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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As, first, his love to man, and <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> many expressions <strong>of</strong> that love.<br />
He hath taken man’s nature upon him; he hath in that nature fulfilled<br />
<strong>the</strong> law to bring in righteousness f<strong>or</strong> man; and hath spilt his blood f<strong>or</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> reconciling <strong>of</strong> men to God; he hath broke <strong>the</strong> neck <strong>of</strong> death, put<br />
away sin, destroyed <strong>the</strong> w<strong>or</strong>ks <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> devil, and got into his own hands<br />
<strong>the</strong> keys <strong>of</strong> death: and all <strong>the</strong>se are heinous things to Satan. He cannot<br />
abide Christ f<strong>or</strong> this. Besides, he hath eternal life in himself; and that to<br />
bestow upon us; and we in all likelihood are to possess <strong>the</strong> very places<br />
from which <strong>the</strong> Satans <strong>by</strong> transgression fell, if not places m<strong>or</strong>e<br />
gl<strong>or</strong>ious. Wheref<strong>or</strong>e he must needs be angry. And is it not a vexatious<br />
thing to him, that we should be admitted to <strong>the</strong> throne <strong>of</strong> grace <strong>by</strong><br />
Christ, while he stands bound over in chains <strong>of</strong> darkness, to answer f<strong>or</strong><br />
his rebellions against God and his Son, at <strong>the</strong> terrible day <strong>of</strong> judgment.<br />
Yea, we po<strong>or</strong> dust and ashes must become his judges, and triumph over<br />
him f<strong>or</strong> ever: and all this long <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ; f<strong>or</strong> he is <strong>the</strong> merit<strong>or</strong>ious<br />
cause <strong>of</strong> all this.<br />
Now though Satan seeks to be revenged f<strong>or</strong> this, yet he knows it is in<br />
vain to attack <strong>the</strong> person <strong>of</strong> Christ; he has overcome him: <strong>the</strong>ref<strong>or</strong>e he<br />
tampers with a company <strong>of</strong> silly men, that he may vilify him <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
And <strong>the</strong>y, bold fools as <strong>the</strong>y are, will not spare to spit in his face. <strong>The</strong>y<br />
will rail at his person, and deny <strong>the</strong> very being <strong>of</strong> it; <strong>the</strong>y will rail at his<br />
blood, and deny <strong>the</strong> merit and w<strong>or</strong>th <strong>of</strong> it. <strong>The</strong>y will deny <strong>the</strong> very end<br />
why he accomplished <strong>the</strong> law, and <strong>by</strong> jiggs, and tricks, and quirks,<br />
which he helpeth <strong>the</strong>m to, <strong>the</strong>y set up fond names and images in his<br />
place, and give <strong>the</strong> gl<strong>or</strong>y <strong>of</strong> a Savi<strong>or</strong> to <strong>the</strong>m. Thus Satan w<strong>or</strong>keth under<br />
<strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> Christ; and his ministers under <strong>the</strong> name <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> ministers<br />
<strong>of</strong> righteousness.<br />
And <strong>by</strong> his wiles and stratagems he undoes a w<strong>or</strong>ld <strong>of</strong> men; but <strong>the</strong>re is<br />
a seed, and <strong>the</strong>y shall serve him, and it shall be counted to <strong>the</strong> L<strong>or</strong>d f<strong>or</strong> a<br />
generation. <strong>The</strong>se shall see <strong>the</strong>ir sins, and that Christ is <strong>the</strong> way to<br />
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