“I thank him that enabled me, even Christ Jesus our Lord, for that he counted me faithful, appointing me to his service; though I was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: howbeit I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief; and the grace of our Lord abounded exceedingly with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. Faithful is the saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief: howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an ensample of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life. Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.” (1 Tim. 1:13-17). These words of Paul are marvelous to ponder, for we are given important insight into the purpose of God in saving us. There are several considerations in order here.

            First, Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. Some, having no understanding of what salvation is all about, seem to think that they have been too bad for God to save. But think of it: if everyone on earth knew every bad thing that you had ever done, it would prove only one thing--you are a sinner. And Christ came to save sinners. That is it. Whatever causes you to understand the severity of your sinful condition is a blessing, no matter how badly it may hurt your reputation in the eyes of men. For only then can you "embrace grace." Where sin abounds, grace abounds even more.

            Second, God is so interested in saving sinners that He saves the worst to demonstrate that He can save anyone. Paul, though he viewed himself the chief of sinners, could say that his salvation had a purpose: “Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me as chief might Jesus Christ show forth all his longsuffering, for an example of them that should thereafter believe on him unto eternal life.” Saving those who are utterly unworthy shows forth the longsuffering and grace of God. This glorifies Him. God wants to save us!

            Third, salvation, then, obviously, is for the glory of God. “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever.” The glory of God in salvation is eternal. Sinners will forever be trophies of God’s mercy and love.

            So salvation is as much for the glory of God as for the welfare of man. If we would ponder this, we would see that He wants to save us more than we have ever imagined, and our souls would be flooded with a security we've never dreamed possible. And this should forever rid us of the notion that God “might not” save us.