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.
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
This reason, <strong>the</strong>ref<strong>or</strong>e, standeth fast; namely, that Christ, <strong>by</strong> <strong>of</strong>fering<br />
mercy in <strong>the</strong> first place to <strong>the</strong> biggest sinner now, will stop all mouths <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> impenitent at <strong>the</strong> day <strong>of</strong> judgment, and cut <strong>of</strong>f all excuse that shall<br />
be attempted to be made (from <strong>the</strong> thoughts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> greatness <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
sins) why <strong>the</strong>y came not to him.<br />
I have <strong>of</strong>ten thought <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> day <strong>of</strong> judgment, and how God will deal<br />
with sinners at that day; and I believe it will be managed with that<br />
sweetness, with that equitableness, with that excellent righteousness,<br />
as to every sin, and circumstance, and aggravation <strong>the</strong>re<strong>of</strong>; that men<br />
that are damned, bef<strong>or</strong>e <strong>the</strong> judgment is over shall receive such<br />
conviction <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> righteous judgment <strong>of</strong> God upon <strong>the</strong>m, and <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
deserts <strong>of</strong> hell-fire, that <strong>the</strong>y shall in <strong>the</strong>mselves conclude that <strong>the</strong>re is<br />
all <strong>the</strong> reason in <strong>the</strong> w<strong>or</strong>ld that <strong>the</strong>y should be shut out <strong>of</strong> heaven, and<br />
go to hell-fire: “<strong>The</strong>se shall go away into everlasting punishment;” Matt.<br />
xxv. 46.<br />
Only this will tear <strong>the</strong>m, that <strong>the</strong>y have missed <strong>of</strong> mercy and gl<strong>or</strong>y, and<br />
obtained everlasting damnation through <strong>the</strong>ir unbelief; but it will tear<br />
but <strong>the</strong>mselves, but <strong>the</strong>ir own souls; <strong>the</strong>y will gnash upon <strong>the</strong>mselves;<br />
f<strong>or</strong> in that mercy was <strong>of</strong>fered to <strong>the</strong> chief <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m in <strong>the</strong> first place, and<br />
yet <strong>the</strong>y were damned f<strong>or</strong> rejecting <strong>of</strong> it; <strong>the</strong>y were damned f<strong>or</strong><br />
f<strong>or</strong>saking what <strong>the</strong>y had a s<strong>or</strong>t <strong>of</strong> propriety in; f<strong>or</strong> f<strong>or</strong>saking <strong>the</strong>ir own<br />
mercy.<br />
And thus much f<strong>or</strong> <strong>the</strong> reasons. I will conclude with a w<strong>or</strong>d <strong>of</strong><br />
application.<br />
THE APPLICATION.<br />
First, Would Jesus Christ have mercy <strong>of</strong>fered in <strong>the</strong> first place to <strong>the</strong><br />
biggest sinners? <strong>the</strong>n this shews us how to make a right judgment <strong>of</strong><br />
Page<br />
53 <strong>of</strong> 106
Change language