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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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Thirdly, As to <strong>the</strong>y fears, whatever <strong>the</strong>y are, let that be supposed which is<br />

supposed bef<strong>or</strong>e, and <strong>the</strong>y are groundless, and so <strong>of</strong> no weight.<br />

Object. But I am afraid I am not elected, <strong>or</strong> chosen to salvation, though<br />

you called me fool a little bef<strong>or</strong>e f<strong>or</strong> so fearing.<br />

Ans. Though election is, in <strong>or</strong>der, bef<strong>or</strong>e calling, as to God, yet <strong>the</strong><br />

knowledge <strong>of</strong> calling must go bef<strong>or</strong>e <strong>the</strong> belief <strong>of</strong> my election as to<br />

myself. Wheref<strong>or</strong>e, souls that doubt <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> truth <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir effectual<br />

calling, do but plunge <strong>the</strong>mselves into a deeper la<strong>by</strong>rinth <strong>of</strong> confusion<br />

that concern <strong>the</strong>mselves with <strong>the</strong>ir election; I mean, while <strong>the</strong>y labour<br />

to know it bef<strong>or</strong>e <strong>the</strong>y prove <strong>the</strong>ir calling. “Make your calling, and so<br />

your election, sure;” 2 Pet. i. 4–11.<br />

Wheref<strong>or</strong>e, at present, lay <strong>the</strong> thoughts <strong>of</strong> thy election <strong>by</strong>, and ask<br />

thyself <strong>the</strong>se questions: Do I see my lost condition? Do I see salvation is<br />

nowhere but in Christ? Would I share in this salvation <strong>by</strong> faith in him?<br />

And would I, as was said bef<strong>or</strong>e, be th<strong>or</strong>oughly saved, to wit, from <strong>the</strong><br />

filth as from <strong>the</strong> guilt? Do I love Christ, his Fa<strong>the</strong>r, his saints, his<br />

w<strong>or</strong>ds, and ways? This is <strong>the</strong> way to prove we are elect. Wheref<strong>or</strong>e,<br />

sinner, when Satan, <strong>or</strong> thine own heart seeks to puzzle <strong>the</strong>e with<br />

election, say thou, I cannot attend to talk <strong>of</strong> this point now, but stay till I<br />

know that I am called <strong>of</strong> God to <strong>the</strong> fellowship <strong>of</strong> his Son, and <strong>the</strong>n I<br />

will shew you that I am elect, and that my name is written in <strong>the</strong> book <strong>of</strong><br />

life.<br />

If po<strong>or</strong> distressed souls would observe this <strong>or</strong>der, <strong>the</strong>y might save<br />

<strong>the</strong>mselves <strong>the</strong> trouble <strong>of</strong> an unpr<strong>of</strong>itable labour under <strong>the</strong>se<br />

unreasonable and soul-sinking doubts.<br />

Let us <strong>the</strong>ref<strong>or</strong>e, upon <strong>the</strong> sight <strong>of</strong> our wretchedness, fly and<br />

venturously leap into <strong>the</strong> arms <strong>of</strong> Christ, which are now as open to<br />

receive us into his bosom, as <strong>the</strong>y were when nailed to <strong>the</strong> cross. This is<br />

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