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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such are sent to, sent to <strong>by</strong> Jesus Christ to come to him f<strong>or</strong> mercy, “Begin<br />
at <strong>Jerusalem</strong>.” Never did one thing answer ano<strong>the</strong>r m<strong>or</strong>e fitly in this<br />
w<strong>or</strong>ld, than this text fitteth such kind <strong>of</strong> sinners. As face answereth<br />
face in a glass, so this text answereth <strong>the</strong> necessities <strong>of</strong> such sinners.<br />
What can a man say m<strong>or</strong>e, but that he stands in <strong>the</strong> rank <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> biggest<br />
sinners? let him stretch himself whi<strong>the</strong>r he can, and think <strong>of</strong> himself<br />
to <strong>the</strong> utmost, he can but conclude himself to be one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> biggest<br />
sinners. And what <strong>the</strong>n? Why <strong>the</strong> text meets him in <strong>the</strong> very face, and<br />
saith, Christ <strong>of</strong>fereth mercy to <strong>the</strong> biggest sinners, to <strong>the</strong> very <strong>Jerusalem</strong><br />
sinners. What m<strong>or</strong>e can be objected? Nay, he doth not only <strong>of</strong>fer to<br />
such his mercy, but to <strong>the</strong>m it is commanded to be <strong>of</strong>fered in <strong>the</strong> first<br />
place; “Begin at <strong>Jerusalem</strong>.” Preach repentance and remission <strong>of</strong> sins<br />
among all nations. “Begin at <strong>Jerusalem</strong>.” Is not here encouragement f<strong>or</strong><br />
those that think, f<strong>or</strong> wicked hearts and lives, <strong>the</strong>y have not <strong>the</strong>ir fellows<br />
in <strong>the</strong> w<strong>or</strong>ld?<br />
Object. But I have a heart as hard as a rock.<br />
Answ. Well, but this doth but prove <strong>the</strong>e a bigger sinner.<br />
Object. But my heart continually frets against <strong>the</strong> L<strong>or</strong>d.<br />
Answ. Well, this doth but prove <strong>the</strong>e a bigger sinner.<br />
Object. But I have been desperate in sinful courses.<br />
Answ. Well, stand thou with <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> biggest sinners.<br />
Object. But my grey head is found in <strong>the</strong> way <strong>of</strong> wickedness.<br />
Answ. Well, thou art in <strong>the</strong> rank <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> biggest sinners.<br />
Object. But I have not only a base heart, but I have lived a debauched<br />
life.<br />
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