"To Save Sinners"

“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” (1 Timothy 1:15-16 ESV)

Speaking of eternal life, Paul writes to Timothy about the perfect patience found in the mercy of Christ and how Paul himself was an example to “those who were to believe” and receive eternal life through their faith in Jesus.

What I find so important in this verse is Paul’s acknowledgement of his sinful nature, even to go so far as to say he was the foremost, or the greatest, sinner. Paul always professed that his persecution of the church and believers in Christ made him the worst sinner above everyone.

Recognizing one's sinful nature is a necessary component of salvation through faith in Christ. No religious service or deed we complete in Christ’s name can eliminate our sin and make us righteous in the eyes of God. Our sin debt is so great and our sin nature insurmountable, that we need a Savior to rescue us from ourselves.

This may be the hardest thing for someone to acknowledge. Most people think they are good. I have counseled many on this in my evangelism that we are not good. Only God is good because he defines righteousness in His very being. People want to believe they are good. If you called someone a sinner, they would probably laugh at you. However, labeling someone as evil may evoke anger and hostility towards you.

Our society has minimized the severity of sin. A little white lie is not a big deal. Lusting over a man or woman is just “looking”; mind you, I didn't touch. The fact is that a little white lie is a capital offense to an all-holy God. Looking at someone with lust is committing adultery in your mind.  Sin has been normalized; it is everywhere around us in society. Billboards, music, television, and movies all exploit the concept of sin.

One can only acknowledge one's sin when they are faced with the glory of God. The Gospel of Jesus Christ reveals that glory. It is this breaking down of the world's beliefs that opens our eyes to the severe nature of our sins. Once we are broken and realize the possible outcomes for our eternity, we can only pray and ask for God’s mercy.

So many people will not come to the Lord because their sin is hidden from them by the world. For everyone who calls themselves a Christian, this should be a sobering and heartbreaking realization. Speak the truth, speak the Word of God. Tell people of the Word that became flesh and walked among His creation. Share with them the story of Jesus Christ, the Messiah.

Consider this: there are thousands of Christians worldwide. If each person spread the gospel and only one person was saved, an equal number of people would receive salvation through faith in Christ's finished work. We could double the amount of those saved in the world.

Do not be afraid, shy, or uncertain of your abilities; speak the word. Salvation comes by way of the gospel, be God’s mouthpiece when He sees fit to use you.

Grace and Peace!