Day by Day with Martin Luther

Read: 1st Chronicles 5:18-6:81 Acts 26:1-32 Proverbs 18:20-21

“Too Great a Sinner?”

“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. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.”
[1st Timothy 1:15-16]

I would gladly believe it if I were like St. Peter, Paul, and other who are righteous and holy, but I am too great a sinner. Who knows whether I am the elect? Answer: Look at the words. Look at how and about whom He is speaking: “God so loved the world”: and “so that all who believe in Him” [John 3:16]. Now, the world does not mean only St. Peter and Paul, but the entire human race together, and here no one is excluded. God’s Son was given for all, all are to believe this, all who believe will not be lost. Therefore, beware of excluding yourself by thoughts such as: “who knows if it has been given to me?” That would be calling God a liar in His Word. Rather, make a cross before yourself, and repeat these words: “even if I am not St. Peter or Paul, I am still part of the world. If He had wanted to give it only to the worthy, then He would have had to send this preaching only to the angels. No matter who I am – God is pure – God is true – God forgives me in Christ. God’s truth is greater than my sin.”