Our Scripture reading today is 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
Verse 11, "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."
At some point after our birth, we were given a name. For most this name will never be changed. I am aware that many ladies take on a new last name when they get married. In addition to the given name by our parents, God also gives us a name...SINNER. Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned..." This particular name brings with it eternal judgement. Romans 6:23, "For the wages of sin is death..." All of mankind are sinners and are on their way to eternal judgement in the lake of fire. Revelation 20:14, "And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death."
Our text today offers some hope to this not so good news. The beginning of the verse says, "Such were..." This is a past tense statement. The remainder of the verse explains what can happen to every sinner that turns to Jesus Christ for salvation. Have you by faith turned to Jesus Christ for eternal life? In John 10 we read that He gives eternal life and we shall never perish. When someone humbles themselves and accepts God's gift of eternal life, they are given a new name...SAVED SINNER! Romans 10:13, "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." Only saved sinners will be allowed in Heaven. Have you had your name changed yet? If not, don't delay!
2 Corinthians 6:2, "...behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation."