Reading: “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”—1 Timothy 1:15

This is the faithful saying of a faithful God. Surely, then, we should look well to it, for it is for our good. And if it be worthy of all acceptation, it must be eminently so of yours, for you have been a transgressor from the womb. But Jesus had indeed come to save sinners, enemies of God. Jesus, it is said, “received gifts for the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell among them” (Psalm 68:18) and with that tenderness which distinguished His character, He said Himself, that He “came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Well, then, upon this warrant of a faithful God, can you not so fully rely on this for salvation? If any inquiries arise in your mind contrary to this, let this be the answer: Christ came to save sinners. That is enough for me, for I am one. God’s salvation is said to be for enemies; that is my name by nature.

Jesus received gifts for the rebellious. I plead guilty to this also. If men or devils or my own deceitful heart would endeavor to work unbelief in my heart, this is my answer: “Christ came to save sinners.” Let those that never felt sin, and consequently know not the need of a Saviour, stay and argue the point as they may. My soul’s eternal welfare is concerned, and I will not lose a moment to close with the heavenly proposal.

The Lord Jesus waits to be gracious! The faithful saying of my God I accept on my bended knees. It is indeed worthy of all acceptation, and above all, of my own acceptance. Here while upon earth will I proclaim the Lord’s praise, and in heaven, the loudest of all voices must be mine, that “Christ came to save sinners, of whom I am chief.”

“Knowing God without knowing our own wretchedness makes for pride. Knowing our own wretchedness without knowing God makes for despair. Knowing Jesus Christ strikes the balance because He shows us both God and our own wretchedness.”Blaise Pascal

Taken from The Poor Man’s Evening and Morning Portions by Rev. Robert Hawker, Works, Vol. 8; 1830. Edited by Aaron Dunlop for thinkgospel.com ©2013.