Salvation and Grace

Read I Tim 1:12-17

I Tim 1:15
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.

To many of us, Paul is like a hero that we look up to. He seems so sure of his faith, so firm in his ways and so dedicated in his devotion to Christ. We all, at some point in our lives, wish that we are half the man Paul is.

Paul’s life message is that of Christ coming, dying and rising to save sinners and he counts himself the first in Jesus’ list of chief sinners.

Paul is able to achieve much for God because he understands grace. He has a right view of himself and clear understanding of God’s saving grace. He knows that he deserves nothing but punishment and death but Christ has given him nothing but grace and mercy and salvation.

An old Indian chief, after living many years in sin, was led to Christ by a missionary. Friends asked him to explain the change in his life. Reaching down he picked up a little worm and placed it on a pile of leaves. Then touching a match to the leaves, he watched them smolder and burst into flames. As the flames worked their way up to the center where the worm laid, the old chief suddenly plunged his hand into the center of the burning pile and snatched the worm out. Holding the worm gently in his hand he gave his testimony to the grace of God: "Me...that worm!"

Do you desire to be used by God? Then you need to remember where you were before you come to salvation. The pits of sin and the agony of bondage to self! If you have never seen yourself as a ‘worm’, totally saved by God’s mercy, you can never serve Him wholeheartedly and passionately.