What does 'fornicators' mean in 1 Corinthians 6:9?

In 1 Corinthians 6:9, 'fornicators' means the grossly immoral people. The term describes those who practice gross immorality, and the verse lists them among the unrighteous who will not inherit the kingdom of God. However, the next verses show such people can be washed, sanctified, and justified.

Les explains that 'fornicators' refers to the grossly immoral. In 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Paul lists them with idolaters, adulterers, the effeminate, abusers of themselves with mankind, thieves, the covetous, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners, declaring none will inherit the kingdom of God. Les says such people are in Satan's hands and will be where Satan is for eternity, but they don't have to be. Verse 11 shows some were such, but are now washed, sanctified, and justified. Justification is God's judicial act declaring the sinner just as if they had never sinned—cleansing the idolater, drunkard, and adulterer. Les notes this is not only Pauline; Jesus uses the term in John's Gospel.

1 Corinthians 6:9

Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Are people who never committed idolatry or gross immorality any different from the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11?

No. Though many have not been steeped in idolatry or gross immorality, the potential was there, and the heart is born just as wicked as the Corinthians' hearts. All alike need God's grace and the finished work of the cross, and by faith are washed, sanctified, and justified.