1 Timothy 1:15 “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
1 Timothy 1:15-16 furnishes a promise of grace to the vilest of sinners that overturns every objection raised against it. Paul says, “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”.
Consider first Paul’s estimation of the saying, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance”. To Paul, the truth of this saying is one that merits complete trust. It’s surety is something you can rest your life and assurance on without reserve. There are no qualifications here. He does not say, “The saying is true, but only for some people in certain cases.” No, he claims this truth to be absolute, and available to anyone who abandons all hope in their righteousness and identify with the ones for whom Christ came to save; “sinners”. Do you hesitate to embrace the grace of Christ? Does it seem too good to be true? Paul says, “Bank your life on this truth. Let your feeble defenses collapse and receive this grace in full. All of Christ is for all you.”
Next, consider the subjects for whom Christ died – sinners. If this title describes you, then you may freely lay hold of the promise held out for you in this text. In the darkness and guilt of our sin, we feel as if our sin excludes us from the relief that we so desperately need, when in fact it is admission of our need that qualifies us for these promises. Christ did not come for those who in their pride think they stand upon their own merit before God (Luke 5:31-32, 18:9-14). The justified are those that in desperation cry for pardon and fall upon the mercy of one who alone is righteous. If you are a sinner, you are qualified to receive the salvation that Christ offers and has secured for you.
Finally, consider the example of Paul. Verse 16 reads, “But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience, as example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.” Paul was meant to be a breathing demonstration, a living proof that Christ’s grace ”abounded all the more” over sin. In a real sense, Paul was the “chief of sinners”; he blasphemed Christ who was the holy Son of God, threatened his bride the church with persecution, and was an “insolent opponent” of Christ and his body (1 Tim 1:13). His zeal against Christ was unmatched (Phil. 3:4-6). Even so, Christ in his grace, while Paul was still his enemy, lavished his grace upon Paul and made him a new creation, one willing to suffer for the sake of Christ. This example, Paul insists, should give even the most wicked sinners hope of forgiveness and grace when they turn from their sin to Christ in desperation and dependence. He says, “If Christ could save me, the worst of the worst, he can save you.” And he can. And he will. When the Spirit brings conviction of your sin to your heart, casting the light of his holiness upon you, don’t shrink back in fear but instead come to Jesus like the leper who had nothing to bring but his need and cried, “Lord if will, you can make me clean.” Then hear Jesus’ reply, “I will; be clean” (Mark 1:40-41) and receive the eternal life he bought for those who believe in him and his sufficiency for them over and above their own mounting sin. Christ died to save sinners. So sinner, come to Christ and receive his salvation.
