Justin Bell, Minister, San Saba church of Christ
The apostle Paul is a great example for all of us. Paul, through inspiration, would even say, “Be imitators of me as I am of Christ”, (1 Cor. 1:11) which is often applied to his character as a Christian. But what about Paul’s conversion? There are many accounts in the New Testament that show a person becoming a Christian, but none are more detailed than the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Let’s examine his conversion story and look at what point sin was taken away, allowing him to be reconciled to God. Paul, in Acts chapter 9, was on his way to Damascus with documents that gave him authority to bind any Christian and lead them back to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:2) While on the road a bright light from heaven flashed all around him and a voice said, ” Saul, Saul, what are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:3-4) Paul asked who the voice was, and the reply must have been shocking indeed. “I am Jesus the Nazarene, whom you are persecuting.” (Acts 9:5) Paul’s next words are very telling, he says, “What shall I do, Lord?” It was at that moment that Paul believed in Jesus, but were his sins removed? Paul was told to go to Damascus to the house of Judas while at the same time Jesus appeared to Ananias and told him, “Get up and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying…” (Acts 9:11). Many of us have heard of the sinners prayer, and that’s exactly what we see Saul doing here a he awaits instruction from Ananias. But was the “sinners prayer” enough to remove his sins? When Ananias finally arrived at the house, he says, “Brother Saul, receive your sight!” and at that very time Paul looked up at him. (Acts 22:13) Ananias told him of Jesus’ plan for his ministry, and then he told him, “Now, why do you delay? Get up and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on His name.” (Acts 22:16) Paul believed in Jesus while he was still on the road to Damascus, but he still had sin on his conscience. Paul prayed fervently at the house of Judas, but he still has sin on his conscience. Paul’s sins were “washed away” from his conscience when he was immersed in water, “for forgiveness of sins” (Acts 2:30). His conscience was clean as it says in 1 Peter 3:21 “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you – not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience – through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.”