"The Conversion of Paul" (Acts 9:1-19)

In the world in which we live, there's much confusion concerning what it means to be born again! However, every one of us needs to be absolutely clear about biblical conversion. We need to be clear about it for ourselves, so that we'll be certain concerning our own conversion. We also must know it for the times when Christ allows us to share it with others. It's very clear that not all who profess to be born again are saved! This is where the conversion of Paul comes into play! Why do I say this? I say this because of the biblical accounts of Saul of Tarsus, later known as Paul. I have heard that many consider or look on the conversion of Paul as the most important events concerning the church since Pentecost! As far as convincing evidence of the Christian faith, many regard his conversion as second only to Jesus' resurrection from among those who are dead! In other words, if this aggressive, combative, extremely militant opponent to Christ was genuinely converted to become Christianity's most passionate and enthusiastic supporter and promoter, it really demands an explanation! Would you agree? Why would Paul do so and then go through the terrible suffering and persecution that he endured, unless he was absolutely convinced that Christ had risen from among those who are dead? I believe that Dr. Luke looked at Paul's conversion as a turning point event, or he would not have mentioned it a total of three times (Acts 22:1-22; 26:9-20), for our reading. What does the account of Paul's conversion teach us? It teaches us that God is able to convert the most unlikely of sinners and use them as His chosen instruments for the sake of the gospel. In Acts 9:1, Luke tells us that Saul was "still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord." He was totally consumed with ending this new religion of Christianity, one he saw as a threat to Judaism. As Saul was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christ followers, God sovereignly altered his course of events! From this we see that salvation doesn't depend on the depraved and fallen will of man, but on the sovereign will, purpose, and power of God! We see that everything about Saul's conversion came from God alone. We know that Saul was not looking for Christ or the salvation Christ brings! Saul, being Jewish, thought he was already one of God's chosen people! The sovereign Lord knocked him to the ground and totally overwhelmed him. God didn't say to Saul, "Now will you please choose to trust Me for salvation?" It's your choice! That's not what happened! God chose Paul before the foundation of the world! Now here's the really good news. God can take anyone with whatever past or present, change that person from hating God to loving God by His awesome power! Your move. Be encouraged!