Some of you may believe that you are too far gone. One too many bad choices, a thousands wrong turns, and at least once if not a thousand times, flat out messed things up beyond repair. You’ve looked at the habits, the failures, the choices you can’t take back, and you have concluded that God wants nothing to do with a man like you.
But I have news for you. You’re wrong.
Let’s see what the Bible has to say.
The only perfect man to ever walk this earth was Jesus. The disciples he chose were a rough crew of sinners just like you and I. When Jesus walked this earth, he ate with tax collectors, some of the lowest of the low and traitors to their own people. Levi, a tax collector, threw a feast for his low-life friends and invited Jesus. The place was packed and Jesus was there to minister to them. The Pharisees were disgusted. Jesus answered plainly: “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners, to repentance” (Luke 5:31-32).
He didn’t wait for those men to clean up. Instead, He pulled up a chair.
Then there was the woman caught in adultery, dragged in front of Jesus by men ready to stone her. Jesus said, “He who is without sin among you, let him throw a stone at her first.” They walked away one by one. Then He turned to her: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more” (John 8:7, 11). No condemnation, instead He gave forgiveness, and a new direction for her life.
That’s grace. It isn’t wages and it can’t be earned. It’s a gift from a loving God. “By grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). The law came through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ (John 1:17). On the cross, the Son carried your sin, and Satan lost his claim on you. The free gift outweighs the offense (Romans 5:15).
There is no sin too great for God to forgive. But a gift has to be received, and that part is on you. “Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out” (Acts 3:19). Not a mumbled apology. A real change of heart. A man who drops his pride and walks a new road. God “gives grace to the humble” (Proverbs 3:34).
Every man reading this is worthy and he is exactly the man Jesus came for. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning (Psalm 30:5).
Satan is the accuser of the brethren. He wants you to think you are beyond forgiveness, but that is a lie. Listen to God and what his words tells us, and quit disqualifying yourself. Get on your knees, name your sin, hand it to God, turn from it, and take your seat at the table.
He has saved it for you.
Scripture References (NKJV)
- Luke 5:29-32
- John 8:3-11
- Ephesians 2:4-9
- John 1:16-17
- Romans 5:15-21
- Acts 3:19
- Proverbs 3:34
- Psalm 30:5
