Ephesians 5:5

Paul warned his readers against improper conduct by reminding them that people who practice such things sacrifice an inheritance in the kingdom to come, namely, the millennial kingdom (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:21). The AV, NKJV, and NIV have "any inheritance," and the NASB has "an inheritance," but the Greek text omits the article: "does not have inheritance." Since Paul had already said that all believers have an inheritance in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14), he was evidently contrasting unbelievers with believers (cf. Ephesians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; Galatians 5:21; Matthew 19:16; Mark 10:17; Luke 18:18). His point seems to have been that this type of behavior, which marks unbelievers, should not characterize believers.

Interpreters who take this verse as evidence that a truly saved person cannot and will not practice these vices overlook the fact that some genuine believers live carnal lives (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:1-4). [Note: For further study, see Zane C. Hodges, The Gospel Under Siege, pp. 109-20; idem, Grace in Eclipse, pp. 76-77; and Charles C. Ryrie, So Great Salvation, pp. 59-65.]