This document elaborates on the sins and categories of sinners listed in Section 10 (Those Who Will Not Enter the Kingdom) and Section 8 (Insights from 1 Corinthians 5 and Matthew 15-16) of the comprehensive study on apostasy. These sins and sinners, identified in Scripture, are associated with behaviors and spiritual conditions that lead to exclusion from God’s kingdom and contribute to falling away (apostasy). Each sin is analyzed using the original Greek (New Testament) and Hebrew (Old Testament, where relevant) terms to clarify their meanings, with all verses verified in their biblical context using the English Standard Version (ESV). The analysis explores the nature of each sin, its connection to apostasy, and the spiritual forces (e.g., the spirit of error) that may influence such behaviors, emphasizing the importance of the Spirit of Truth in preventing these sins.
The Bible warns that certain sins and unrepentant sinners will not inherit the kingdom of God, reflecting a state of rebellion or neglect that aligns with apostasy—turning away from faith in God. Section 10 of the original document cites Revelation 21:8, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, and Galatians 5:19-21, listing specific sins and categories of sinners excluded from the kingdom. Section 8 draws from 1 Corinthians 5 and Matthew 15-16, highlighting sins like sexual immorality, greed, and hypocrisy, which corrupt the church and lead to apostasy. This document provides a detailed examination of these sins and sinners, using original language terms to unpack their meanings and their role in spiritual downfall. The analysis underscores the contrast between the Spirit of Truth, which fosters obedience and perseverance, and the spirit of error, which promotes deception and rebellion, leading to apostasy.
Text: “The cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur” (ESV).
Analysis:
Cowardly (δειλοῖς, deilois):
Greek Meaning: From deilos, meaning “fearful” or “timid,” implying a lack of courage or faith in the face of trials. In Revelation 21:8, it refers to those who shrink back from faith due to fear of persecution or suffering, aligning with Hebrews 10:38-39: “My righteous one shall live by faith, and if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him” (ESV).
Connection to Apostasy: Cowardice reflects a failure to persevere, a characteristic of apostasy (Hebrews 3:12). The spirit of error exploits fear, leading to abandonment of faith (Mark 4:17), while the Spirit of Truth empowers boldness (2 Timothy 1:7).
Faithless (ἀπίστοις, apistois):
Greek Meaning: From apistos, meaning “unbelieving” or “unfaithful,” denoting those who reject or lack faith in God. It contrasts with pistis (faith) in James 2:19, where demons “believe” (pisteuō) but lack saving faith.
Connection to Apostasy: The faithless abandon trust in Christ, a hallmark of apostasy (Luke 8:13). The spirit of error fosters unbelief (1 Timothy 4:1), while the Spirit of Truth anchors faith (1 John 4:2).
Detestable (ἐβδελυγμένοις, ebdelygmenois):
Greek Meaning: From bdelyssomai, meaning “abominable” or “detestable,” often tied to moral or spiritual impurity (e.g., idolatry in Leviticus 18:22, Hebrew toʿevah). In Revelation 21:8, it describes those defiled by egregious sin.
Connection to Apostasy: Detestable behavior reflects a heart turned from God, akin to Israel’s idolatry (meshuvah, Jeremiah 3:6). The spirit of error promotes such impurity (Jude 1:4), while the Spirit of Truth purifies (Ephesians 5:26).
Murderers (φονεῦσιν, phoneusin):
Greek Meaning: From phoneus, meaning “murderer” or one who kills unjustly, rooted in hatred or malice (cf. 1 John 3:15: “Everyone who hates his brother is a murderer”).
Connection to Apostasy: Murder reflects a rejection of God’s command to love (John 13:34), aligning with apostasy’s lawlessness (Matthew 24:12). The spirit of error incites hatred (Galatians 5:20), while the Spirit of Truth fosters love (Galatians 5:22).
Sexually Immoral (πόρνοις, pornois):
Greek Meaning: From pornos, meaning one who engages in sexual immorality, including fornication, adultery, or other illicit sexual acts. It encompasses behaviors violating God’s design for sexuality (1 Corinthians 6:18).
Connection to Apostasy: Sexual immorality reflects a heart swayed by worldly desires (1 John 2:16), leading to apostasy (1 Corinthians 5:11). The spirit of error promotes sensuality (Jude 1:4), while the Spirit of Truth calls for holiness (1 Thessalonians 4:3).
Sorcerers (φαρμακοῖς, pharmakois):
Greek Meaning: From pharmakos, meaning one who practices sorcery, witchcraft, or uses drugs for magical purposes, often linked to idolatry and demonic influence (cf. Deuteronomy 18:10-12, Hebrew qosem for divination).
Connection to Apostasy: Sorcery involves turning to demonic powers, a form of idolatry that leads to apostasy (1 Timothy 4:1). The spirit of error drives such practices, while the Spirit of Truth guides to true worship (John 4:24).
