Paul made a public confession about his mistakes as a persecutor of Christianity. He recounted,
“Why should it be thought incredible by you that God raises the dead? “Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities” (Acts 26:8-11).
However, Paul further explained his transforming experience with Christ and said,
“At midday, O king, along the road I saw a light from heaven, brighter than the sun, shining around me and those who journeyed with me. And when we all had fallen to the ground, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew language, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ So I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. But rise and stand on your feet; for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of the things which you have seen and of the things which I will yet reveal to you” (Acts 26:13-16).
Lesson:
Jesus Christ accepts people who turn to him for salvation – he never rejects anyone. Irrespective of past failures, Christ will forgive repentant sinners; he will overlook whatever sins they have committed, and he will clean them up. Christ will award a new life and a new name for his saints. All that it takes to enjoy the benefits of God’s kingdom is a confession of sin, and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Lord. Anyone who accepts Jesus Christ as his Lord and personal Savior will not be ashamed, but inherit the gift of everlasting life.
Prayer:
I was once lost in sin, but now I am saved in Jesus Christ. Christ the Son of God has changed my life: He found me, forgave my sins, and redeemed my soul from the condemnation of hellfire. My life is now transformed in Jesus Christ, and I am now saved! Praise God, my name is now written in the book of life, and the kingdom of God is meant for me to enjoy! Praise Jesus Christ for saving a poor sinner like me. I ask my Lord Jesus Christ to give me the grace to remain heavenly worthy. Amen.
