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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faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all <strong>the</strong> fiery darts <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
wicked;” Eph. vi. 16.<br />
Wheref<strong>or</strong>e is it said, “Begin at <strong>Jerusalem</strong>,” if <strong>the</strong> <strong>Jerusalem</strong> sinner is not<br />
to have <strong>the</strong> benefit <strong>of</strong> it? And if I am to have <strong>the</strong> benefit <strong>of</strong> it, let me call<br />
it to mind when Satan haunts me with <strong>the</strong> continual remembrance <strong>of</strong><br />
my sins, <strong>of</strong> my <strong>Jerusalem</strong> sins. Satan and my conscience say I am <strong>the</strong><br />
biggest sinner,—Christ <strong>of</strong>fereth mercy, in <strong>the</strong> first place, to <strong>the</strong> biggest<br />
sinners. N<strong>or</strong> is <strong>the</strong> manner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>of</strong>fer o<strong>the</strong>r but such as suiteth with<br />
my mind. I am s<strong>or</strong>ry f<strong>or</strong> my sin; yea, s<strong>or</strong>ry at my heart that ever sinful<br />
thought did enter, <strong>or</strong> find <strong>the</strong> least entertainment in my wicked mind;<br />
and might I obtain my wish, I would never m<strong>or</strong>e that my heart should<br />
be a place f<strong>or</strong> ought but <strong>the</strong> grace, and spirit, and faith <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> L<strong>or</strong>d Jesus.<br />
I speak not this to lessen my wickedness; I would not f<strong>or</strong> all <strong>the</strong> w<strong>or</strong>ld<br />
but be placed <strong>by</strong> mine own conscience in <strong>the</strong> very front <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> biggest<br />
sinners, that I might be one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> first that are beckoned <strong>by</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
gracious hand <strong>of</strong> Jesus <strong>the</strong> Savi<strong>or</strong>, to come to him f<strong>or</strong> mercy.<br />
Well, sinner, thou now speakest like a Christian, but say thus in a strong<br />
spirit in <strong>the</strong> hour <strong>of</strong> temptation, and <strong>the</strong>n thou wilt, to thy<br />
commendation and comf<strong>or</strong>t, quit thyself well.<br />
This improving <strong>of</strong> Christ in dark hours, is <strong>the</strong> life, though <strong>the</strong> hardest<br />
part <strong>of</strong> our Christianity. We should nei<strong>the</strong>r stop at darkness, n<strong>or</strong> at <strong>the</strong><br />
raging <strong>of</strong> our lusts, but go on in a way <strong>of</strong> venturing and casting <strong>the</strong><br />
whole <strong>of</strong> our affairs f<strong>or</strong> <strong>the</strong> next w<strong>or</strong>ld at <strong>the</strong> foot <strong>of</strong> Jesus Christ. This is<br />
<strong>the</strong> way to make <strong>the</strong> darkness light, and also to allay <strong>the</strong> raging <strong>of</strong> our<br />
c<strong>or</strong>ruption.<br />
<strong>The</strong> first time <strong>the</strong> Passover was eaten, was in <strong>the</strong> night; and when Israel<br />
took courage to go f<strong>or</strong>ward, though <strong>the</strong> sea stood in <strong>the</strong>ir way like a<br />
devouring gulf, and <strong>the</strong> host <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Egyptians follow <strong>the</strong>m at <strong>the</strong> heels;<br />
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