19.02.2019 Views

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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thinking so: f<strong>or</strong> out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m, f<strong>or</strong> from among <strong>the</strong>m, when God sets to<br />

his hand, as <strong>of</strong> old, you shall see what penitent ones, what trembling<br />

ones, and what admirers <strong>of</strong> grace, will be found to pr<strong>of</strong>ess <strong>the</strong> gospel to<br />

<strong>the</strong> gl<strong>or</strong>y <strong>of</strong> God <strong>by</strong> Christ.<br />

Alas! we are a company <strong>of</strong> w<strong>or</strong>n-out Christians, our moon is in <strong>the</strong><br />

wane; we are much m<strong>or</strong>e black than white, m<strong>or</strong>e dark than light; we<br />

shine but a little; grace in <strong>the</strong> most <strong>of</strong> us is decayed. But I say, when<br />

<strong>the</strong>y <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se debauched ones that are to be saved shall be brought in,<br />

when <strong>the</strong>se that look m<strong>or</strong>e like devils than men shall be converted to<br />

Christ (and I believe several <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m will), <strong>the</strong>n will Christ be exalted,<br />

grace ad<strong>or</strong>ed, <strong>the</strong> w<strong>or</strong>d prized, Zion’s path better trodden, and men in<br />

<strong>the</strong> pursuit <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir own salvation, to <strong>the</strong> amazement <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m that are<br />

left behind.<br />

Just bef<strong>or</strong>e Christ came into <strong>the</strong> flesh, <strong>the</strong> w<strong>or</strong>ld was degenerated as it is<br />

now: <strong>the</strong> generality <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> men in <strong>Jerusalem</strong>, were become ei<strong>the</strong>r high<br />

and famous f<strong>or</strong> hypocrisy, <strong>or</strong> filthy base in <strong>the</strong>ir lives. <strong>The</strong> devil also<br />

was broke loose in a hideous manner, and had taken possession <strong>of</strong><br />

many: yea, I believe that <strong>the</strong>re was never generation bef<strong>or</strong>e n<strong>or</strong> since,<br />

that could produce so many possessed with devils, def<strong>or</strong>med, lame,<br />

blind, and infected with monstrous diseases, as that generation could.<br />

But what was <strong>the</strong> reason <strong>the</strong>re<strong>of</strong>, I mean <strong>the</strong> reason from God? Why<br />

one (and we may sum up m<strong>or</strong>e in that answer that Christ gave to his<br />

disciples concerning him that was b<strong>or</strong>n blind) was, that <strong>the</strong> w<strong>or</strong>ks <strong>of</strong><br />

God might be made manifest in <strong>the</strong>m, and that <strong>the</strong> Son <strong>of</strong> God might be<br />

gl<strong>or</strong>ified <strong>the</strong>re<strong>by</strong>, <strong>John</strong> ix. 2, 3; chap. xi. 4.<br />

Now if <strong>the</strong>se devils and diseases, as <strong>the</strong>y possessed men <strong>the</strong>n, were to<br />

make way and w<strong>or</strong>k f<strong>or</strong> an approaching Christ in person, and f<strong>or</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

declaring <strong>of</strong> his power, why may we not think that now, even now also,<br />

he is ready to come <strong>by</strong> his Spirit in <strong>the</strong> gospel to heal many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />

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