Done Right 2!

Here’s a word you can take to heart and depend on: Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. I’m proof—Public Sinner Number One—of someone who could never have made it apart from sheer mercy. And now he shows me off—evidence of his endless patience—to those who are right on the edge of trusting him forever. 1 Timothy 1:15‭-‬16 MSG

Why is today's extract so fundamental to our faith? It is because therein lies the entire summary of the mission and assignment of the one called Christ or Saviour. No matter what else he came to do, the name he was given at birth, as well as all the prophecies about him all point to one fact: he came to save sinners.

I could argue the point about who I am, but God's summary about all men is: "All have sinned". It doesn't matter what I tell myself; God's verdict is the start point. There is no man who was born good; we were conceived in and into sin, and we needed the help of the only One who was without sin, and whose life assignment is to save all men from sin.

Paul here, as well as all men, could take comfort from the fact that nobody is so far gone that s/he is beyond God's grace. No sin can be bigger than that grace, unless I do not forsake that sin. Grace is abundant and sufficient, and can take care of any past, no matter how dirty or evil. That's God's promise.

It doesn't just end there; with mercy comes the display: where God uses my life as a testimony to others. When I have enjoyed grace, my life will reflect it. When I have received mercy, the best I can do is extend the same to others. There is no room for pride, self-sufficiency or a false sense of worth; there is a full awareness that I am all I am simply because of who Christ is and what he has done.

The offer is still open to all who acknowledge their need of him and come to him as they are. His promise is ever real: he will take me, clean me up and release me into the world as a testimony to others. Am I taking advantage of this offer? His time of favour is here.