“The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost” (1 Timothy 1:15 ESV).
In this verse, the Apostle Paul captured the essence of the gospel in a single phrase: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.” He presented this as an authoritative, foundational truth of the Christian faith, worthy of “full acceptance.” This single purpose—salvation of sinners—explained the manger, the cross, and the empty tomb. The verse reached its emotional climax as Paul included himself in the company of sinners, declaring, “of whom I am the foremost.” Paul, a man who gave up everything, suffered greatly, and founded churches across the ancient world, refused to put distance between himself and his sinful past as a persecutor of the Church. His confession was not false humility; it was a genuine, ongoing recognition that the depth of the grace he received could never be matched by his own worthiness. His identity as a redeemed sinner, a recipient of infinite mercy, fueled his ministry and his self-assessment.
Do we accept this saying with “full acceptance?” It’s easy for us to believe Christ saved sinners in general, but the power lies in believing He came to save us, in our specific, personal sinfulness. The humility displayed by Paul should be a constant check against our own self-righteousness or tendency to judge others. The cross is the ultimate leveler.
This verse should also be a source of confidence for us. If Christ saved the “foremost” sinner (Paul), then our own sin, no matter how great, is not beyond His reach. The trustworthiness of this saying is not based on our current behavior or performance; it is based entirely on Christ’s finished work. Therefore, we can rest in the certainty of our salvation and joyfully live out of gratitude, knowing that His grace is always sufficient, always present, yet always undeserved.
This powerful inward transformation also motivates us outwardly. If the message of rescue is “trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance,” then we have a joyful responsibility to share the Savior who rescues even the foremost of sinners. Our past experiences of sin and forgiveness become a powerful platform for sharing His limitless grace with others.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the trustworthy and fully acceptable truth that Your Son, Jesus Christ, came to save sinners. We confess that we are chief among them, yet Your mercy triumphs over all our unworthiness. Please root this truth so deeply in our hearts that we never lose our humility or our gratitude. Help us to live today in the light of Your grace, confident not in ourselves, but in Your completed work. In Jesus’ name, amen.