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1 Timothy 1 15
Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners— of whom I am the worst. (niv)
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Luke 5:29-32
Then Levi held a great banquet for Jesus at his house, and a large crowd of tax collectors and others were eating with them.But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law who belonged to their sect complained to his disciples,“ Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?”Jesus answered them,“ It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.” (niv)
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Matthew 9:10-13
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples,“ Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”On hearing this, Jesus said,“ It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.But go and learn what this means:‘ I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (niv)
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Ezekiel 18:27
But if a wicked person turns away from the wickedness they have committed and does what is just and right, they will save their life. (niv)
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Matthew 21:28-31
“ What do you think? There was a man who had two sons. He went to the first and said,‘ Son, go and work today in the vineyard.’“‘ I will not,’ he answered, but later he changed his mind and went.“ Then the father went to the other son and said the same thing. He answered,‘ I will, sir,’ but he did not go.“ Which of the two did what his father wanted?”“ The first,” they answered. Jesus said to them,“ Truly I tell you, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. (niv)
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Luke 7:29
( All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus’ words, acknowledged that God’s way was right, because they had been baptized by John. (niv)
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Romans 5:20
The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase. But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, (niv)
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Luke 13:30
Indeed there are those who are last who will be first, and first who will be last.” (niv)