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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happiness. <strong>The</strong>se shall venture <strong>the</strong>mselves, both body and soul, upon<br />
his w<strong>or</strong>thiness.<br />
All this Satan knows, and <strong>the</strong>ref<strong>or</strong>e his rage is kindled <strong>the</strong> m<strong>or</strong>e.<br />
Wheref<strong>or</strong>e, acc<strong>or</strong>ding to his ability and allowance, he assaulteth,<br />
tempteth, abuseth, and stirs up what he can to be hurtful to <strong>the</strong>se po<strong>or</strong><br />
people, that he may, while his time shall last, make it as hard and<br />
difficult f<strong>or</strong> <strong>the</strong>m to go to eternal gl<strong>or</strong>y as he can. Oftentimes he abuses<br />
<strong>the</strong>m with wrong apprehensions <strong>of</strong> God, and with wrong<br />
apprehensions <strong>of</strong> Christ. He also casts <strong>the</strong>m into <strong>the</strong> mire, to <strong>the</strong><br />
reproach <strong>of</strong> religion, <strong>the</strong> shame <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir brethren, <strong>the</strong> derision <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
w<strong>or</strong>ld, and dishon<strong>or</strong> <strong>of</strong> God.<br />
He holds our hands while <strong>the</strong> w<strong>or</strong>ld buffets us; he puts bear-skins upon<br />
us, and <strong>the</strong>n sets <strong>the</strong> dogs at us. He bedaubeth us with his own foam,<br />
and <strong>the</strong>n tempts us to believe that that bedaubing comes from<br />
ourselves.<br />
Oh! <strong>the</strong> rage and <strong>the</strong> roaring <strong>of</strong> this lion, and <strong>the</strong> hatred that he<br />
manifests against <strong>the</strong> L<strong>or</strong>d Jesus, and against <strong>the</strong>m that are purchased<br />
with his blood! But yet, in <strong>the</strong> midst <strong>of</strong> all this, <strong>the</strong> L<strong>or</strong>d Jesus sends<br />
f<strong>or</strong>th his herald to proclaim in <strong>the</strong> nations his love to <strong>the</strong> w<strong>or</strong>ld, and to<br />
invite <strong>the</strong>m to come in to him f<strong>or</strong> life. Yea, his invitation is so large, that<br />
it <strong>of</strong>fereth his mercy in <strong>the</strong> first place to <strong>the</strong> biggest sinners <strong>of</strong> every<br />
age, which augments <strong>the</strong> devil’s rage <strong>the</strong> m<strong>or</strong>e.<br />
Wheref<strong>or</strong>e, as I said bef<strong>or</strong>e, fret he, fume he, <strong>the</strong> L<strong>or</strong>d Jesus will divide<br />
<strong>the</strong> spoil with this great one; yea, he shall divide <strong>the</strong> spoil with <strong>the</strong><br />
strong, because he hath poured out his soul unto death, and he was<br />
numbered with <strong>the</strong> transgress<strong>or</strong>s, and he bare <strong>the</strong> sin <strong>of</strong> many, and<br />
made intercession f<strong>or</strong> <strong>the</strong> transgress<strong>or</strong>s; Isa. liii. 12.<br />
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