“I’ll go to church when…” How many times have you heard someone utter these words? I had a dear friend who would often share this sentiment. It broke my heart because I knew no matter how much she tried to “clean up” her habits, her speech, heart, life, her work could never compare to the transforming work of Christ. The Apostle Paul, a former persecutor of Christians and a sinner, who identified himself as the worst of them, understood this well.
Read Me Next! – Rain Came, Wind Blew
From Persecutor To Apostle
He once lived for the Law. But after encountering the Lord on a road near Damascus (Acts 9), he began to live for Christ. And live for Him he did! From Romans to Philemon, he authored thirteen books of the New Testament. He became a herald of the very church he once afflicted. A man, who says he was once the worst of sinners, became a bold and passionate vessel for Christ.
And if you’ve ever studied the Bible, you may wonder, “Was he really the worst? Surely there is someone else who can claim that title.” But that’s exactly the point. It takes a fully surrendered and submitted heart to recognize the huge contrast between us and our holy God. The truth is, we’re all the worst of them. Our smallest sin cannot survive the glory and magnificence of God. And yet, he loves us so much that He offers grace, mercy, and forgiveness.
Come To Him
So whether you need to rededicate your life or you are coming to Christ for the first time, there is nothing in your past that is too dirty, filthy, or shameful that wasn’t covered on the cross! I am the worst of them. You are the worst of them. They are the worst of them. For whoever breaks one law is guilty of it all (James 2:10). God is holy, righteous, and just. The blood of Jesus purifies, clothes, and redeems. So come to Him, now, today.
With Love,
Tamara
Scripture To Meditate On
‘I give thanks to Christ Jesus our Lord who has strengthened me, because he considered me faithful, appointing me to the ministry — even though I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an arrogant man. But I received mercy because I acted out of ignorance in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. ‘
‘This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” — and I am the worst of them. But I received mercy for this reason, so that in me, the worst of them, Christ Jesus might demonstrate his extraordinary patience as an example to those who would believe in him for eternal life. ‘
‘He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve or repaid us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his faithful love toward those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him. ‘
‘Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! ‘
‘ “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”’
‘For whoever keeps the entire law, and yet stumbles at one point, is guilty of breaking it all. ‘
“For we too were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, detesting one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us — not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy — through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. ”
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References:
Scripture quotations marked CSB have been taken from the Christian Standard Bible®, Copyright © 2017 by Holman Bible Publishers. Used by permission. Christian Standard Bible® and CSB® are federally registered trademarks of Holman Bible Publishers.
