Though you be a publican or fornicator, yet hope for salvation. “The publicans and harlots are entering the kingdom of God before you.”32 Paul testifies to this when he says: “Neither fornicators nor idolaters,” nor the rest, “will possess the kingdom of God. And such were some of you, but you have been washed, and you have been sanctified.”33 He did not say, some of you “are,” but some of you “were.” The sin committed in ignorance is pardoned, but persistent wickedness is condemned. (9) You have
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