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The Jerusalem Sinner Saved; or Good News for the Vilest of Men by John Bunyan 1689

An encouraging book for those who feel guilty about their sins. It is a wonderful reminder that Christ's grace to his people knows no bounds and that his power to save even the worst sinner is not limited. "I have been vile myself, but I have obtained mercy; and I would have my companions in sin partake of mercy too: and therefore, I have writ this little book." Thus wrote John Bunyan about this unique gem. The premise of this book is that Jesus wanted his disciples to proclaim the gospel to the worst of sinners - those in Jerusalem who crucified their Messiah. To Bunyan's mind, this was the worst possible sin. The apostles were to begin there, with these worst of sinners, because, in Christ's eyes, they had the greatest need. Also, when they believed in Christ, his name would receive the greatest fame, and thus others would be encouraged to come to Christ. The kingdom of Satan would then be weakened, and the tempted and the weak would be helped. Further, the greatest sinners would love Christ the most when saved, and those who refused to repent would be left with no excuse. To Bunyan's way of thinking, this command to preach the gospel to "Jerusalem sinners" shows the gracious intentions of Christ toward men and his sufficiency to save the worst of sinners, and gives encouragement to those who think that their sin is too great to be forgiven.

An encouraging book for those who feel guilty about their sins. It is a wonderful reminder that Christ's grace to his people knows no bounds and that his power to save even the worst sinner is not limited.
"I have been vile myself, but I have obtained mercy; and I would have my companions in sin partake of mercy too: and therefore, I have writ this little book." Thus wrote John Bunyan about this unique gem.
The premise of this book is that Jesus wanted his disciples to proclaim the gospel to the worst of sinners - those in Jerusalem who crucified their Messiah. To Bunyan's mind, this was the worst possible sin. The apostles were to begin there, with these worst of sinners, because, in Christ's eyes, they had the greatest need. Also, when they believed in Christ, his name would receive the greatest fame, and thus others would be encouraged to come to Christ. The kingdom of Satan would then be weakened, and the tempted and the weak would be helped. Further, the greatest sinners would love Christ the most when saved, and those who refused to repent would be left with no excuse. To Bunyan's way of thinking, this command to preach the gospel to "Jerusalem sinners" shows the gracious intentions of Christ toward men and his sufficiency to save the worst of sinners, and gives encouragement to those who think that their sin is too great to be forgiven.

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Christ Jesus, as you may perceive, has put himself under <strong>the</strong> term <strong>of</strong> a<br />

physician, a doct<strong>or</strong> f<strong>or</strong> curing <strong>of</strong> diseases: and you know that applause<br />

and fame, are things that physicians much desire. That is it that helps<br />

<strong>the</strong>m to patients, and that also that will help <strong>the</strong>ir patients to commit<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves to <strong>the</strong>ir skill f<strong>or</strong> cure, with <strong>the</strong> m<strong>or</strong>e confidence and repose<br />

<strong>of</strong> spirit. And <strong>the</strong> best way f<strong>or</strong> a doct<strong>or</strong> <strong>or</strong> physician to get himself a<br />

name, is, in <strong>the</strong> first place, to take in hand, and cure some such as all<br />

o<strong>the</strong>rs have given <strong>of</strong>f f<strong>or</strong> lost and dead. Physicians get nei<strong>the</strong>r name<br />

n<strong>or</strong> fame <strong>by</strong> pricking <strong>of</strong> wheals, <strong>or</strong> pricking out thistles, <strong>or</strong> <strong>by</strong> laying <strong>of</strong><br />

plaisters to <strong>the</strong> scratch <strong>of</strong> a pin; every old woman can do this. But if<br />

<strong>the</strong>y would have a name and a fame, if <strong>the</strong>y will have it quickly <strong>the</strong>y<br />

must, as I said, do some great and desperate cures. Let <strong>the</strong>m fetch one<br />

to life that was dead; let <strong>the</strong>m recover one to his wits that was mad; let<br />

<strong>the</strong>m make one that was b<strong>or</strong>n blind to see; <strong>or</strong> let <strong>the</strong>m give ripe wits to a<br />

fool; <strong>the</strong>se are notable cures, and he that can do thus, and if he doth<br />

thus first, he shall have <strong>the</strong> name and fame he desires; he may lie a-bed<br />

till noon.<br />

Why, Christ Jesus f<strong>or</strong>giveth sins f<strong>or</strong> a name, and so begets <strong>of</strong> himself a<br />

good rep<strong>or</strong>t in <strong>the</strong> hearts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> children <strong>of</strong> men. And <strong>the</strong>ref<strong>or</strong>e in<br />

reason he must be willing, as also he did command, that his mercy<br />

should be <strong>of</strong>fered first to <strong>the</strong> biggest sinners.<br />

“I will f<strong>or</strong>give <strong>the</strong>ir sins, iniquities, and transgressions,” says he, “and it<br />

shall turn to me f<strong>or</strong> a name <strong>of</strong> joy, and a praise and an hon<strong>or</strong>, bef<strong>or</strong>e all<br />

<strong>the</strong> nations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> earth;” Jer. xxxiii. 8, 9.<br />

And hence it is, that at his first appearing he took upon him to do such<br />

mighty w<strong>or</strong>ks: he got a fame <strong>the</strong>re<strong>by</strong>, he got a name <strong>the</strong>re<strong>by</strong>; Matt. iv.<br />

23, 24.<br />

When Christ had cast <strong>the</strong> legion <strong>of</strong> devils out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> man <strong>of</strong> whom you<br />

read, Mark v., he bid him go home to his friends, and tell it: “Go home,”<br />

Page<br />

21 <strong>of</strong> 106

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