A note from our Pastor:

“This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

1 Timothy 1:15

Good Morning Dearly Beloved,

Our study verse this week is a demonstration of the writing of the Apostle Paul. In just a few words the Apostle captures a large portion of the gospel message and sets it forth to the believer in a straightforward manner. This morning we will walk through this verse in order to understand all the truth it portrays.

Five times in his letters, the Apostle tells his audience how the words he has written are a faithful or true saying. In Titus chapter three he expounds saying the believers should affirm these sayings constantly as it will encourage in them good works and dedicated following of Jesus Christ.

In this particular verse, the faithful saying is “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” The Apostle calls our Lord by two names, Christ Jesus, the former setting forth his divinity. He was The Christ and the name Christ points to him being anointed for the purpose of the salvation of his people. The latter name, Jesus, signifies his humanity. This was the name he carried in his incarnation here on earth. He was Jesus of Nazareth. Together the two names capture the truth of our Lord being both God and man.

The next portion of the phrase, he came into the world, captures multiple truths. First, in order for Christ Jesus to come into the world he had to exist prior to his incarnation. This simple word “came” captures the truth of Christ Jesus existing from all eternity. His existence did not begin with his incarnation but rather he was always God and always existed. Second, the phrase captures the voluntary nature of his incarnation. He chose to leave heaven and immortal glory in order to come into the world that he might accomplish the purpose set before him from before the foundation of the world.

Finally, the last phrase “to save sinners” tells of his mission. Christ Jesus continually told his disciples that he came not to do his own will but the will of his father who had sent him. What was the will? To save the elect of God. Sinners in this phrase does not have any qualifying statements. It was not just Jews whom Christ came to save but rather all of the elect of God who were all guilty of sin.

The Apostle ends the verse with a statement of great humility. This statement is often referenced and focused on, but let us not lose sight of the beautiful portrayal of the truth of Christ Jesus in this verse. The gospel in a few words can be affirmed daily.

Our Prayers are with you daily,

Brother Jeremiah