What does it mean that the "effeminate" will not enter the kingdom of God?
The meaning of this greek word is "soft" or "gently", hence I'm not sure how being soft or gentle prevents them from entering the kingdom of God. Hence more explanation on this issue is needed.
1 Corinthians 6:9
ESV - 9 Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality.
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Asked November 10 2014
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Arun Kumar
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Aurel Gheorghe
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I believe that the Bible is not talking about people who might exhibit soft or gentle characteristics. The NKJV uses the term "catamites" which is described as young boys with feminine characteristics. In Bible times, these boys were usually acting as companion to older men and were engaging in passive sexual relations. Interesting to note is that Paul in 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 mentions a number of sins that will also separate us from the Kingdom of God: "nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God." Many times, as Christians, we are very quick to point out that homosexuality is a horrible sin that will separate these people from God's Kingdom. In the same time, we are very eager to overlook, forgive and excuse the other behaviors (mentioned by Paul in the same sentence) that will also keep us from inheriting the kingdom of God.
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