Acts 8:1
“Saul was in hearty agreement with putting him to death.”
Have you ever participated in a murder? The Apostle Paul did. As evil as it is, Paul, before his powerful conversion experience, not only oversaw the killing of godly Stephen, but gave “hearty agreement” to it. He went on to persecute Christians, even going house to house, rounding them up and throwing them in prison (Acts 8:2-3).
Later in Paul’s life, after meeting Jesus Christ personally and being changed into a new man, he looked back on who he used to be with distain mixed with gratitude. He said of himself, “Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners–of whom I am the worst (1 Timothy 1:15).”
He went on to say, “But for that very reason I was shown mercy so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience as an example for those who would believe in him and receive eternal life (1 Timothy 1:16).”
No matter what you’ve done, or how bad you’ve been, Jesus Christ is in the “business” of saving sinners…even the worst of them. Paul went on to use his evil behavior from his younger years to glorify Christ and proclaim His mercy. Paul would say things like this, “If Jesus showed me mercy and saved me, even a murderer, He will do the same for you if you’ll accept it.”
Have you allowed your evil deeds to keep you from God? Jesus Christ came to save sinners. If you fall into that category (and we all do) you are eligible to be saved! Even the worst of sinners, like Paul, found the mercy and grace of God in Jesus Christ to be powerful enough to break the chains of bondage and guilt (from past evil deeds) to free them up for life and joy and peace with God.
You probably haven’t ever participated in a murder like Paul. But even if you have – or whatever you have done in the past – Jesus Christ gave Himself on a cross to save you from your sins. He rose again three days later and ascended into heaven. He will return again someday to take you with Him to be in heaven forever. He wants to free you from your past to live a victory filled future. Do you believe this?
Thank you Eric. I am ashamed to say; but have to admit, I hold the wort of my worst. I know The Lord’s Grace covered all my sins but in shame, I keep them buried in me. I feel at times I may almost be saying not for this Lord. I pray that admitting this will release full victory in my life.