Let Us Walk in Newness of Life

Everyone who experiences conversion to Christ feels a deep desire to change their way of life. The most radical conversion presented to us in the Bible is that of Saul of Tarsus. He was the most fanatical persecutor of Christianity in its early days.

He himself once said that he persecuted this Way to the death, arresting men and women and handing them over to prison (Acts 22:4). For a long time, persecuting Christians was the obsession of his life. Yet after he met Christ, his first words were:

“Lord, what do you want me to do?” (Acts 9:6).

It moves me to discover that the only answer God gave Saul was to get up and go into the city, where he would be told what he had to do. There, after three days and three nights during which he must have reflected deeply on his former life, Ananias arrived, sent by God to instruct him.

It is interesting that, as a Pharisee, Saul probably knew God’s law far better than Ananias did. He could have taught Ananias about God’s commandments! But he needed an ordinary believer, one with a living relationship with God, to speak to him, instruct him, and bless him.

The most important thing after someone’s conversion will always be their willingness to learn from others who, though perhaps less educated intellectually or even religiously, do know what it means to have a relationship with God. The great Saul of Tarsus became a defenseless child before Ananias, who did not have the same training but spoke with God and had known Him long before Saul did.

When the Spirit of God enters a heart that has received God’s forgiveness, the same thing always happens. The person feels humbled, recognizes the mistakes of their former life, and experiences a tremendous need to learn to live differently. Saul of Tarsus himself, before becoming the great apostle he later became, traveled a long road and went through many experiences that enabled him to become a useful instrument. God forgives our sins the very moment we ask for His forgiveness. Let no one doubt it! His forgiveness is instantaneous and brings an ineffable peace. But after that peace will also come a burning desire to do God’s will and an ever-present willingness to change our conduct.

It is utterly impossible to say that one is a Christian without those changes gradually taking place. A new life is the only evidence that we truly belong to Christ.

God bless you all!