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I recently had another heart-to-heart conversation sharing the plan of salvation with a family member. No matter how many different ways I tried to explain it, my lost relative couldn’t accept the basic tenant–the “A” in the ABCs–of salvation:
Admit.
Admit that you’re a sinner. Admit that you need a savior.
My family member repeatedly told me how good he was. He bragged that he talked to “the man upstairs” and God were “tight.”
The concept of guilt was beyond him. He’s good, so he sees no need for a savior.
And yet the Apostle Paul, writer of much of the New Testament, the man who experienced a personal encounter with God on the road to Damascus, the missionary who fulfilled the Great Commission to go and teach…THAT Paul said:
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst. 1 Timothy 1:15 (NIV)
But praise God, the message of salvation doesn’t end there. Paul also penned these words, given to him by the Holy Spirit:
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2 (NIV)
Yes, the words that condemn us in 1 Timothy 1:15 are the very words that free us in Romans 8:1-2: The acknowledgement that we are sinners, sinners who need a Savior in order to be set free from the law of sin and death.
And it’s free to you and me.
Yes, it’s an amazing grace.
I pray God’s blessing on the work of your hands and your hearts,
Vonda
