Christ Jesus came into the world to
save sinners—of whom I am the worst.
—1 Timothy 1:15
The body count was rising. Paul was rounding up Christians, jailing them, and voting for their execution (Acts 26:10).
Can this cold-blooded villain be saved? In his own words: “Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy” (1 Tm 1:13).
Why would God have mercy on such a brutal bigot? Partly to save Paul—and partly to save you: “God had mercy on me, so that Christ Jesus could use me as a prime example of his great patience with even the worst sinners. Then others will realize that they, too, can believe in him and receive eternal life” (1 Tm 1:16).
Are you too bad to be saved? No! God’s mercy holds the door of salvation open for all who will enter.
God delights in showing mercy (Micah 7:18).