The Bible teaches that Jesus came to die for the sins of the world (Jn. 1:29). He did not die for just a few elect, but for all (1 Jn. 2:2). Sadly, not all will avail themselves of the grace of God, but will reject the Savior and His blood (Acts 13:44-46). Others, however, will respond to the gospel call and be saved (2 Thes. 2:13-14). One such person was Saul of Tarsus.
Saul, better known as Paul, was taught by Ananias and obeyed (Acts 9:6, 17-18; 22:14-16). He later said, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Gal. 2:20). He understood Jesus personally loved him enough to die on his behalf. This was true even though Saul was the chief of sinners (1 Tim. 1:15).
No matter what sins you have committed, not matter how rebellious you have lived, Jesus died for you. Will you now “live by faith in the Son of God?” If so, do what Saul did, believe, repent and be baptized (Acts 9:6-9, 17-18; 22:16).
Steven F. Deaton
