Mercy for the Worst of Sinners

The grace of God in Christ Jesus is so abundant that it can transform even the worst of sinners—like Paul—into grateful servants, proving that no one is beyond the reach or purpose of His redeeming mercy. “While Newton believed that human beings were wretches, in desperate need of a Savior, these 20th-century adapters clearly believe that they and their congregations are perfectly nice people. They are not wicked; they merely have a handicap—a dysfunction—from which they hope to recover…Grace is amazing because it saves wretches, not because it puts a final polish on nice people. You cannot be saved if you are not lost. You cannot be freed unless you are enslaved.” — Brian Abel Ragen Paul had experienced both God’s saving and strengthening grace. Yet this passage isn’t just his personal story —it’s a pastoral reminder. He writes to Timothy, a young pastor in a difficult place, surrounded by proud, self-assured teachers. In contrast, Paul points to what true Christianity is: humble, grateful, mercy-shaped service. His message is simple— “Timothy, don’t be swayed by clever words or impressive people. The real evidence of grace is a transformed life—and if God could change me, He can change anyone.”