For the Worst of Sinners

God commends his love in Christ dying for the ungodly Romans 5:6. He also commends it by showing the kind of people he saves (see 1 Timothy 1:15). Christ told his apostles to begin their gospel work at Jerusalem, and then go to 'all nations'. Some religions are territorial - not Christianity. Some groups are exclusivist - Christ calls his church to preach the gospel 'to every creature', and that his disciples are 'all one in Christ Jesus'. The early church had to settle that issue, for the promise to Abram was that 'all nations shall be blessed', and the prophet described Messiah as 'a light for the Gentiles'. However, it is in the instruction to begin at Jerusalem that we see Christ's love best. They had the greatest privileges but rejected their promised King. When Simon Peter spoke at Pentecost they cried out, "What shall we do?" and he was able to reply, "The promise is to you." Paul knew that from his experience, and we should take this to ourselves - evidence that Christ is willing to save us, no matter what our sin may be.