The Kingdom of Heaven and Victory in Christ

Importantly, Paul’s warning in 1 Corinthians does not imply that those ensnared in sin, even habitually, are barred from eternal salvation. Rather, it addresses participation in the earthly fellowship of believers. Such behaviors are inherently anti-social, fostering division and contradicting the Christ-like character that defines the church as a community of mutual edification. Unrepentant persistence in them hinders full integration into this body, as it undermines the shared pursuit of holiness and love.

This principle aligns with broader biblical teachings on church discipline, intended not as punitive exclusion but as a pathway to restoration. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a process for addressing sin within the community: private confrontation, escalation to witnesses, and, if necessary, involvement of the church assembly. If the offender remains unrepentant, they are to be treated “as you would a pagan or a tax collector”—removed from fellowship to underscore the gravity of their choices, yet with the door open for reconciliation.

Paul exemplifies this in 1 Corinthians 5, where he instructs the church to hand over an immoral member “to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, so that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord.” The intent is redemptive: exposure to the consequences of sin outside the protective community might motivate change, leading to reinstatement, as seen in 2 Corinthians 2:6-8, where Paul urges forgiveness for a repentant individual. Likewise, Titus 3:10 advises warning a divisive person (a “heretic” in the sense of one promoting factionalism) once or twice before having nothing more to do with them, preserving the church’s unity.

These teachings carry serious implications for contemporary Christendom, where tolerance of what Scripture identifies as sin has sometimes blurred the lines of biblical fidelity. This is not an invitation to purge individuals from authentically Christian churches but to clarify that membership in the body of Christ, as God defines it, cannot be claimed if one’s identity is rooted in patterns contrary to His design. The church must lovingly communicate that true belonging arises from ongoing repentance and alignment with Christ’s example.

This distinction prompts a deeper examination of sin and salvation. Justification—our right standing before God—is by faith alone in Christ alone, securing an irrevocable entry into eternal life. As Romans 8:39 affirms, nothing in creation can separate us from God’s love in Christ. This echoes Psalm 103:12, where our transgressions are removed “as far as the east is from the west,” and 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, which describes works being tested by fire, yet even individuals without good works are saved “as one escaping through the flames.”

Human efforts, whether virtuous or sinful, play no role in this equation; it is a volitional choice to accept and abide in Christ. However, one can forfeit this gift — this Ticket to Heaven — through persistent rejection, as warned in Hebrews 6:4-6 (the impossibility of renewing those who fall away after tasting enlightenment), John 15:4-6 (branches that do not remain in the vine are thrown into the fire), and by implication in Revelation 16:9, where even the most hardened could have repented but chose not to.

Sanctification follows justification as a lifelong process of becoming more Christ-like, not through self-perfection but through cooperation with the Holy Spirit. It involves a series of personalized challenges designed to conform us to Jesus’ character. Those who invest little effort may still enter eternity “as through fire,” but active participation accelerates growth.

Finally, glorification completes the journey, where God finishes the work He began (Philippians 1:6). Described in 1 Corinthians 15:51-53 and 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 as a transformative event—often termed the Rapture, though the word itself is extra-biblical—it renders us imperishable. No one achieves this through personal merit; to suggest otherwise echoes the heresy of Pelagianism, which posits self-perfection as possible, mocking the sacrifice of Christ on the cross.

Jesus counters this in Matthew 5:20: “Unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.” He wasn’t advising them to be better box-checking legalists, but just the opposite, to simply abide in Him and receive His imputed righteousness as His gift.

As I close this reflection, I extend a heartfelt invitation to my ministry family, faithful supporters, and all who share a passion for seeing lives truly transformed by the power of Christ: join me in launching and sustaining the Victory in Christ Trust. Together, we can provide tangible support to ministries that faithfully walk with individuals—helping them build upon the sure foundation of justification a spiritual home defined by sanctification, overcoming the behavioral patterns that once held them captive and now hinder their full participation in the fellowship of believers.

Your prayers, encouragement, and generous partnership will multiply the impact of this work, equipping the church to more effectively minister to those earnestly seeking victory and deeper communion with Christ and His people. Let us step forward in faith, confident that the same redeeming grace that changed my life 40 years ago is more than able to do the same—and far more—for many others through this endeavor.