MESSAGES FROM PAUL'S CONVERSION
10. We learn many things from Paul's salvation. Let me mention only two things. The first is, If Saul can be saved, anyone can be saved! He makes this point himself in 1 Tim 1:15-16 where he says: "Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the worst. But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his unlimited patience as an example for those who would believe on him and receive eternal life." Paul, in essence, tells us: "No one should think he is beyond salvation. Christ saved me to let everyone know that salvation is possible no matter how bad he is."
11. The second message is this, Jesus must really be alive! How do you explain Saul's conversion? How do you explain his life after the Damascus road event? What enabled him to write so profoundly? His own explanation is that he met Jesus Christ one day on the road to that ancient city? People have tried to explain his transformed life by talking of epilepsy, guilt-complexes, hallucinations and the like. The nonsense of these guesses is plain to anyone with an open mind. His own witness of how and why his life changed is ignored by these people. Paul would tell you now: "Jesus really lives. He really is God's Son and in him God really did come to rescue us all and to bring life into our life and hope into our hearts!"
What We've Learned in Lesson Five:
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The salvation and transformation of Saul is one of the strong proofs that Jesus rose from among the dead!
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Paul claims that his own salvation is, in part, a test case of the saving power of Christ. If Saul can be saved, then anyone can be saved! 1 Tim 1:15-16
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In trusting repentance Saul was baptized to have his sins washed away. Acts 22:16
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Since Christ called a man especially to go to the Gentiles with the gospel, we are assured that salvation is for the whole world! Acts 26:17