What does 1 Corinthians 6:11 mean?

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. 1 Corinthians 6:11

Explanation

1 Corinthians 6:11 delivers a message of transformation and redemption. The Apostle Paul reminds the Corinthian Christians of their past, highlighting their transformation through Christ. It suggests that though they once lived in a state of sin, their lives have been fundamentally changed—they have been “washed,” “sanctified,” and “justified” through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. To be “washed” is to be cleansed from past sins. “Sanctified” means to be set apart for a holy purpose, and “justified” indicates being declared righteous in the eyes of God. This verse emphasizes the profound change on a spiritual level that comes from faith in Jesus and the work of the Holy Spirit.

Historical Context

1 Corinthians was written by Paul to the Christian church in Corinth around A.D. 55. Corinth was a prominent city in ancient Greece known for its wealth, diverse population, and moral laxity. The letter addresses various moral, social, and theological problems that arose within the church. Prior to their conversion, many Corinthians engaged in behavior that both Jewish and Christian teachings would consider immoral. This verse refers back to the Corinthians’ prior lives, contrasting their former state with their new identity as cleansed and redeemed individuals in the Christian community.

Theological Insights

From a theological standpoint, this verse touches on the doctrines of redemption and sanctification. Redemption is typically understood as salvation from sin through the sacrifice of Jesus. Sanctification is the process of becoming holy, which in this context implies growth in spiritual maturity and moral character. Protestant theology may interpret “justified” as a reference to being declared righteous by faith alone, following the doctrine of justification by faith, as Martin Luther emphasized during the Reformation. Catholic theology, on the other hand, might emphasize the ongoing process of sanctification as part of the journey towards salvation.

Practical Applications

The practical applications of this verse are in personal transformation and community standards. It encourages individuals to remember their transformation and maintain a lifestyle that is indicative of their new identity in Christ, forsaking past behaviors. For communities, it fosters a culture of forgiveness, redemption, and hope, reminding members that change is possible for everyone. Furthermore, it can serve as a foundation for outreach and ministry, as it showcases the transformative power of the Christian faith.

Cross-References

• 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
• Romans 6:22: “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.”
• Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”

Language Study

In the original Greek text of the New Testament, key words in this verse carry rich meaning:

• “Washed” (ἀπολούω, apolouó): To cleanse, indicating a wash away of sins.
• “Sanctified” (ἁγιάζω, hagiazó): To make holy, set apart as sacred.
• “Justified” (δικαιόω, dikaioó): To declare righteous, indicating a legal acquittal. Understanding these terms offers deeper insight into the transformative journey described in the verse.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The concept of moral and spiritual transformation found in 1 Corinthians 6:11 has parallels in various religious traditions. Within Hinduism, the idea of moksha refers to liberation from the cycle of death and rebirth and is associated with purity and enlightenment. In Buddhism, the concept of enlightenment involves a profound transformation of understanding and living. While these concepts are not directly related to Christian justification or sanctification, they do show a human yearning for change and improvement that transcends cultural boundaries.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific perspective, while spiritual transformation is not a phenomenon that can be measured or tested empirically, psychological research does recognize the impact of religious faith on behavior and lifestyle change. Concepts such as cognitive restructuring and behavior modification in psychology may align in some ways with the transformative process that Paul describes, even if the underlying motivations and interpretations are different.

Commentaries

Biblical scholars and theologians offer various interpretations of 1 Corinthians 6:11. Some emphasize the radical nature of the change in the believers’ lives, others the role of the Trinity in the process of salvation, as Paul mentions both the Lord Jesus and the Holy Spirit. Many commentaries note the legal language of justification, bringing in discussions about law and grace in Pauline theology. Still others discuss the ethics of the Christian life, seeing in this verse a call to moral transformation that goes hand-in-hand with spiritual renewal.