Jesus Saves Sinners

“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.” (1 Timothy 1:15-17)

How great is Jesus’ salvation? Consider this statement: “The people Paul killed welcomed him into heaven.” Doesn’t that make you think?

You’ve heard about Paul’s former life. He zealously persecuted Christians, threw them in jail, and killed them. He was directly responsible for the deaths of Christians. In his own words, he was the worst!

So, Paul would be the last person we’d expect to make it to heaven. Yet, Jesus did something unexpected: He changed Paul’s heart and life. Jesus turned Paul from being a persecutor of Christians into the greatest Christian missionary. In fact, after sharing the good news of Jews all over the world, Paul was executed for his faith.

What do you think happened next? When Paul went to heaven by faith in Jesus, what do you think the Christians he had executed did? They rejoiced! They welcomed Paul into heaven.

Because this is exactly what Jesus came to do: “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” Jesus came into our world with one very specific mission: To save sinners. Jesus suffered and died on the cross and rose from the dead to win God’s salvation for all who believe, even for the worst of sinners like Paul.

God wants you to know that. God wants you to believe that! In the books of 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus, there are five verses that begin with “here is a trustworthy saying.” This is the first one: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

God’s grace can reach into the sinful heart of a violent persecutor and melt it. God’s grace can reach into the hurt heart of an executed martyr and heal it. The people Paul killed welcomed him into heaven.

Jesus saves sinners. Isn’t our God amazing? To him be honor and glory forever and ever!

Dear Jesus, it’s amazing to think that you came into our world to save sinners. May your grace so fill my heart and life that I am filled with grace for sinners too. To your glory! Amen.

Pastor Nathan