Introduction
The apostle Paul’s conversion was a key turning point for Christian history. Prior to his conversion, he was the chief persecutor of Christ’s church (Philippians 3:4-6), haling men and women to prison and death (Acts 8:3), unless they would renounce Christ (Acts 26:10-11). While on his mission to persecute the Christians who have fled to Damascus, our Lord Jesus Christ appeared and spoke to him convicting and converting him (Acts 9:3-5). His life was then changed, with zeal and devotion unparalleled in history, he went on 3 missionary journeys around the world, winning vast multitudes to Christ. We can learn the following lessons from Paul’s conversion:
Sin ‘Blinds’ our Hearts
Looking back before his conversion, Paul reflected on how he was so ignorant and did not believe that Jesus Christ is the true Son of God (1 Timothy 1: 13). Sin could trap us like a slave (John 8:34); in bondage and isolated in darkness away from the knowledge of God. It will cause one to dislike (hardened our hearts, ears and eyes) and experience hatred to a life of holiness (Ephesians 4:17-18). Stephen described Paul and those who opposed Christ to be stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, always resisting the Holy Ghost: as their fathers did (Acts 7:51). ‘Uncircumcised’ - describing that their hearts and ears are covered and not willing to listen to Godly warning or reprimands. Brethren, let's be mindful of the dangers of sin and its effects on our soul and senses.
Eph 4:17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
Eph 4:18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:
Christ Leadeth Us
On the journey to Damascus, Jesus Christ appeared to Paul in the bright light, stronger than the bright sun that we know of, fully enveloping Paul in His presence, jolting him off his notorious mission, questioning him and his motive, pricking his conscience as to why such a knowledgeable person is persecuting the living God who is looking to save mankind? It was a time of awakening and discovery of his errors and sin, revealing his true motives. It was a time of removing the darkness from his heart and soul (Acts 9:3-5).
Act 9:3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:
Act 9:4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
Act 9:5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.
For Jesus Christ is the light of the world and in Him there is no darkness. He is our example and will lead us through His Word (John 8:12). The gospel of Christ will shine unto the ‘blinded minds that which believe not’ (2 Corinthians 4:4); jolt them, awaken, convince and guide them to walk righteously (Psalm 119:105). Christ is our good shepherd and will always look for that one sheep that was lost (Matthew 18:10-14). So let’s obey when He calls us through His words.
Broken Spirit and Contrite Heart
Unlike the Pharisee (in Luke 18:13) who claimed that he practised rigorous observance of the Old Testament, Paul (who used to be a Pharisee) exhibited the disposition of the tax collector (Luke 18:13).
Luke 18:13 And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner.
Indeed, Paul acknowledged himself a blasphemer, and a persecutor, an injurious, a wretched man under the Law, and a chief sinner (1 Timothy 1:13-15). He humbled himself and was poor in spirit and this is the fundamental preparation for receiving the grace of God (1 Timothy 1:13b; Luke 18:14).
1Ti 1:13 Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief.
Luke 18:14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.
This is a clear indication of how Christ had transformed Paul from the man that he was a year ago and brought him to repentance, to have godly sorrow and to turn away from unrighteousness.This was just like David in Psalm 51:6 and 17, where a repented soul was described;
Psalm 51:6 Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
Psalm 51:17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Conclusion
God had mercy and chose Paul as a faithful vessel fit for His service (Acts 9:15-16). God did not give him up to his initial unbelief (Romans 9:18). Instead, since Paul humbled himself, repented and obeyed Christ, God likewise extended His grace and love upon him (Acts 9:6).
A new life was then then extended to Paul, God’s delightful workmanship, truly marvellous and excellent in the sight of God. Likewise, we have also been called out to proclaim the glory of God. Therefore, let's remember our own conversion - the love and providence which we have found in Christ through our obedience. Let’s hold on to it and never let it go!