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Ring of Truth provides 366 daily ‘proofs’ that the Bible is consistent throughout from Genesis to Revelation, and relevant for our lives today!
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1 Timothy 1:15-17
“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners – of 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 unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on Him and receive Eternal Life. Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Paul knew who he was.
Who are you? That is a question we all need to ask ourselves and know the answer to. You see, until we ask and answer it, we will constantly dodge the real issues of life. It is the antidote to materialism and empty ambition. God is not so much interested in what we achieve as in who we are. We all have to leave everything else behind, but who we are lives on after death. Unless we have an accurate, honest view of ourselves, we will constantly live in fear, competition and hypocrisy.
What an amazing statement Paul makes. He calls himself “the worst of sinners”. He was neither boasting nor seeking sympathy. Nor was he a desperate mess. He knew who he was. He had been a persecutor of the followers of Jesus Christ – He had been in direct opposition to all of God’s eternal plans. He was one of God’s arch-enemies. But he met Jesus face-to-face and his life was totally transformed. Yes, he knew he deserved the unrestrained wrath of God, yet he also knew that he had found mercy and so lived in the warmth and blessedness of the forgiveness and peace of God.
Yes, he was sentenced – but was now released. How could that be? By God’s unlimited and unwarranted grace. He had received total forgiveness and now lived by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in him. He knew God was going to use him as “an example” – an example of His inexhaustible grace and love. If Paul could be saved – everyone can. The “worst” sinner has already been saved – so no one is exempt or beyond salvation. Not only was Paul saved, but he was transformed and granted “Eternal Life”. It can happen to us all. It can happen to anyone and everyone. It can happen to you.
First, we have to accept we are sinners too. Like Paul, we have to acknowledge that ‘nothing inherently good dwells in us’ (my paraphrase of Romans 7:18). We all have to come to the foot of the Cross of Christ as a contrite sinner, confess our sin and rebellion against a holy God and humbly ask for His forgiveness. Then we find out who we really are. We actually find out later that we were even worse than we thought.
But we also find out who Christ is. The Saviour of all those who call upon Him. We become transformed into one of His followers, find grace and the power of His Eternal Life.
Then, from our hearts too, we can exclaim with Paul, “Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
Can you? If so, why not say it again with all your heart?
If not, why not ask Him to forgive you and become your Saviour too?
He can and He will right now. Then you will begin to experience the peace, patience, joy and purpose that Paul knew. It’s a ‘Ring of Truth’!
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