What does Ephesians chapter 5 verse 5 mean?

Answer 1

Ephesians 5:5 - For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. [NKJV]

"For this you know..." The teaching that follows isn't new; it's a reminder to the Ephesian Christians of things they've already been taught.

"...that no..." Everything to come is being disqualified.

"...fornicator..." Someone who indulges in illicit sexual activity; by the biblical standard, any sexual activity outside of marriage.

"...unclean person..." In context, a reference to overall morality; someone who is habitually "unclean" in thought and life.

"...nor covetous man..." "Covetous" means "eager to have more, especially things that belong to others." Another meaning is "greedy for gain."

" who is an idolater..." This is a major revelation. God sees man's greed exactly the same way He sees idol worship, because it puts something else (which can be ANYTHING one covets) ahead of Him.

"...has any inheritance..." The New Testament often speaks of eternal salvation as the "inheritance." (See Matthew 19:29; 25:34; Acts 20:32; 26:18; 1 Corinthians 6:9 and others.)

"...in the kingdom of Christ..." This is a reference to the earthly manifestation of the kingdom; Christ's church. (See Colossians 1:13; Revelation 1:9, which speak of the kingdom as already in existence.)

"...and God." The everlasting kingdom; the eternal inheritance of the saved.