1 Corinthians 6:11

Some of you. Prior to conversion the Corinthians had indulged in the vices here mentioned.

Washed. That is, washed from sin. Baptism is the outward sign or recognition or ratification of the inward experience of removal of sin that has taken place in the repentant sinner. The washing mentioned in this verse is the miracle of regeneration experienced by the individual whose sins have been forgiven and washed away by the blood of Christ, in whose atoning sacrifice the sinner has placed his faith (see Matt. 26:28; Eph. 1:7; Heb. 9:14, 22; 1 John 1:7, 9; Rev. 1:5). Although a man may have been polluted and corrupted by the most debasing sins, he can find complete salvation in Jesus. When such a person repents and calls upon the Lord for deliverance, a mighty miracle is performed in his life, and he is transformed by the Holy Spirit into a grateful, humble, sincere follower of Christ (see Rom. 7:24,25; 8:1-4, 11; 12:1,2).

Sanctified. Gr. hagiazo (see on John 17:11, 17). The believers at Corinth had been called out of the world to serve God. They had been “washed” and made acceptable to the Father through faith in the cleansing blood of His Son. When sins have been forgiven, the Holy Spirit begins the work of developing in the converted believer a character like that of Christ. This process of sanctification is a continual growth in grace and the knowledge of God (see 1 Thess. 4:3; 2 Thess. 2:13; GC 469).

Justified. That is, reckoned as free from guilt, acquitted, held innocent (see on Rom. 4:8). This is the picture the repentant believer who has confessed his sins in the name of Christ, presents to God. Justification is possible because the faith of the believer is counted as righteousness (see on Rom. 3:24-26; 4:3, 5). The Father, looking upon the converted sinner, sees the beautiful garment of Christ’s righteousness with which the repentant one has been covered, and not the sin-stained rags of the sinner’s own corrupt life. This amazing transaction has been made possible by the sacrificial death of Jesus (see Rom. 5:19; 2 Cor. 5:17-19, 21; Heb. 9:15; 1 Peter 2:24; SC 62, 63). In view of the fact that the Holy Spirit works this transformation from sin to righteousness, believers are under moral obligation to live lives of continual surrender to the Lord’s will at all times.