READING: Isaiah 62-64, 1 Timothy 1
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
1 Timothy 1:15
“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance,” Paul said, “that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Tim. 1:15). Clearly, the early church accepted this word as truth, evidenced by Paul’s double emphasis of trustworthiness and acceptance. Indeed, it was the message that is the center of the gospel for us still today: the Son of God took the initiative to come to us while we were yet sinners, die in our place as our substitute, and save us through His shed blood. That message is both mysterious and glorious—mysterious in that we cannot fathom all that God did through the cross, and glorious in that He gave Himself for us on that cross. The sinless Son of God became sin so that sinners can become the children of God.
More pointedly for Paul, the apostle saw himself as “the foremost” of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15). Jesus came to save sinners, however, including those like Paul who had been killing Christ followers prior to his own conversion. Given his own history, it’s easy to see why he considered himself the chief of all sinners. Most of us would likely agree with his own assessment of himself if we place murdering Christians near the top of the sin list. Nevertheless, Paul realized that one reason God saved him was so “Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life” (1 Tim. 1:16). Paul, who was formerly “a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent” (1 Tim. 1:13), now had been given eternal life. And, if God would save Paul, surely He might save anyone.
The words of 1 Timothy 1:15-16 are written across only two verses, but they are saturated in grace. Mercy drips from the words, “perfect patience.” Our being the foremost sinner is not an issue to the perfect Redeemer. Jesus Christ really did come into the world to save us.
ACTION STEPS:
- Think throughout the day about God’s “perfect patience.” He is a good, good God to us.
- Meditate on the glory of the gospel today.
PRAYER: “Jesus, thank You for saving sinners like me.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Isaiah 65-66, 1 Timothy 2