one's neighbor. Having ill intent towards someone should warn us to pull back on the reigns and examine what's going on in our hearts and minds before we hurt someone.

G2189 ἔχθρα echthra (ech'-thra) n.
1. hostility.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21​
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Variance means strife. Strife is evil because it creates divisions that cause bad feelings and destroy the unity of love. I'm sure others can comment more on this than I care to at the moment

G2054 ἔρις eris (e'-ris) n.
1. strife.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21​
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Emulations means heat, which can connote good or bad things. Zeal is an example. But Paul is referring solely to the bad sense which appears to be things like jealousy, envy, contention.

G2205 ζῆλος zelos (zee'-los) n.
1. (properly) heat.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21​
 
Wrath means passion, which seems to indicate things like violent anger, rage, indignation (the bad sense)

G2372 θυμός thumos (thï-mos') n.
passion (as if breathing hard).

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21​
 
Gal 5:16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
Gal 5:24 And they that are Christ's have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.

1Co 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

Jas 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

If a person hates sin, and does not want sin and allow the Spirit to lead them they can abstain from sin.

We can have the same power to abstain from sin as the man Christ Jesus.

So there is no excuse and will be required of us.

Isa 59:1 Behold, the LORD'S hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear:
Isa 59:2 But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.

Sin separates us from God whether we confess Christ or not.

Rom 11:20 Well; because of unbelief they were broken off, and thou standest by faith. Be not highminded, but fear:
Rom 11:21 For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.
Rom 11:22 Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.

If we are saved and do not continue in the goodness of God we will be cut off like the Jews who did not obey the truth.

2Ti 3:4 lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;
2Ti 3:5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.
2Ti 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

Mat 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Mat 7:23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

These people did not allow the Spirit to lead them and did not come to the truth for they would not let go of the flesh.

These people say they cannot abstain from sin, which means they are sinning, and holding on to sin, and believe they have salvation and do not come to the truth.

Heb 10:26 For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins,
Heb 10:27 But a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries.

Which their sins are not washed away by the blood of Christ.

But we are in the flesh and have the capability to sin if we want.

If we sin we should repent and allow the Spirit to lead us to be Christlike.

God knows the heart if you are holding on to sin.

Gal 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness,
Gal 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
Gal 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.

This is telling us that people that go by the flesh committing sin will not receive salvation so allow the Spirit to lead you and abstain from works of the flesh.

Gal 5:18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law.

Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,
Gal 5:23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

A Spirit led person is not under the law because their sins are forgiven and they are not sinning.

Therefore the law cannot touch them for prosecution.

People who say they cannot abstain from sin are sinning and hold on to sin so they are under the law and will be prosecuted.

Every time we sin we forfeit repentance because we are not turning away from sin.

We must stop doing sins being led of the Spirit to not be under the law.
 
Strife is the Greek word ἐριθεία (eritheia) that seems to convey the idea of doing things for personal gain and advantage that degenerates into rivalry and divisions. We see much of this here on BDF

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21​

Strife
G2052 ἐριθεία eritheia (e-riy-thei'-a) n.
1. (properly) intrigue.
2. (by implication) faction.

"These ereis are sometimes discussions that degenerate into quarrels (cf. Ps 139:20) and finally sects and schisms (Gal 5:20), sometimes discord that breaks out into opposition and open battle. In the Pastorals, it is the vice of false teachers; they are avid polemicists. Blinded by vanity, they are full of animosity and jealousy toward other teachers whom they consider to be rivals;16 hence the bitterness of their quarrels (1 Tim 6:4)." Theological Lexicon of the New Testament

If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and disputations about trifles, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1 Timothy 6:3-5​
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Strife conveys the idea of causing divisions

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath,strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21​

Seditions
G1370 διχοστασία dichostasia (d̮iy-cho-sta-siy'-a) n.
1. disunion.

διχοστασία: σκοπεῖν τοὺς τὰς διχοστασίας … ποιοῦντας ‘watch out for people who cause divisions’ Ro 16:17.
In some languages the equivalent of ‘causing division’ is literally ‘to cause two groups in place of one group,’ but more frequently the equivalent is expressed in terms of attitudes, for example, ‘to cause people to be angry at one another’ or ‘to cause people not to like one another’ or ‘to cause people to think of one another as enemies.’

Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains
 
We are all familiar with the word heresies. It seems to convey the meaning of personal choice according to one's own preferences/biases rather than submission to and belief of the truth.

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath,strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21​

Heresies
G139 αἵρεσις hairesis (hai'-re-sis) n.
1. (properly) a choice.

3. that which is chosen, a chosen course of thought and action; hence one’s chosen opinion, tenet; acc. to the context, an opinion varying from the true exposition of the Christian faith (heresy): 2 Pet. 2:1 (cf. De Wette ad loc.), and in eccl. writ. [cf. Soph. Lex. s. v.].

A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament
 
Envyings means ill-will. Slander is its sister

Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath,strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21​

Envyings
G5355 φθόνος phthonos (ftho'-nos) n.
ill-will (as detraction), i.e. jealousy (spite).

This vice is denounced in the NT sin lists, where it is associated with malice (kakia, Titus 3:3; 1 Pet 2:1; cf. T. Benj. 8.1) and strife (eris, Rom 1:29; Gal 5:21; 1 Tim 6:4); and it is a commonplace in Hellenistic diatribē. Stobaeus collected fifty-nine sayings on envy (Peri phthonou, Ecl. 3.38; vol. 3, pp. 708ff.). Plutarch wrote a treatise on envy and hatred (Peri phthonou kai misous; cf. De prof. in virt. 14). This malevolence is stigmatized as the worst of evils,4 it is defined as sadness occasioned by the thought of another’s good, and its harmful effects on social and political life are denounced.6

In effect, this malevolence is aggressive and seeks to do harm, at least through slander

Theological Lexicon of the New Testament
 
sawdust said:
We have all done some or all of those things so no-one will be saved, is that your point?
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Galatians 5:21 - ..those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NASB)

1 John 3:9 - No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (NASB)

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we see a similar list of sins and Paul explains that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous (key word) will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor those habitually drunk, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. *Notice the contrast between the unrighteous and the righteous.
 
mailmandan said:
Galatians 5:21 - ..those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (NASB)

1 John 3:9 - No one who is born of God practices sin, because His seed abides in him; and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. (NASB)

In 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, we see a similar list of sins and Paul explains that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous (key word) will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, 10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor those habitually drunk, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God. *Notice the contrast between the unrighteous and the righteous.
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Yes, as you point out, it is those who "practice such things" therefore one must ask ... "were such people ever saved?"

The OP wants us to believe these are believers, born of God, who practice such lifestyles and therefore are in danger of forfeiting their salvation (as per the title) but the Gal. passage is simply saying that such lifestyles are antithetical to the Kingdom of God lifestyle. There is no talk of losing salvation in the verses quoted.
 
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