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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He <strong>of</strong>fereth, he calls, he woos, he invites, he prays, he beseeches us in<br />
this day <strong>of</strong> his grace to be reconciled to him; yea, and has provided f<strong>or</strong><br />
us <strong>the</strong> means <strong>of</strong> reconciliation himself. Now, this despised must needs<br />
be provoking; and it is a fearful thing to fall into <strong>the</strong> hands <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> living<br />
God.<br />
But some man may say unto me, Fain I would be saved, fain I would be<br />
saved <strong>by</strong> Christ; but I fear this day <strong>of</strong> grace is past, and that I shall<br />
perish, notwithstanding <strong>the</strong> exceeding riches <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> grace <strong>of</strong> God.<br />
Answer. To this doubt I would answer several things.<br />
First, With respect to this day.<br />
Secondly, With respect to thy desires.<br />
Thirdly, With respect to thy fears.<br />
First, With respect to <strong>the</strong> day; that is, whe<strong>the</strong>r it be ended with a man <strong>or</strong><br />
no.<br />
1. Art thou jogged, and shaken and molested at <strong>the</strong> hearing <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
W<strong>or</strong>d? Is thy conscience awakened and convinced <strong>the</strong>n that thou art at<br />
present in a perishing state, and that thou hast need to cry to God f<strong>or</strong><br />
mercy? This is a hopeful sign that this day <strong>of</strong> grace is not past with<br />
<strong>the</strong>e. F<strong>or</strong> usually <strong>the</strong>y that are past grace, are also, in <strong>the</strong>ir conscience,<br />
past feeling, being “seared with an hot iron;” Eph. iv. 18, 19; 1 Tim. iv. 1, 2.<br />
Consequently, those past grace must be such as are denied <strong>the</strong><br />
awakening fruits <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> W<strong>or</strong>d preached. “<strong>The</strong> dead that hear,” says<br />
Christ, “shall live;” at least while Christ has not quite done with <strong>the</strong>m;<br />
<strong>the</strong> day <strong>of</strong> God’s patience is not at an end with <strong>the</strong>m; <strong>John</strong> v. 25.<br />
2. Is <strong>the</strong>re in thy m<strong>or</strong>e retired condition, arguings, strugglings, and<br />
strivings with thy spirit to persuade <strong>the</strong>e <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> vanity <strong>of</strong> what vain<br />
things thou lovest, and to win <strong>the</strong>e in thy soul to a choice <strong>of</strong> Christ Jesus<br />
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