Man Repents

Over the last few weeks we looked at Jesus’ death burial and resurrection.

Today we look at how this effects the life of mankind.

Specifically a man named Saul

He is transformed by the work of God in His life even though He was a murderer and enemy of Christians.

Acts 9:1–22 KJV 1900

1 And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, 2 And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven: 4 And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me? 5 And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks. 6 And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do. 7 And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. 9 And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I am here, Lord. 11 And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prayeth, 12 And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight. 13 Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: 14 And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. 15 But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: 16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name’s sake. 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as thou camest, hath sent me, that thou mightest receive thy sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. 18 And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized. 19 And when he had received meat, he was strengthened. Then was Saul certain days with the disciples which were at Damascus. 20 And straightway he preached Christ in the synagogues, that he is the Son of God. 21 But all that heard him were amazed, and said; Is not this he that destroyed them which called on this name in Jerusalem, and came hither for that intent, that he might bring them bound unto the chief priests? 22 But Saul increased the more in strength, and confounded the Jews which dwelt at Damascus, proving that this is very Christ.

Saul is completely changed.

He goes from persecuting and killing Christians to becoming one of the greatest Christians to ever walk the planet.

If God can save Saul, God can save anyone.

Your background does not scare God.

Romans 10:9 KJV 1900

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

All that is needed for salvation is for you to repent of your sin, humble yourself and trust in Jesus for your salvation.

Not only does your sin not scare God, but he in fact wants everyone to come to repentance.

We cannot fathom the love God has for humanity.

It is so much deeper than we could even imagine.

It is not a reciprocal love like ours oftentimes is.

2 Peter 3:8–9 KJV 1900

8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

He is willing to save you today.

Just acknowledge you are a sinner and repent.

Know that Jesus is your way of salvation.

Jesus came to save sinners

Mark 2:9–15 KJV 1900

9 Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? 10 But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) 11 I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. 12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion. 13 And he went forth again by the sea side; and all the multitude resorted unto him, and he taught them. 14 And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him. 15 And it came to pass, that, as Jesus sat at meat in his house, many publicans and sinners sat also together with Jesus and his disciples: for there were many, and they followed him.

Jesus is in the business of transforming lives

You do not have to be a good person before God will save you.

Thats the whole point of Jesus.

God sent Jesus to save the lost just as they are.

This man that is sick of the palsy is healed by Jesus just as he was. He did not have to do anything in order to receive cleansing from Jesus.

All that is required of you is repentance.

To turn from your ways and follow Jesus.

You are not too far gone, you are not too bad, you are exactly the person Jesus wants to save. Do not think for a second that you are past the point of no return. God sent Jesus down in the midst of our mess to make us clean before God. Trust in Jesus for your salvation just as you are, and you will become the person you were always meant to be.

Was Saul, a murderer, someone that you would consider to be a good person?

Do you ever feel like you aren’t good enough for God?

Do you think

Have you ever repented of your sins and trusted in Jesus for your salvation? Explain (looking for a brief testimony)