The Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 1:15, “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.” Another translation has it this way, “…Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst.”
That’s what Jesus had in mind when He said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3) The Greek word for “poor” used here means one who crouches and cowers, beggerly and destitute! Someone who has absolutely NOTHING to offer. And that is exactly how we must come to Christ Jesus.
Too many people argue, “Oh, well I’m not really that bad of a person, I just need Jesus.” And sadly, that doesn’t cut it. Notice again Paul’s words, “Christ Jesus came into the world to save SINNERS!” He didn’t come to save those who have no remorse over their guilt and sin. He didn’t come to save those who think they are really pretty good people. He came to save those who acknowledge and confess that we are absolutely NOTHING without Him.
John Wesley described it this way, “They who are unfeignedly penitent, they who are truly convinced of sin; who see and feel the state they are in by nature, being deeply sensible of their sinfulness, guiltiness, helplessness.” Those are the ones who come to Christ Jesus with nothing and receive EVERYTHING!