July 22
Bible Reading: Acts 9:1-9
Acts 9:1-2, “But Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way, men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem.”
I love to read Christian biographies, especially those that highlight God’s intervention in a person’s life, to save them. Conversion stories, with their diversity and consistent themes of life before conversion, the conversion experience, and the subsequent transformation, are my favorites. One of the most radical transformations is that of Saul.
The Apostle Paul is the church’s greatest missionary, saving countless souls and establishing numerous churches. He authored more books of the Bible than anyone else and was privileged to have a foretaste of heaven (2 Corinthians 12:2-4). Despite suffering greatly for the gospel (2 Corinthians 11:23-28), he rejoiced in his sufferings, understanding their role in his life’s purpose—to know Jesus Christ better (Philippians 3:10). He devoted his life to ministry (Philippians 1:21-24, 2:17), and he fought the good fight and finished the course (2 Timothy 4:7), leaving an example worth emulating (Philippians 3:17).
Before all that, he was the church’s greatest enemy. His own testimony speaks to his radical pre-conversion depravity. He was “breathing threats and murders against the disciples of the Lord” (Acts 9:1-2), locking up many saints and casting votes for their deaths (Acts 26:9-11), violently persecuting the church (Galatians 1:13), and being a blasphemer and persecutor (1 Timothy 1:13). Saul was actively engaged in his murderous activities at the time of his conversion. His reputation was so repugnant that God had to convince Ananias to go to him after his conversion (Acts 9:10-14).
Paul’s salvation was entirely the result of God’s grace. He acted ignorantly in unbelief, and God’s grace overflowed for him (1 Timothy 1:13-14). Paul explains that Christ’s ability to save him shows His perfect patience and serves as an example to all who believe in Him for eternal life (1 Timothy 1:16). If Jesus could save Paul, He can save anyone. Paul’s personal testimony, declaring that “He loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20), and his proclamation that “by the grace of God, I am what I am” (1 Corinthians 15:10), highlights the profound impact of God’s grace in saving and transforming a hate-filled persecutor into a love-filled Apostle.
If Jesus could save such a man as Saul, He can save anybody.
GRACE GREATER THAN OUR SIN
Marvelous grace of our loving Lord,
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt!
Yonder on Calvary’s mount out-poured–
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt.
Refrain:
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that will pardon and cleanse within;
Grace, grace, God’s grace,
Grace that is greater than all our sin!
Sin and despair, like the sea-waves cold,
Threaten the soul with infinite loss;
Grace that is greater– yes, grace untold–
Points to the Refuge, the mighty Cross. [Refrain]
Marvelous, infinite, matchless grace,
Freely bestowed on all who believe!
All who are longing to see His face,
Will you this moment His grace receive? [Refrain]
LookingtoJesus 