Verse 15 says, It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom (Paul says) I am foremost of all. I remember these verses as having a profound effect upon my life early in my Christian walk, as they still do to this day. Although Romans 3: 23 tells us “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ” it is not until we appropriate the cost of salvation personally that we can receive the full effect upon our lives. I cannot receive the merits or attributes Jesus has for anyone else, and neither can anyone for me.
No one has to tell a sinner, when he is confronted with God’s grace, that he is in need of mercy. Most people who have fallen short of someone’s expectations, or broken God’s commandments, immediately know within their heart that they have done wrong. An instant search begins within their lives to find the cure or the remedy that will make it all better, or erase the blotted stain they can feel upon their heart. I am so glad for the grace of God in my life, that as I had searched for the remedy to remove the stains on my own heart, that Jesus came and washed me with His precious Blood. He cleanses us from all unrighteousness, as He promises to do for anyone who calls upon His name in repentance, for salvation.
Some people sometimes have the sense that they are too far gone for help, but the Word of God assures us that Jesus is able to save us completely. Hebrews 7: 25 says, “Therefore He (Jesus) is able to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them. The greatest deception is to see the Grace and Mercy of God smaller than one’s need for mercy and forgiveness, or sinfulness. That is why testimonies are so important within the body of Jesus Christ, otherwise, the people who are looking within the Church, and who desperately need God’s touch, will think that those inside are saved on the basis of being good, and walk away. Psalms 51: 17 says, “The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, 0 God, Thou wilt not despise.
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: I pray for all those who need to see Your Love and Mercy, and need to know that they can receive it in their lives as well. Come by Your Holy Spirit and quicken Your Body, the Church, to demonstrate that it is what You have done for us through the Cross of Jesus, and not what we have done, that is the focus of Your gift of Salvation. May You be greatly Glorified through Your humble servants who boast in You alone. Isaiah 45: 24a says, “They will say of Me, “Only in the Lord are righteousness and strength.” Glory to You alone!
