Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners (1 Timothy 1:15).
One of my favorite books is “Transforming Grace” by Jerry Bridges. It is a simple, but profound and deeply helpful exploration into what it means to live by faith in the justifying, adopting, and sanctifying grace of God.
Concerning justification, he writes, “The Bible never speaks of God’s grace as simply making up for our deficiencies.”
It’s not that I try my best and God does the rest. He doesn’t do his part, then require me “to do my part.”
Paul says in Romans 5:6 that Christ “died for the ungodly.” Period. Pause and let that soak in.
This is a staggering message for the world of religion, undermining everything we naturally think about how God relates to humans. But this is the message of the gospel. As Paul wrote to Timothy, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”
Jesus didn’t come to make good people better or to save those who are trying their best. He came for those who know they can never be good enough. The good news is that Jesus took my ungodliness upon himself at the cross so I could receive and possess his godliness through faith.
This is what compels those with eyes to see and ears to hear to cry out, “Have mercy on me, a sinner!” By the way, that is a prayer God always, always answers, “Yes!”
Because that is why Jesus came.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I worship you today for the unmerited kindness of your shed blood. Thank you for such staggering mercy, grace, and kindness.
Lord Jesus, I worship you today for the unmerited kindness of your shed blood. Thank you for such staggering mercy, grace, and kindness.