Idolaters (εἰδωλολάτραις, eidōlolātrais):
Greek Meaning: From eidōlolatrēs, meaning “worshipper of idols,” encompassing devotion to anything over God (cf. Colossians 3:5, where greed is called idolatry).
Connection to Apostasy: Idolatry mirrors Israel’s meshuvah (Jeremiah 3:6), turning from God to false gods, a core cause of apostasy. The spirit of error fuels idolatry (1 John 5:21), while the Spirit of Truth directs worship to Christ (John 16:14).
Liars (ψευδέσιν, pseudesin):
Greek Meaning: From pseudēs, meaning “false” or “deceitful,” referring to those who habitually lie or deceive (cf. John 8:44, where Satan is the “father of lies”).
Connection to Apostasy: Lying reflects a rejection of truth, aligning with the spirit of error (1 John 4:6) and leading to apostasy (2 Thessalonians 2:3). The Spirit of Truth upholds honesty (Ephesians 4:25).
Text: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father… And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness’” (ESV).
Analysis:
Workers of Lawlessness (ἐργαζόμενοι τὴν ἀνομίαν, ergazomenoi tēn anomian):
Greek Meaning: From ergazomai (to work) and anomia (lawlessness, violation of God’s law), this describes those who profess faith but live in disobedience, marked by hypocrisy or false teaching (cf. Matthew 15:8).
Connection to Apostasy: Lawlessness reflects a rejection of God’s will, akin to apostasy’s rebellion (apostasia, 2 Thessalonians 2:3). The spirit of error promotes lawlessness (Jude 1:4), while the Spirit of Truth enables obedience (John 16:13).
Text: “Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God” (ESV).
Analysis:
Sexually Immoral (πόρνοι, pornois): See Revelation 21:8 above.
Idolaters (εἰδωλολάτραι, eidōlolātrai): See Revelation 21:8 above.
Adulterers (μοιχοί, moichoi):
Greek Meaning: From moichos, meaning one who commits adultery, violating the marriage covenant (cf. Exodus 20:14, Hebrew naʾaph).
Connection to Apostasy: Adultery reflects unfaithfulness, mirroring spiritual unfaithfulness to God (meshuvah, Jeremiah 3:6). The spirit of error fosters lust (1 John 2:16), while the Spirit of Truth promotes fidelity (Hebrews 13:4).
Men Who Practice Homosexuality (ἀρσενοκοῖται, arsenokoitai; μαλακοί, malakoi):
Greek Meaning: Arsenokoitai (from arsēn, male, and koitē, bed) refers to men engaging in same-sex acts, and malakoi denotes those who take the passive role or live in effeminacy, both condemned as violations of God’s design (cf. Leviticus 18:22, Hebrew toʿevah).
Connection to Apostasy: Such practices reflect rebellion against God’s order, aligning with apostasy’s rejection of truth (Romans 1:26-27). The spirit of error promotes sensuality (Jude 1:4), while the Spirit of Truth calls for purity (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Thieves (κλέπται, kleptai):
Greek Meaning: From kleptēs, meaning one who steals, violating God’s command (Exodus 20:15, Hebrew ganav).
Connection to Apostasy: Theft reflects greed and disregard for God’s provision, leading to apostasy (Demas, 2 Timothy 4:10). The spirit of error fuels covetousness (Colossians 3:5), while the Spirit of Truth fosters contentment (Philippians 4:11).
Greedy (πλεονέκται, pleonektai):
Greek Meaning: From pleonektēs, meaning one who desires more, often at others’ expense, akin to idolatry (Colossians 3:5).
Connection to Apostasy: Greed drives love for the world (1 John 2:15), leading to apostasy (Judas, Matthew 26:15). The spirit of error promotes materialism, while the Spirit of Truth encourages generosity (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Drunkards (μέθυσοι, methusoi):
Greek Meaning: From methusos, meaning one who is habitually intoxicated, losing self-control (cf. Proverbs 23:20-21).
Connection to Apostasy: Drunkenness reflects a lack of sobriety, making one vulnerable to deception and apostasy (1 Timothy 4:1). The spirit of error exploits indulgence, while the Spirit of Truth promotes self-control (Galatians 5:23).
Revilers (λοίδοροι, loidoroi):
Greek Meaning: From loidoros, meaning one who slanders or verbally abuses others, rooted in malice (cf. Psalm 101:5, Hebrew lashon for slander).
Connection to Apostasy: Reviling reflects a heart far from God’s love, aligning with apostasy’s lawlessness (Matthew 24:12). The spirit of error incites division (Galatians 5:20), while the Spirit of Truth fosters peace (Galatians 5:22).
Swindlers (ἅρπαγες, harpāges):
Greek Meaning: From harpax, meaning one who plunders or extorts, often through deceit or violence.
