Who Does God Save?
We studied the conversion of the Apostle Paul (Saul) last week. Of all people, he is possibly the most unlikely candidate for salvation. Yet, God in His infinite wisdom/sovereignty, took the very man that gave approval to--possibly even orchestrated--Stephen's execution (Acts 7) and converted him into one of the most influential individuals Christianity has ever known. The man who was set on wiping out the movement referred to as "The Way," ended up authoring 13 of the 27 books in the New Testament.
So what does that say about the kinds of people God saves? He saves:
- people who hate Him and changes them into people that love Him by taking their "heart of stone" and giving them a "heart of flesh."
- blasphemers and turns them into people who boldly speak the "name that is above all names."
- violent aggressors and molds them into peacemakers.
- ignorant people and gives them wisdom/discernment.
- people that are merciless and shows them mercy.
- unbelievers and transforms them into believers.
- enemies of God and makes them His friends.
- those who are condemned and redeems them.
- the unworthy and justifies them in Christ.
- fornicators, idolators, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, drunkards, extortioners...(1 Cor 6:11)
- people like me and you!
4 comments:
Amen, Keith; it is, after all, the sick who need a doctor, the sinners who need the Savior.
From Scripture on, we Christians truly are a ragtag bunch, but what we have in common is the most important thing anyone could possibly have in common: a relationship with the Living God by way of His Anointed One.
and the best part is; it's a once in a lifetime event. we dont have to continually seek salvation! what a depressed and poor lot we would have were it the case. I think what i enjoy most about this subject, in a passive way sometimes, is that the longer i believe the more convinced of this truth i become. in such a way that my sin seems to be worse today than it did yesterday, and God through the person of Christ, continues to plead the cross on my behalf. what a beautiful doctrine this is. that "God saved us while we were yet enemies with Him" and He keeps us safe from wrath even this very moment...
Rick and thebeef: Absolutely amazing when you think about it- isn't it?
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