God's Saving Power

In order for God to save us, He has to work an awesome miracle in our life. If you don’t believe that, just read some of the things the Bible says about our state before we get saved. For instance, the Bible says we were dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). But when God saved us we became new creations, and all things became new (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Another amazing thing about the Lord’s salvation is the moment at which He can save us. He can save us at any moment in any place. This is a good thing because, let’s face it, some people will never come inside a place of worship. But that doesn’t mean God can’t reach them. He can save sinners in bars, upon a hospital bed, in prisons, you name it.

In this post, I will use Paul the apostle as an example of God’s saving power. Before Paul became a Christian, he was one of the most evil men on earth. He persecuted the church. As recorded in the book of Acts, chapter 9; one day Paul, who then was known as Saul of Tarsus, was headed for Damascus to persecute the Christians. Then a light from heaven shined upon Saul, and he heard the Lord call his name from heaven: “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” (Acts 9:4b, NIV). It is interesting that when we persecute the Lord’s people, He takes it personally.

As most of you know the story, Saul of Tarsus was never the same after he met the Lord that day while going to Damascus. He was not seeking the Lord. He was up to no good, but God apprehended him for the kingdom! He was no longer the mean religious man who went about hating Christians. He became a new creation. He became known as Apostle Paul, and was the greatest of the Lord’s servants recorded in the New Testament.

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he reveals a powerful truth about his salvation experience: “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” (1 Timothy 1:16). So Paul’s salvation experience is recorded in the Scriptures as an example of God’s saving power that other sinners can experience. You see, if he can easily save a deceived and blasphemous man like Saul, it is but a light thing for Him to save any sinner who comes to Him. It is important that this becomes our conviction, regarding God’s saving power.

Why is this so important? Because what we believe drives what we do. So if we believe that a person can become so wicked and lost that even God can’t save the person, our tendency will be to write the person off. The truth is, some individuals believe that about themselves; that is, that they are so lost that even God can’t deliver their hell bound soul. Again, it is but a light thing for God to save them.

Because of the persecution the church at Jerusalem experienced at the hand of Saul, I am sure the people were crying out to God. And on Saul’s way to Damascus, God remembered their prayers and apprehended Saul. Maybe there is a lost person in your life whom you have given up on. I say, continue to pray and believe God. One day He will remember your prayers, and it is but a light thing for God to save your loved one(s).