Connection to Apostasy: Swindling reflects greed and dishonesty, leading to apostasy (2 Peter 2:3). The spirit of error promotes exploitation, while the Spirit of Truth upholds integrity (Ephesians 4:28).
Text: “Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these… those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God” (ESV).
Analysis:
Sexual Immorality (πορνεία, porneia): Broader than pornos, encompassing all illicit sexual acts. See Revelation 21:8.
Impurity (ἀκαθαρσία, akatharsia):
Greek Meaning: From akathartos, meaning “uncleanness,” morally or spiritually, often tied to lust or idolatry (cf. Romans 1:24).
Connection to Apostasy: Impurity reflects a defiled heart, susceptible to apostasy (Hebrews 3:12). The spirit of error promotes uncleanness (Jude 1:4), while the Spirit of Truth purifies (1 John 1:7).
Sensuality (ἀσέλγεια, aselgeia):
Greek Meaning: Meaning “licentiousness” or unrestrained indulgence, often sexual or moral excess (cf. 2 Peter 2:2).
Connection to Apostasy: Sensuality reflects surrender to worldly desires, leading to apostasy (Jude 1:4). The spirit of error fuels indulgence, while the Spirit of Truth calls for restraint (1 Peter 4:3-4).
Idolatry (εἰδωλολατρία, eidōlolatreia): See Revelation 21:8.
Sorcery (φαρμακεία, pharmakeia): Related to pharmakos, referring to witchcraft or drug-induced sorcery. See Revelation 21:8.
Enmity (ἔχθρα, echthra):
Greek Meaning: Meaning “hostility” or “hatred,” opposing God’s call to love (cf. 1 John 3:15).
Connection to Apostasy: Enmity reflects a heart hardened against God, leading to apostasy (Matthew 24:12). The spirit of error incites hatred, while the Spirit of Truth fosters love (Galatians 5:22).
Strife (ἔρις, eris):
Greek Meaning: Meaning “contention” or “quarreling,” causing division (cf. Proverbs 17:14, Hebrew midyan).
Connection to Apostasy: Strife divides the church, fostering apostasy (1 Corinthians 1:11). The spirit of error promotes conflict, while the Spirit of Truth brings unity (Ephesians 4:3).
Jealousy (ζῆλος, zēlos):
Greek Meaning: Meaning “zeal” in a negative sense, as envy or rivalry (cf. James 3:14).
Connection to Apostasy: Jealousy reflects discontent, leading to apostasy (Demas, 2 Timothy 4:10). The spirit of error fuels envy, while the Spirit of Truth promotes contentment (Philippians 4:11).
Fits of Anger (θυμοί, thymoi):
Greek Meaning: From thymos, meaning outbursts of wrath or rage (cf. Proverbs 22:24, Hebrew ʾaph).
Connection to Apostasy: Anger disrupts love, aligning with apostasy’s lawlessness (Matthew 24:12). The spirit of error incites wrath, while the Spirit of Truth fosters peace (Galatians 5:22).
Rivalries (ἐριθεῖαι, eritheiai):
Greek Meaning: Meaning “selfish ambition” or “factionalism,” promoting personal gain over unity (cf. Philippians 2:3).
Connection to Apostasy: Rivalries divide, leading to apostasy (1 Corinthians 3:3). The spirit of error fuels selfishness, while the Spirit of Truth promotes humility (Philippians 2:4).
Dissensions (διχοστασίαι, dichostasiai):
Greek Meaning: Meaning “divisions” or “schisms,” breaking fellowship (cf. Romans 16:17).
Connection to Apostasy: Dissensions fragment the church, fostering apostasy (Jude 1:19). The spirit of error sows division, while the Spirit of Truth unites (1 Corinthians 12:25).
Divisions (αἱρέσεις, haireseis):
Greek Meaning: Meaning “factions” or “heresies,” referring to divisive teachings or groups (cf. 2 Peter 2:1).
Connection to Apostasy: Divisions reflect false teaching, leading to apostasy (1 Timothy 4:1). The spirit of error promotes heresy, while the Spirit of Truth upholds truth (1 John 4:6).
Envy (φθόνος, phthonos):
Greek Meaning: Meaning “malicious envy,” desiring others’ harm (cf. Matthew 27:18).
Connection to Apostasy: Envy breeds resentment, leading to apostasy (James 3:16). The spirit of error fuels envy, while the Spirit of Truth fosters love (1 Corinthians 13:4).
Drunkenness (μέθαι, methai): See 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
Orgies (κῶμοι, kōmoi):
Greek Meaning: Meaning “carousing” or excessive revelry, often tied to drunken feasts (cf. 1 Peter 4:3).
