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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But I have no experience <strong>of</strong> God’s love; God hath given me no comf<strong>or</strong>t,<br />
<strong>or</strong> ground <strong>of</strong> hope, though I have waited upon him f<strong>or</strong> it many a day.<br />
Thou hast experience <strong>of</strong> God’s love, f<strong>or</strong> that he has opened thine eyes to<br />
see thy sins: and f<strong>or</strong> that he has given <strong>the</strong>e desires to be saved <strong>by</strong> Jesus<br />
Christ. F<strong>or</strong> <strong>by</strong> thy sense <strong>of</strong> sin thou art made to see thy poverty <strong>of</strong> spirit,<br />
and that has laid <strong>the</strong>e under a sure ground to hope that heaven shall be<br />
thine hereafter.<br />
Also thy desires to be saved <strong>by</strong> Christ, has put <strong>the</strong>e under ano<strong>the</strong>r<br />
promise, so <strong>the</strong>re is two to hold <strong>the</strong>e up in <strong>the</strong>m, though thy present<br />
burden be never so heavy, Matt. v. 3, 6. As f<strong>or</strong> what thou sayst, as to<br />
God’s silence to <strong>the</strong>e, perhaps he has spoken to <strong>the</strong>e once <strong>or</strong> twice<br />
already, but thou hast not perceived it; Job xxxiii. 14, 15.<br />
However, thou hast Christ crucified, set f<strong>or</strong>th bef<strong>or</strong>e thine eyes in <strong>the</strong><br />
Bible, and an invitation to come unto him, though thou be a <strong>Jerusalem</strong><br />
sinner, though thou be <strong>the</strong> biggest sinner; and so no ground to despair.<br />
What, if God will be silent to <strong>the</strong>e, is that ground <strong>of</strong> despair? Not at all,<br />
so long as <strong>the</strong>re is a promise in <strong>the</strong> Bible that God will in no wise cast<br />
away <strong>the</strong> coming sinner, and so long as he invites <strong>the</strong> <strong>Jerusalem</strong> sinner<br />
to come unto him <strong>John</strong> vi. 37.<br />
Build not <strong>the</strong>ref<strong>or</strong>e despair upon <strong>the</strong>se things; <strong>the</strong>y are no sufficient<br />
foundations f<strong>or</strong> it, such plenty <strong>of</strong> promises being in <strong>the</strong> Bible, and such<br />
a discovery <strong>of</strong> his mercy to great sinners <strong>of</strong> old; especially since we have<br />
withal a clause in <strong>the</strong> commission given to ministers to preach, that<br />
<strong>the</strong>y should begin with <strong>the</strong> <strong>Jerusalem</strong> sinners in <strong>the</strong>ir <strong>of</strong>fering <strong>of</strong> mercy<br />
to <strong>the</strong> w<strong>or</strong>ld.<br />
Besides, God says, <strong>The</strong>y that wait upon <strong>the</strong> L<strong>or</strong>d shall renew <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
strength, <strong>the</strong>y shall mount up with wings like eagles; but perhaps it may<br />
be long first. “I waited long,” saith David, “and did seek <strong>the</strong> L<strong>or</strong>d;” and<br />
Page<br />
68 <strong>of</strong> 106
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