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An Example Of Salvation 1 Tim. 1:15-16
An Example Of Salvation 1 Tim. 1:15-16
"The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life (1 Timothy 1:15–16).
Paul. Here was a man who was religious; we could say VERY religious, fanatically religious. He was totally convicted of the correctness of his faith. He lived in all good conscience, refusing to do that which he thought was wrong. He was a Hebrew among Hebrews; a Jew of unparalleled faith. YET, he claims in such a condition he was ignorant of God's truth and an unbeliever in God's purposes and plans. In his own words, he was "a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent" (1:13). He hated Jesus and His followers and was determined to destroy the whole lot of them.
In his unbelief, he was a persecutor of the church and rejecter of the Messiah. According to Deut. 18:18-19, he was to be cut off from among the people for such rejection. According to the great commission, he was condemned.
Can such a man be forgiven? Fortunately, once an unbeliever always an unbeliever is not true. Unbelief is not a static situation. Unbelief is subject unto change. Paul changed and became a believer in Jesus.
Some aspects of his conversion are unique. He had been chosen by God to be an apostle and a witness of the resurrection of Jesus. Jesus thus appeared unto him as he journeyed to Damascus. As an apostle, he was blessed with many different spiritual gifts, including the ability to impart them unto others such as Timothy (2 Tim. 1:6; 2 Cor. 12:12).
Other aspects of his conversion serve as an example for the rest of the world. He was commanded to arise and be baptized and wash away his sins, calling on the name of the Lord. All who believe are so commanded (Matt. 28:18; Mark 16:16; Acts 2:38; 10:35-37; etc.).
Of great importance is seeing that the grace and mercy of God are available even unto the 'chief among sinners'. Fighting against God and His purposes, refusing to believe and obey God, and even killing God's people; it all can be forgiven in Jesus. To the Corinthians, Paul could say "and such were some of you, but you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ..." (1Cor. 6:9-11).
What keeps people from being saved is not God, for He desires all to be saved (1Tim. 2:4), provided the atoning sacrifice of Jesus for all (2:6), and "is the savior of all people, especially them who believe" (4:10).
How great is the grace and mercy of our God. Let us ever be thankful that He has not only saved Paul, but he saves us who believe.
Hugh DeLong