Connection to Apostasy: Orgies reflect indulgence, leading to apostasy (2 Peter 2:2). The spirit of error promotes excess, while the Spirit of Truth calls for sobriety (1 Peter 5:8).
Things Like These: Paul’s catch-all phrase includes similar sins, emphasizing persistent, unrepentant behavior.
1 Corinthians 5
Text: “It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you… And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? … Not to associate with anyone who bears the name of brother if he is guilty of sexual immorality or greed, or is an idolater, reviler, drunkard, or swindler… Purge the evil person from among you” (1 Corinthians 5:1-2, 11, 13, ESV). Paul likens sin to “leaven”: “A little leaven leavens the whole lump” (1 Corinthians 5:6, ESV).
Analysis:
Sexual Immorality (πορνεία, porneia): See Galatians 5:19-21. In 1 Corinthians 5:1, it refers specifically to a man sleeping with his father’s wife, a severe violation (cf. Leviticus 18:8, Hebrew ʿervah).
Connection to Apostasy: Such sin, if unrepentant, corrupts the church, leading to apostasy (1 Timothy 4:1). The spirit of error fosters immorality, while the Spirit of Truth calls for repentance (1 Corinthians 6:11).
Greed (πλεονέκτης, pleonektēs): See 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
Idolater (εἰδωλολάτρης, eidōlolātrēs): See Revelation 21:8.
Reviler (λοίδορος, loidoros): See 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
Drunkard (μέθυσος, methusos): See 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
Swindler (ἅρπαξ, harpax): See 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
Leaven (ζύμη, zymē):
Greek Meaning: Meaning “yeast,” symbolizing sin’s pervasive influence, spreading corruption (cf. Exodus 12:15, Hebrew seʾor).
Connection to Apostasy: Unaddressed sin, driven by the spirit of error, risks leading the entire community to apostasy (1 Corinthians 5:6). The Spirit of Truth calls for purity (1 Corinthians 5:8).
Text:
Matthew 15:7-9:“This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me; in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (ESV).
Matthew 15:13-14:“Every plant that my heavenly Father has not planted will be rooted up. Let them alone; they are blind guides. And if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into a pit” (ESV).
Matthew 23:27-28:“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs… outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness” (ESV).
Analysis:
Hypocrisy (ὑποκριταί, hypokritai):
Greek Meaning: From hypokritēs, meaning “actor” or one who pretends, referring to those who feign righteousness while hiding sin (cf. Psalm 26:4, Hebrew ʿal for deceit).
Connection to Apostasy: Hypocrisy reflects a heart far from God (Matthew 15:8), aligning with apostasy’s shallow faith (Luke 8:13). The spirit of error promotes pretense (Jude 1:4), while the Spirit of Truth demands sincerity (1 John 3:18).
False Teachers (τυφλοὶ ὁδηγοί, typhloi hodēgoi):
Greek Meaning: Literally “blind guides,” referring to those who teach human traditions over God’s truth, leading others astray (cf. Matthew 15:14).
Connection to Apostasy: False teachers, driven by the spirit of error, promote deception, causing apostasy (2 Peter 2:1; 1 Timothy 4:1). The Spirit of Truth upholds apostolic teaching (1 John 4:6).
Each sin listed reflects a rejection of God’s truth, aligning with the spirit of error (pneuma tēs planēs, 1 John 4:6), which promotes deception, rebellion, and worldly desires, leading to apostasy (apostasia, 2 Thessalonians 2:3). The Spirit of Truth (pneuma tēs alētheias, John 16:13) counters these by:
Enabling confession of Jesus as Lord (kyrios, 1 Corinthians 12:3).
Guiding into truth (alētheia, 1 John 4:6).
Producing godly fruit (Galatians 5:22-23).
Empowering submission to God (John 15:4).
Unrepentant persistence in these sins, as seen in Judas (Matthew 26:15), Demas (2 Timothy 4:10), or the “seven spirits” parable (Luke 11:24-26), risks a worse state, amplifying apostasy’s consequences.
The sins and sinners listed in Revelation 21:8, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Galatians 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 5, and Matthew 15-16—cowardice, faithlessness, detestable acts, murder, sexual immorality, sorcery, idolatry, lying, lawlessness, adultery, homosexuality, theft, greed, drunkenness, reviling, swindling, impurity, sensuality, enmity, strife, jealousy, anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, orgies, hypocrisy, and false teaching—reflect behaviors and heart conditions that reject God’s truth, leading to exclusion from His kingdom and apostasy. Original language terms (porneia, eidōlolatreia, anomia, etc.) reveal their depth, showing rebellion against God’s design. The spirit of error drives these sins, fostering deception and apostasy, while the Spirit of Truth empowers believers to repent, obey, and persevere, preventing falling away (1 John 4:1-6). Believers must test spirits, abide in Christ, and pursue holiness to avoid these sins and their eternal consequences.