Paul’s viewpoint concerning his own conversion to Christianity gives insight to the unsearchable depths of God’s grace. Prior to his salvation, he was a fervent opponent of the faith and persecutor of the church. The Bible records that Saul (Paul) “breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, [he] went to the high priest and asked him for letters [authority] to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any belonging to the Way [followers of Jesus], men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem” (Acts 9:1-2).
Even after his conversion, his reputation made it nearly impossible for believers to receive him. Paul was blinded from his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus. The Lord instructed a disciple, Ananias, to meet with Saul, lay hands on him, and restore his sight. But Ananias stumbled at this, knowing Saul’s past. “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here [Damascus] he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name” (Acts 9:13-14). Later, when Saul came to Jerusalem, “he attempted to join the disciples. And they were all afraid of him, for they did not believe that he was a disciple” (Acts 9:26).
Paul later testified himself concerning his past that he zealously persecuted the church (Philippians 3:6). In fact, writing to Timothy, he declared he was a “blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious” (I Timothy 1:13). Paul sums up his conversion this way. “I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am chief. Howbeit for this cause I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all longsuffering, for a pattern to them which should hereafter believe on him to life everlasting” (I Timothy 1:13-16).
God’s extension of grace and mercy to Paul demonstrates his patient willingness to save any sinner that would come to Him in faith. In addition to forgiveness, Christ also gave Paul a life of lasting joy and peace despite the difficulties he faced.
Perhaps, someone may be reading this who might argue with Paul about who is the “chief of sinners”. Maybe you think your sins are so great that they could never be forgiven. You may think no one knows how great your sins are, but Jesus knows. No matter what you have done in your past, Christ can forgive you. After all, as Paul asserted, Christ Jesus came into the world to do just this, to save sinners. Your sins qualify you for salvation. Jesus testified “I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). Is there a sin which the blood of Christ cannot wash away? There is none. As the old hymn says, “What can wash away my sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus!”
From the Chaplain 