What does Ephesians 5:5 mean?

Following his instructions in verses 3 and 4, Paul summarizes that those who live like this are not true believers. Ephesians 2:2 explained that those who persist in sinful living are under the influence of Satan, not Christ. Paul, at least in this verse, is drawing a distinction between those who "walk" in these kinds of sins, and those who are part of the kingdom of God. For that reason, some speculate that Paul is implying that those who fall into such sins will lose their salvation. While this single verse separates salvation from those who participate in such sins, other passages certainly note Paul's view that nothing can separate the believer from God (Romans 8:37–39).

In the greater context of Ephesians, Paul's intent is to make a distinction between the lives of believers and unbelievers. Believers are supposed to live distinctly differently. Instead of sexual immorality and vulgar speech, believers are to exhibit pure lives and live with gratitude. Unbelievers are marked by their evil actions and will not inherit the kingdom of God. However, believers are certainly given the gift of eternal life (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8–9). Because of this, they should live in a way that imitates God (Ephesians 5:1), turning from the sinful practices of their life before Christ.

Christians are capable of sin, even though we are saved (1 John 1:8). Thankfully, Christ is willing to forgive (1 John 1:9), and the salvation we have can never be lost (John 10:28). Those whose lives are marked by persistent sins, such as those mentioned here by Paul, however, have reason to closely examine their spiritual lives.