From Sinner to Saved
Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst. — 1 Timothy 1:15
Today's Scripture
Today's Insights
The apostle Paul (formerly Saul) was present at the beginning of the Jerusalem church (Acts 8:1-4), not as a supporter but as an adversary with neither love nor loyalty for Jesus and His followers. He approved of Stephen's execution, a prominent church leader (Acts 6:1-6; 7:57–8:1), and actively pursued believers throughout Jerusalem, imprisoning them (Acts 8:3). Paul requested official authorization to travel the region with the intention of either killing or imprisoning Christ-followers (Acts 9:1-2). It was this violence—which Paul ironically believed was service to God—that led him to later describe himself as the "worst of sinners" (1 Timothy 1:16). Jesus transformed this violent, angry man into someone willing to sacrifice his life for the very people he once persecuted (Romans 9:3).
Today's Devotional
Eric's life was marked by struggle from an early age—severe skin rashes, academic difficulties, and daily substance abuse beginning in childhood. This self-proclaimed "king of bad" found his only success on the baseball field, until discrimination discouraged him from continuing, leaving more time for using and dealing drugs.
Everything changed when Eric encountered Jesus during a church service. The following day at work, a devoted Christian invited him to attend another service where he heard transformative words that strengthened his newfound faith: "If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new" (2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV). From that moment, Eric's life was forever altered.
Like Eric, Saul of Tarsus (later called Paul) would have been considered a "tough case." He admitted, "I am the worst" of sinners (1 Timothy 1:15) and described himself as "once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man" (verse 13). Both Saul and Eric were perfect candidates for Jesus's redemptive work. And so are we, even if we don't see ourselves in the same category as Saul or Eric, because "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). We are all exactly who Jesus came to save.
Prophetic Significance
The dramatic transformation of Paul represents a prophetic foreshadowing of God's ultimate redemptive plan for humanity. In Paul—the self-described "worst of sinners"—we see the blueprint for how God will eventually redeem all creation. Just as Paul was transformed from persecutor to apostle, this pattern points toward the prophetic promise that God will make all things new (Revelation 21:5). Paul's conversion stands as a living testimony that no one is beyond redemption, anticipating the day when "every knee shall bow" (Philippians 2:10-11) and all creation will be restored. His life illustrates the prophetic truth that God's grace reaches even the most unlikely candidates, pointing to the coming fulfillment when Christ will present a redeemed humanity, transformed from darkness to light, before the Father.
Reflect & Pray
How do Eric and Saul's stories help you to see God as a forgiving God? What does it mean for you to be just right for Jesus?
Dear God in heaven, please help me to see that the blood of Jesus cleanses from "big" and "little" sins.