Too Great a Sinner?
The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience, as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life.
I TIMOTHY 1:15-16
+
Too Great a Sinner?
I would gladly believe if I were like St. Peter, Paul, and other who are righteous and holy, but I am too great a sinner. Who knows whether I am elect?" Answer: Look at the words! Look at how and about whom He is speaking: "God so loved the world" and "so that all who believe in Him" [John 3:16]. Now, "the world" does not mean only St. Peter and Paul, but the entire human race together, and here no one is excluded. God's Son was given for all, all are to believe this, and all who believe will not be lost, etc.…. Therefore, beware of excluding yourself by permitting thoughts such as: "Who knows whether it has also been given to me?" That would be calling God a liar in His Word, Rather, make a cross before yourself and repeat these words: "Even if l am not St. Peter or Paul, I am still a part of the world, If He had wanted to give it only to the worthy, then He would have had to send this preaching only to the angels, who are pure and without sin. Yes, He would even have had to withhold it from St. Peter, Dsavid and Paul, for they were sinners as well as I am. No Matter who I am, I know that God’s Word is true, and if I don not accept it, then, on top of all others sins, I am also committing this one, that I regard God’s Word and truth as lies and am slandering them.”
From the Church Postil, sermon for Pentecost Monday on John 3:16-21 (Luther’s Works 77:375-76)
I TIMOTHY 1:15-16
+
Too Great a Sinner?
I would gladly believe if I were like St. Peter, Paul, and other who are righteous and holy, but I am too great a sinner. Who knows whether I am elect?" Answer: Look at the words! Look at how and about whom He is speaking: "God so loved the world" and "so that all who believe in Him" [John 3:16]. Now, "the world" does not mean only St. Peter and Paul, but the entire human race together, and here no one is excluded. God's Son was given for all, all are to believe this, and all who believe will not be lost, etc.…. Therefore, beware of excluding yourself by permitting thoughts such as: "Who knows whether it has also been given to me?" That would be calling God a liar in His Word, Rather, make a cross before yourself and repeat these words: "Even if l am not St. Peter or Paul, I am still a part of the world, If He had wanted to give it only to the worthy, then He would have had to send this preaching only to the angels, who are pure and without sin. Yes, He would even have had to withhold it from St. Peter, Dsavid and Paul, for they were sinners as well as I am. No Matter who I am, I know that God’s Word is true, and if I don not accept it, then, on top of all others sins, I am also committing this one, that I regard God’s Word and truth as lies and am slandering them.”
From the Church Postil, sermon for Pentecost Monday on John 3:16-21 (Luther’s Works 77:375-76)
Posted in Daily Devotions
Recent
Archive
2026
January
In The GardenBy Your Own LawA Kingdom Not From HereThe King Who Bears Witness to the TruthWhich Jesus Will You Have?Behold the King We MockedBehold the Man, Lifted for YouAuthority from Above, Glory from the CrossBehold Your King, Lifted Up to JudgeThe Place of the SkullIt Is WrittenEvery Promise KeptStabat MaterIt Is FinishedThese Three TestifyA True TestimonyA Quiet Courage at the CrossThe Empty Tomb and the Wounded SaviorSeeing, Believing, and the Linen Left BehindCalled by Name in the GardenDo Not Cling, Go and TellPeace in Wounded HandsThe Wounds That Speak PeaceYou May Have LifeMy Lord and My GodFishingIt Is the LordThey KnewFeed My LambsFollow HimFollowing Jesus, Not Comparing Paths
February
The Testimony That Is EnoughBefore Kings, Before the CrossBefore You Were Born, the Word Was GivenSet Like FlintRemembering First LoveForsaking the FountainBroken Cisterns and the Living CrossAshamed of Our False RescuesForgottenWe Have SinnedLift Up Your EyesLike SisterReturn to the LordThe Gift of ShepherdsOur Only HopeShame That Leads to SalvationCircumcised HeartsBlow the Trumpet in the LandWhen Wisdom FailsThe Storm We Have SummonedThe Sound of the TrumpetWhen Wisdom Becomes FollyThe Earth Shall MournCan You Find One?There Is No DifferenceThe Lord Must InterveneSpeak TruthEnduring Nation
March
2025
January
Not AshamedIn Every RespectWe Are In His HouseHear His VoiceTodayBut You BelieveRest in ChristRest in FaithRest in Christ’s WordConfidence in Our Great High PriestOur Eternal High PriestCalled by GracePerfect Through SufferingA Little MilkFoundationGod Comes to UsFaith in ChristObtaining the PromiseThe King of PeaceBlessed by the SuperiorA Priest Forever in ChristThe Forever PriestA Better HopeOur Eternal IntercessorOur Perfect High PriestOur Eternal High PriestThe Better Covenant in ChristA New CovenantPromises KeptOnly The High PriestNot the Blood of Goats