Scripture Text: Galatians 1:13-24
They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me.
Galatians 1:23-24
When a non-Christian is convicted by the Holy Spirit, change will surely take effect in his life, starting from His heart, to His mind, and manifested through his actions. It is surely evident since his way of life and thinking will be different from his former self and Christ is already living in him.
Apostle Paul reminded the Church of Galatia that everyone heard his testimony: that he was someone who is from Judaism and persecuted Christians since saw Christianity as false and needed to be eradicated, which resulted to the death of some Christians during his time.
Paul then acknowledged that he was saved not because of anything that he has nor anything he has done, but because of the grace of God. He was not qualified for this, but out of God's abundant grace, he then was transformed and was set apart for God's purpose.
Paul's conversion was a supernatural and unique conversion, but that doesn't mean the normal conversion which most Christian find boring is not a true conversion because what really matters is the response to the calling after the conversion.
Paul's whole point in the second part of this chapter is important. The gospel that he received from Christ was true, and his experience was valid, because it really came from God. It is fair for every Christian to ask if their gospel has come from God, or if they have made it up themselves. These questions are important because only what comes from God can really save us and make a lasting difference in our lives.
Reflect
1. Is the gospel that you believe in came from God, or is it a made-up gospel?
2. Did you really have conversion or are you just pretending to be converted to fit the standards of the church?
Remember
A true convert is a transformed Christian and is living his life solely for the Lord. Experiencing the grace of God by being redeemed is the only true gospel that will save us.
Read
Acts 9:1-19, 22:6-21, 26:12-18
Pray
Gracious Father, I thank You for saving me from my own wretchedness, and reuniting me through my Lord Jesus Christ. I beg that You continually transform me and and for me to hold fast to Your Gospel, which is the one and only gospel that will take me to Your glorious presence.
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