Galatians 5:21 – ‘Not done’ in God’s Kingdom

envies, murders, drunkennesses, revelries and the like of these which, I am predicting to you, acoording as I predicted also, that those committing such things shall not be enjoying the allotment of the kingdom of God.

The long and by no means exhaustive list of “works of the flesh” concerns practices that have no place in the coming Kingdom of God. Paul foretells it, just as he had said to them before. “Those who practice such things” will receive no allotment in God’s Kingdom. Where “committing” (greek: prassontes = to practice)  is of course different from committing a mistake (see 6:1). To practice means to practice and maintain.

The warning that sounds here is also found in 1Corinthians 6:9-11 and Eph.5:5. The emphasis with which the apostle repeatedly puts forward this statement proves that it concerns a continuing line in his teaching. It also makes sense : believers are part of “the Christ” and form his governing body. “Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world?” (1Cor.6:2). How could kings-to-be today engage in practices that will soon not be tolerated among our subjects?! Noblesse oblige – nobility olbiges.

“God’s Kingdom” and “enjoyment of alltoment” are related to the coming eons in which Christ will reign with His own. Until … death as the last enemy shall be destroyed (1 Cor.15:22-28).

Delen: