But among you 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 coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Ephesians 5:3-5

This verse should make you very nervous. If you show a “hint” of sexual immorality, or impurity, or greed, you cannot receive the inheritance of the kingdom of Christ (aka heaven). So if you use obscenities, talk foolishly or tell dirty jokes, you’re denied heaven. Is this true?

Yes, but, the context of Ephesians 5 is to believers. Believers will get into heaven no matter how much they curse on earth. Paul is telling the believers not to act like the unbelievers who will not inherit the kingdom of God because of their sinful actions.

Paul describes unforgiven people in this passage, those that have not received Christ nor His Spirit. Their spirits are dead and their sins not erased. However, those that have been forgiven will inherit the kingdom of Christ. No longer are their spirits dead. They are alive. They may do immoral, impure or greedy things at times, but those sins have been forgiven.

Forgiven people receive the kingdom of Christ and their mouths should reflect that privilege.