Unforgiven sinners, who think honestly about their lives, feel bad and condemned. However, the truth of the gospel is so wonderful that they may find it difficult to grasp. The Lord Jesus Christ came to earth from heaven for a single purpose: to save sinners like them. Christ accepted the guilt of everybody in the world and was punished for it, so that they do not have to suffer God’s judgement. All those who believe in Jesus are therefore released from God’s condemnation of their sin.
Paul knew that to be true personally, having been a blasphemer and violent persecutor of Christians even though he thought he was serving God (1 Timothy 1:13). But when Jesus confronted Paul, he knew that that he was a sinner. As he submitted to Jesus he was forgiven. So Paul’s gospel ministry also included his personal testimony of God’s mercy. If he could be saved, anyone could be saved! What a message to pass on to other sinners; although it might seem incredible, the person who accepts it fully is set free from guilt and shame.
Did you know that God wants to use your testimony? Even the hard or dark parts of your past are examples of God’s power in transforming you from what you were, to what He has made you now. Telling that story to your friends and colleagues will give some of them the hope they are seeking. Of course we might not like to reveal that we were sinful and trapped in inescapable behaviour patterns. But the purpose of telling our story is not to make people think how wonderful we have been; it is to tell how wonderful the Lord Jesus has been to us. We need to tell the story of how Jesus met us and saved us. Ask for the Holy Spirit’s help and be unashamed of telling what great things the Lord has done for you (Mark 5:19).
