In Christ the Worst Find Forgiveness
The story of Paul or Saul tells us that in Christ, even the worst of the worst can find forgiveness.
Do you remember the old hymn To God Be the Glory? There's a great line in there that goes: the vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives.
God's Radical Forgiveness
Who are some of the vilest offenders you can think of? Hitler. Stalin. Jacob Zuma. The Guptas. Think of the murderers and rapists who are everywhere in our country and all around the world. At the moment, the whole world is pretty mad at Putin for his evil.
Now, if you had to ask the early Christians who was the worst of sinners, they'd probably say, "Oh, Saul. Saul of Tarsus." He was a bad man. He was so passionate about what he believed in that he literally murdered to have his way.
But when he met Jesus on that road, everything changed. God offered him a new way. He was the least deserving of the position that he was given, but grace is freeโa loving gift from God.
Mercy for the Worst
Later in his life as an old man, Paul wrote this in 1 Timothy 1:15-16: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinnersโof whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His immense patience as an example for those who would believe in Him and receive eternal life."
If God could wash Paul, the worst of sinnersโif He could cleanse and forgive himโknow today that He can do the same for you.
He made a murderer a messenger, and you can substitute your own sin in there. God can turn a liar into a messenger of the gospel. A violent abuser, a drunk, an addict, a gossiper, a slobโ Into a messenger of the gospel. He could do it for Paul. You better believe He could do it for you, friends.
Grace Transforms Lives
Paul became a champion of grace. His life's purpose was to proclaim God's forgiveness through Christ. He said things like:
"Where sin increased, grace increased all the more." โ Romans 5:20
"There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ." โ Romans 8:1
"It is by grace you've been saved, through faith." โ Ephesians 2:8
"God made you alive with Christ. He forgave all our sins. He cancelled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross." โ Colossians 2:13โ14
Know today, friends, that like Paul, where your sin increased, grace can increase. Know today that in Christ you don't have to be condemned for your sins, but that He forgives and cancels the charges against youโif you come to Him in faith.
Like Paul, put your faith in Christ.
Like Paul, receive His forgiveness and be changed.
Like Paul, believe with all your heart that you are forgiven by this Christ.
And thenโoh, go out and live for Him with the passion that Paul did.
