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A believer in Christ Jesus for over forty years.

Sunday, 15 January 2017

Sinner to Saint

Sinner to Saint
The apostle Paul writes,
“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.  1 Timothy 1:15,16.
The apostle Paul makes it very clear why Christ Jesus came into this world. That being to save sinners.
Writing to the Romans Paul states,
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8.
Prior to that Paul wrote,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”  Romans 3:23,24.
Paul notes to Timothy that he was the worst of sinners.
The book of Acts tells of how Paul then called Saul, persecuted the early church until God took hold of his life in a miraculous way.
Paul is an example for all who would follow Christ that no matter how bad your life is, truly accepting Christ into your life can result in a changed life.
This is the message that Paul is telling Timothy. It is the message Jesus wants the Christians to tell the world. Jesus said,
“Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.  
Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,  and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20
As I have said in previous blog posts Christians believe God through Jesus Christ reached down to mankind and offered forgiveness of sins and eternal life with Him.
The Bible also makes it clear how we get to heaven. It come down to who you think Jesus is and what his purpose on this earth was for,
Jesus speaking of himself said,
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, 
that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.  
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world,
 but to save the world through him.” 
John 3:16,17.
Jesus speaking to his apostles said,
... “I am the way and the truth and the life. 
No one comes to the Father except through me.”  
John 14:6
   Paul writing to the Romans said,
“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
 Romans 3:23,24.
Sinning is falling short of what God wants for you life. Sin separates us from God.
The apostle John noting,
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins 
and purify us from all unrighteousness.  
If we claim we have not sinned, 
we make him out to be a liar
 and his word has no place in our lives.” 
1 John 1:9,10.
Paul make it clear salvation is not something we can work for. Paul writing to the Ephesians stating,
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith
and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God
 not by works, so that no one can boast.”  
 Ephesians 2:8,9
Ultimately salvation is an act of faith, Hebrews stating,
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, 
because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists 
and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him”
Hebrews 11:6
Faith defined as,
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for 
and certain of what we do not see.” 
 Hebrews 11:1
What do you believe?

Post Script
The Bible tells us Sinning is falling short of God’s ideal for your life. God realized that man could not live a life good enough to stand before Him. That is why Jesus came to pay the price for the sins of all who would truly believe in him.
A Saint in the new Testament is a believer in Christ. A believer in God.
So by admitting you are a sinner, believing in and receiving God’s saving grace that comes through Jesus Christ. You can go from sinner to Saint and have eternal life with God.
Please think about it.

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