This week I would like to talk about the purpose of the Church. The Church is for Sinners, Not Saints: Jesus Came for the Sick. Our churches should be a spiritual hospital. It’s a place where the spiritually sick can be healed.
Christianity centers on the belief that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to save sinners and offer them redemption. Over time, people have often idealized saints and viewed the Church as a place for the spiritually pure. Today we see churches becoming spiritual entertainment centers. However, a closer look at Christian theology shows that the Church is meant for sinners, and Jesus’ mission was to heal those who were spiritually unwell. Let’s take a quick look at the deep compassion and love Jesus demonstrated during his ministry.
I. Jesus’ Ministry: Healing the Sick and the Sinful.
A. The Parable of the Lost Sheep – In the Gospel of Luke 15:1-7, Jesus tells the parable of the lost sheep, illustrating his mission to seek and save those who are lost. Just as a shepherd leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that has gone astray, Jesus came to Earth to find and redeem sinners. This parable emphasizes the importance of rescuing those who have strayed from the path of righteousness.
B. Dining with Sinners – Another clear demonstration of Jesus’ mission is seen in his interactions with sinners. He did not shy away from dining with tax collectors, prostitutes, and other social outcasts. His willingness to share a table with those considered “unclean” by societal standards symbolizes his intention to reach out to those who were spiritually sick and in need of healing.
II. A Perfect Example of Transformation – The Apostle Paul.
The apostle Paul’s life provides a compelling example of Jesus’ transformative power. Before his conversion, Paul was a persecutor of Christians and a zealous Pharisee. However, he encountered Christ on the road to Damascus and underwent a profound change. His story is a testament to the idea that the Church is not exclusively for those who have always lived righteous lives but also for those who, like Paul, were once sinners in need of redemption.
III. The Church as a Hospital for the Soul.
A. The Image of the Church as a Hospital – Early Christian theologians often described the Church as a “hospital for the soul.” This metaphor emphasizes that the Church is a place where sinners can come to find healing, forgiveness, and redemption. Just as a hospital is for the sick, the Church is for those who are spiritually ailing.
B. Sacraments and Forgiveness – The sacraments in Christian tradition, such as Baptism and the Eucharist, are powerful means of grace that allow individuals to experience forgiveness and spiritual renewal. These sacraments are open to all, regardless of their past sins, reinforcing the idea that the Church is a place of healing for sinners.
In closing… I’m not saying that church is for sinners ONLY. As for us Christians, the church is a place where we continue to grow in our faith, minister and help others, and learn about our God and His will for our lives. But we need to understand, The Church is not an exclusive club for saints, but a welcoming sanctuary for sinners in search of salvation and healing.
By viewing the Church as a “hospital for the soul,” we are reminded that its doors are open to everyone, regardless of their past, and that Jesus came not for the righteous, but for sinners. This understanding is central to the heart of Christianity and reflects the profound love and compassion that Jesus demonstrated during his time on Earth.
If you do not have a relationship with God, please take a moment now and pray. All you need to do is ask the Lord to come into your life. Please… if you don’t know Christ or have fallen away, please pray… Tell God you believe His Son Jesus paid for your sins and rose again. Tell God you are sorry and want to start Living for Him. He will forgive your sins and mistakes and give you Everlasting Life with Him… and place His Spirit deep within your heart. In 1 John 1:9 it says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
If you would like for me to pray with you, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentPromises.com.
May God Bless and Keep!
I thank you for reading my blog. I do not claim to be any expert or affiliated with any religious organization. All I can say is that I’m affiliated with my Lord Jesus Christ. This is one man’s opinion and observations. My hope is I stirred up some thoughts for you to think about. There is one place that we can find all the answers to life. That road map is Commonly known as the Bible. If you want the answers to life all you have to do is read. If you would like me to pray with you or want to send a comment, please email me at Bob.L@magnificentpromises.com or the form below.
For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16
