How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)
Paul’s great passion was not merely to instruct and to improve but to save. Anything short of this brought him disappointment. He was after the salvation of lost souls as was his Master (and ours). The Apostle realized humanity’s natural state and did not try to merely educate them, but to save them showing untiring zeal towards this end – his prayers were persistent and his labors incessant. Saving souls was his consuming passion and ambition.
Do we have such a passion for the lost? We do not have to go on a mission field – although we may be called to do so - we merely need to open our eyes to the plentiful harvest in our own spheres of influence. Are we faithful there? Do we leave the aroma of Christ or the stench of death in our encounters. It matters. Remember, in no case, by no means can sin be pardoned without atonement. There is no hope outside of Christ; for there is no other blood-shedding that is worth anything for the atonement for sin. Fanny Crosby writes, “Rescue the perishing, care for the dying, snatch them in pity from sin and the grave; weep o’er the erring one, lift up the fallen, tell them of Jesus, the mighty to save.” We must recognize that a just God is bound to punish sin. Consider how that punishment all fell upon the Lord Jesus. Fall down in humble joy at the feet of Him whose blood has redeemed us and share this good news with others. “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” Romans 10:13 (NIV)
Be merciful to those who doubt; snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear--hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh. Jude 1:22-23 (NIV)
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 unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life. 1 Timothy 1:15-16 (NIV)