Thoughts on 1 Timothy 1:9-10

When we read this verse we have to understand that we are among the group called “lawless and disobedient, ungodly and sinners, unholy and profane, striking our fathers and mothers, murderers, sexually immoral, homosexual, enslavers, liars, perjurers, and doing whatever else is against sound doctrine.” Do not make the mistake of thinking yourself included with the “just” because there is only one person who has ever lived who can be put into that category. It is precisely because he is in that group that Jesus has the ability to save us. In going to the cross and becoming our substitutionary atonement Jesus swapped places with us by becoming all the sinful things listed above and taking our deserved punishment on the cross. Conversely we get to take the place of Jesus and be seen by the Father as just and righteous and get to spend eternity in heaven with God. (2 Cor 5:21).