Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:19-21)

Those Who Practice Such Things

Paul lists seventeen specific areas of sin that plague the hearts of men. The list is not complete, as many other things are found to be transgressions of God’s law. Paul’s list is illustrative of the conclusion he reaches at the end. The works of the flesh are evident as opposed to being hidden. Those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. They cannot possibly be saved. This is the reality of the consequences of sin. God does not accept those who continually rebel against His will.

Sin is defined by God, not men. A transgression of law is established by the one who gives the law. As Creator, God has the authority to determine what He regards as sin and what is not. Sexual immorality in any form is a sin, and those who practice such things will face the wrath of God. There is no changing the mind of God. In a world given over to the passions of the flesh, sexual relations before marriage will damn a soul to eternal fire regardless of whether it is acceptable in society or not. Unfaithfulness in marriage is condemned.

God does not accept impure hearts and minds. Uncleanness is characterized by the desire to fill the mind with pornography, sensuality, promiscuity, and lustful pleasures. Society may pay no heed to such things, but God has never changed His will about the heart of men. The pagan world lives with idolatry, but the Christian is not immune to the dangers of idolatry. Covetousness is idolatry, and seeking the base desires of the world is idolatry.

The other sins listed by Paul illustrate the impact Satan has on the hearts of men to destroy them. Paul’s admonition is to understand that hatred, uncontrolled anger, drunkenness, and such things will keep a person from eternal life. A study of each of the works of the flesh is helpful, but Paul’s real lesson is that not everyone is going to heaven. Many people in the world live after the works of the flesh, and those who practice such things will perish in eternal fire. God does not judge on a sliding rule. His law is straightforward, demonstrative, and final. Sin brings the wrath of God when left unchallenged.

Jesus taught that few will be saved, while the world teaches that everyone goes to heaven. Most people who die will never see the eternal city of God because they practice such sinful things. God is not willing that any perish, but most will. It is a sad reality that most do not prepare themselves for the judgment of God. He has told all men in His word what He demands for eternal life. The works of the flesh is an illustration of how God views sin. Those who practice such things will not – will not – inherit the kingdom of God (eternal life).