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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This done, away she goes, not with her sister Martha, but as much<br />
unobserved as she could, to <strong>the</strong> sermon, <strong>or</strong> ra<strong>the</strong>r to see <strong>the</strong> preacher.<br />
<strong>The</strong> hour and preacher being come, and she having observed<br />
whereabout <strong>the</strong> preacher would stand, goes and sets herself so in <strong>the</strong><br />
temple, that she might be sure to have <strong>the</strong> full view <strong>of</strong> this excellent<br />
person. So he comes in, and she looks, and <strong>the</strong> first glimpse <strong>of</strong> his<br />
person pleased her. Well, Jesus addresseth himself to his sermon, and<br />
she looks earnestly on him.<br />
Now, at that time, saith my auth<strong>or</strong>, Jesus preached about <strong>the</strong> lost sheep,<br />
<strong>the</strong> lost groat, and <strong>the</strong> prodigal child. And when he came to shew what<br />
care <strong>the</strong> shepherd took f<strong>or</strong> one lost sheep, and how <strong>the</strong> woman swept to<br />
find her piece which was lost, and what joy <strong>the</strong>re was at <strong>the</strong>ir finding,<br />
she began to be taken <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> ears, and f<strong>or</strong>got what she came about,<br />
musing what <strong>the</strong> preacher would make <strong>of</strong> it. But when he came to <strong>the</strong><br />
application, and shewed, that <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> lost sheep was meant a great<br />
sinner; <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> shepherd’s care, was meant God’s love f<strong>or</strong> great sinners;<br />
and that <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> joy <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> neighb<strong>or</strong>s, was shewed what joy <strong>the</strong>re was<br />
among <strong>the</strong> angels in heaven over one great sinner that repenteth; she<br />
began to be taken <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong> heart. And as he spake <strong>the</strong>se last w<strong>or</strong>ds, she<br />
thought he pitched his innocent eyes just upon her, and looked as if he<br />
spake what was now said to her: wheref<strong>or</strong>e her heart began to tremble,<br />
being shaken with affection and fear; <strong>the</strong>n her eyes ran down with tears<br />
apace; wheref<strong>or</strong>e she was f<strong>or</strong>ced to hide her face with her handkerchief;<br />
and so sat sobbing and crying all <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> sermon.<br />
Sermon being done, up she gets, and away she goes, and withal inquired<br />
where this Jesus <strong>the</strong> preacher dined that day? and one told her, At <strong>the</strong><br />
house <strong>of</strong> Simon <strong>the</strong> Pharisee. So away goes she, first to her chamber,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>re strips herself <strong>of</strong> her wanton attire: <strong>the</strong>n falls upon her knees<br />
to ask God f<strong>or</strong>giveness f<strong>or</strong> all her wicked life. This done, in a modest<br />
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41 <strong>of</strong> 106
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