In the context of the Bible, "immoral people" refers to individuals who engage in behaviors and practices that are contrary to the moral and ethical teachings of Scripture. The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings regarding immorality, often warning against such behaviors and urging believers to pursue righteousness and holiness.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament frequently addresses immorality, particularly in the context of idolatry, sexual immorality, and injustice. The Ten Commandments, found in Exodus 20:1-17, serve as a foundational moral code, prohibiting actions such as adultery, theft, and bearing false witness. Leviticus 18 and 20 provide specific prohibitions against various forms of sexual immorality, including incest, adultery, and homosexuality.

The prophets often condemned the immorality of the Israelites, calling them to repentance. For example, Isaiah 1:4 describes the nation as "a sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity," highlighting their moral failings. Similarly, Jeremiah 3:1-5 uses the metaphor of unfaithfulness in marriage to describe Israel's idolatry and moral corruption.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues to address the issue of immorality, emphasizing the need for believers to live according to the teachings of Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus calls for a higher standard of righteousness, teaching that even lustful thoughts are equivalent to adultery (Matthew 5:27-28).

The epistles provide further instruction on moral living. The Apostle Paul frequently warns against immorality, urging believers to avoid behaviors that are contrary to their new identity in Christ. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists various forms of immorality, stating, "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God."

Paul also emphasizes the transformative power of the Gospel, reminding believers that they have been washed, sanctified, and justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11). In Galatians 5:19-21, he contrasts the "acts of the flesh," which include sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery, with the "fruit of the Spirit," encouraging believers to live by the Spirit.

Moral Instruction and Warnings

The Bible provides clear moral instruction and warnings against immorality. In Ephesians 5:3-5, Paul instructs, "But among you, as is proper among the saints, there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk, or crude joking, which are out of character, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure, or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God."

The book of Revelation also addresses immorality, warning of the consequences for those who persist in such behaviors. Revelation 21:8 states, "But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death."

Call to Holiness

Throughout Scripture, believers are called to a life of holiness and moral integrity. 1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness is rooted in the character of God and the transformative work of Christ, empowering believers to live in a manner that reflects their identity as children of God.