The Bible tells us that when Matthew responded to the request of the Lord Jesus to “follow Me,” he made a great feast in his own house for the Lord, and a great many publicans and others sat down with them. The religious leaders of that day didn’t like this and asked the disciples of Jesus why they “eat and drink with publicans and sinners.” Jesus answered them: “They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” Luke 5:31,3231And Jesus answering said unto them, They that are whole need not a physician; but they that are sick. 32I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. (Luke 5:31‑32).
Isn’t this good news! Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners! I am happy to tell you that you are qualified for heaven. Don’t disqualify yourself by thinking that you are not a sinner in need of a Saviour.
Years ago in a large city in the northeastern United States, a group was formed to help and encourage the handicapped children of that area. The group was called the GBPT, which stood for “The Guild for the Brave Poor Things.” They did many good things. Once every year they had a big party for all of the handicapped children, and it was always a very happy affair. A newspaper reporter was invited to visit one of these annual parties to observe their activities and to write a feature article for the newspaper. When he came into the entrance hall of the building, he paused to look at row after row of “helps,” including crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, canes, braces, etc. — the symbols of their handicaps and sorrows. But then he heard singing and laughing inside the banquet hall. He went inside and discovered the happiest group of children he had ever seen. When he left, the reporter paused again in the hall to look at the “helps.” While doing this he heard a little girl crying. Looking around, the reporter saw a beautiful little girl sitting on the stairs. She was very well dressed and didn’t seem to have anything wrong with her. He went to her and asked why she was crying. She sobbed: “I can’t go in with them ‘cause I jus’ don’t have nothin’ the matter with me.”
But that is not the way with God’s salvation. “There is no difference: for all have sinned.” Romans 3:22,2322Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; (Romans 3:22‑23). We are all candidates for heaven. None of us can say like that little girl, “We jus’ don’t have nothin’ the matter with us.” We are sinners, and Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. The problem is that we say we are not so bad, or we are doing the best we can, or we are doing better every day, or that we can take care of ourselves — and thereby we disqualify ourselves for heaven.
Do not disqualify yourself for heaven. You are a sinner. There are only two groups — lost sinners, or saved sinners. Which are you? Do not say like the little girl: “I jus’ don’t have nothin’ the matter with me.” Rather say, “Christ is the Saviour of sinners; Christ is the Saviour for me.” Admit you are a sinner and in need, and Jesus will answer your cry for help. Then you will be among those who are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Rev. 19:99And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. (Revelation 19:9).)
ML-11/30/1986