“Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason, I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” —1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV)
1. The Gospel Is Believing in Facts
The Gospel is about believing in the historical truth that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. In verse 15, it says, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” The incarnation, the act of Jesus coming down to this world, is unique in Christianity. Christ’s mission was to save sinners, and we place our faith in His death and resurrection.
“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that he appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, he appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time, most of whom are still living, though some have fallen asleep. Then he appeared to James, then to all the apostles, and last of all he appeared to me also, as to one abnormally born.” —1 Corinthians 15:3-8 (NIV)
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” —1 Peter 1:8-9 (NIV)
This salvation and the Kingdom of God are not limited to a particular group but are offered to all. From Genesis to Malachi, the Old Testament points toward the Kingdom of God and the coming of the Messiah. Paul preached the Gospel not only within Jewish perspectives but also to the Hellenistic world.
2. “I Am the Worst of Sinners”
Have you ever heard the term “chief of sinners”? It reflects someone fully immersed in sin. Paul’s realization of the gravity of sin turns the objective truth of Scripture into a deeply personal and subjective experience of the Gospel. His statement shows the honest and humbled heart of one who truly understands sin, as well as the liberation from it. It’s about laying aside pride, success, and intellectual pursuits to acknowledge Jesus as the Lord of one’s life.
Paul rejected the concept of relative sin. When we are alone, it’s easy to feel secure in our faith and character. But in relationships, God reveals who we truly are. Our character isn’t tested in isolation but through our interactions with others. When we’re honest before God, we understand we all fall short.
“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief. The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.” —1 Timothy 1:12-14 (NIV)
Paul gave up his knowledge and intellect:
“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ.” —Philippians 3:8 (NIV)
Paul changed the owner of his life:
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” —Galatians 2:20 (NIV)
3. “God Showed Me Mercy” (Verse 16)
Paul describes the heart of the Gospel here: God’s immense patience and mercy. In verse 16, Paul explains that he was shown mercy “as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life.” God’s grace is the main character here. Paul’s life is an illustration for all who are yet to find eternal life through faith.
Paul’s journey of understanding his own sin was not merely a religious exercise but a life-shaping awareness that reached deep into his character and experience. When we face the consequences of our unconscious or instinctive actions, we gain a profound realization that humanity cannot separate itself from sin without grace. This is the core of our human nature. The Gospel is where our pride and self-righteousness bow to God’s mercy.
As I have come to know my sin, I have come to understand God’s mercy. God has led me through self-examination, and I see that my faults originate from the broken parts within me. My life has been shaped in three acts:
Act 1: Born into a pastor’s family, I lived as I pleased, until my sin led me to encounter Jesus.
Act 2: God is refining my character, crafting me into a vessel fit to hold His true purpose.
Act 3: My hope is to become a person who, like Korea’s An Chang-ho, reflects Christ’s character fully and holds God’s purpose.
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