The Apostle Paul never got over the fact that God had mercy on him. Paul says of himself that he “was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious” to God’s people. However, Paul obtained mercy from God through Christ; because Jesus came into the world to save sinners.
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (Romans 5:6-8)
Jesus did not come to die for good men or for the strong and valiant but came to die for the sinner, the rebel, the unworthy. What mercy, that God showed His love toward us that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.
It is a faithful and true saying that Christ came to save sinners. It is a faithful saying because it is a true saying, one that can be trusted. All those that have believed upon Christ know it to be a faithful saying that has never failed. It is worthy of acceptance since it is true, faithful, but also because of its great value. John Gill said it is "worthy of all acceptation; or to be received by all sorts of persons, learned, or unlearned, rich or poor, greater or lesser sinners; and to be received in all ways, and in the best manner, as the word of God, and not man; with heartiness and readiness, and with love, joy, and gladness, and with meekness, faith, and fear, and by all means; for it is entirely true, absolutely necessary, and suitable to the case of all, and is to be highly valued and esteemed by those who do approve and accept of it.”
This IS a faithful saying. The text does not say it “was” a faithful saying, but it IS a faithful saying. This promise and declaration of the gospel is as faithful today as it was when it was penned. This promise was a faithful promise to me; it was a faithful promise to my sister. By God’s marvelous grace, this weekend the Lord of Glory, was merciful to her; not by works of righteousness which she had done, but according to his mercy he saved her. Oh what joy, that Christ came to save sinners; and how thankful I am for my Lord, my God, my King and my blessed Saviour.
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Douglas Newell IV
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