Were and Are

1 Corinthians 6:11 "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."

Prior to this verse, Paul goes through a long list of sins that is pretty shocking. But even more shocking is this verse. "And such were some of you..." Our past is ugly. Go down that list with an honest heart and you'll see that Paul is talking about you and me. Most likely not every one. But idolater is on that list, and there's not a human alive who hasn't placed something above God at some point.

But then Paul brings the hope! The key word there is "were". That list does not define the Christian anymore! That's what we "were",  but now we "are" washed, we "are" sanctified, we "are" justified. Jesus has completed that saving work and we are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. Things are different now.

Have you accepted the change that Jesus has wrought in your life? Do you see yourself as currently and eternally washed, sanctified, and justified?