Every believer should be absolutely convinced of being the worst sinner on the face of the earth. And if this is not the case, if there is any inkling of a thought that somebody out there might be worse than I am, then there is reason to believe that I have not yet done adequate business with God about my own sin.
The great hymn writers thought this way. Their salvation continually amazed them. Our hymnals portray their amazement. Consider lines like, “Amazing love! How can it be that Thou, my God, shouldst die for me!” No, this is not merely “die for me,” as in a theological doctrine, this is “die for me,” as in wonder that out of all the people in the world, he would have included me, (in this case, Charles Wesley) the worst of the lot.
Phillip Bliss, another hymn writer, makes it even clearer when he concludes that “Jesus loves even me.” There’s a wealth of meaning in that one word “even.” Even me, the lowest, the least deserving, the worst. Or as Charles Wesley wrote, “‘Tis mercy all, immense and free, for, O my God, it found out me!” His implication is, “God’s mercy had to look really hard because I was a long way off!”
These hymn writers placed themselves in a camp with the world. Yes, they were saved out of the world, but they never left it and never forgot who they were without Christ. I believe this is what Paul meant when he said, “I am the worst of sinners”—present tense. He knew himself. He knew one thing separated him from the next guy: Jesus Christ and his death on Paul’s behalf. The next guy either didn’t know yet, or didn’t get it. Either way, Jesus was the only difference.
We need to give people a more realistic presentation of ourselves—we’ve been scaring them away for too long with self-imposed images of our saintliness. The world has always been more ready to hear the astonished witness of a saved sinner than the calculated piety of a holy saint. I rather like the Catholic way of looking at sainthood. It’s hard to get in—you have to die first. Whether you take that figuratively or literally, it’s a good point.
And from my smitten heart with tears,
Two wonders I confess—
The wonder of redeeming love
And my unworthiness.
– Elizabeth C. Clephane
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John Fischer The Catch 
John, Thanks for this. There’s a wonderful little book that I sometimes use in my devotions called “Then Sings My Soul: 150 of the World’s Greatest Hymn Stories” by Robert J. Morgan. Some of these writers had incredible stories to go along with their songs, like Charles Wesley, whom you mentioned, and like John Newton, who wrote “Amazing Grace.” But there are many, many others. And I think there may be a sequel to it now. Best, Waitsel
John Newton near death, “I have forgotten many things but this I know … I am a great sinner and Jesus is a great Savior.”
If that’s not one of the greatest quotes of all time, i don’t know what is. If only I can remember that as well.
One of (if not the) absolute best you have ever written! This attitude is essential to a true walk of faith and a meaningful relationship with our Creator. Keep this up.
Charles
“I rather like the Catholic way of looking at sainthood” …… ??!!! Are you serious? Research a little regarding how the catholic church views “sainthood”…… and a multitude of other topics that have confused and prevented many from entering into the Grace of God through Faith in Christ, and Christ only. If you listen to Rome, they’ll have you praying to the saints for various favors, etc. Be careful about who and what you recommend to those seeking the Truth, John….. many are listening to you! It’s very late! Ralph Gaily, former catholic
I was talking about one aspect of sainthood, not all aspects, just as there are other aspects of the Catholic faith that are worthy of noting. In fact, you will be interested in tomorrow’s Catch which is about a devout Presbyterian who is the new president of a Jesuit university here in Los Angeles.
That’s a weak answer John, re: how the catholic church defines “sainthood”…. research it from their perspective/theology, and see if you still would consider it “worthy of noting”. Their definition of a saint, and a multitude of other important interpretations of Scripture, are serious hindrances to a person seeking Salvation through Rome’s gate. Ralph Gaily, former catholic