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
Beneath the Cross of Jesus by Reawaken Hymns
I have always been struck by the paradox of our unworthiness and the payment that God made for us on our behalf. In a culture based on freedom and independence, it is hard for people to accept their need for and dependence on Christ for salvation and even daily living. Accepting Christ as anything less than an absolute need will not be enough. He is not simply something nice we can add to our lives, but we must be totally dependent on him. Until we recognize and accept our need for Christ, we will not appreciate the price he paid or the benefit of his grace.
Christian singer and songwriter David Crowder has said, “When our depravity meets His divinity, it is a beautiful collision.”
We see this most clearly when we look at Jesus hanging on the cross. As this hymn so beautifully says:
“Upon that cross of Jesus mine eye at times can see
the very dying form of One who suffered there for me;
and from my stricken heart with tears two wonders I confess:
the wonders of redeeming love and my unworthiness.” (emphasis added)
Pastor and author Tim Keller has summarized the gospel like this, “The gospel is this: We are more sinful and flawed in ourselves than we ever dared believe, yet at the very same time we are more loved and accepted in Jesus Christ than we ever dared hope.”
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
A Long Intentional Walk 