The accounts of Paul’s conversion tell very little that parallels our salvation experience today. Certainly none of us has seen Christ in glory or actually heard Him speak from heaven. We are neither blinded by the light of heaven nor thrown to the ground. In what way, then, is Paul’s conversion “a pattern”?

It is a picture of how the nation of Israel will be saved when Jesus Christ returns to establish his kingdom on earth. The nation Israel will see Him as He returns, recognize him as the Messiah, repent, and receive Him. It will be an experience similar to that of Saul of Tarsus when he was on his way to Damascus to persecute Christians.

Verse for today: “Look, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see Him, even those who pierced Him; and all the peoples of the earth will mourn because of Him. So shall it be! Amen” (Revelation 1:7, NIV).

More to read: 1 Corinthians 15:8; 1 Timothy 1:16; Zechariah 12:10; 14:4; Acts 1:11; 9.

Action assignment: Recall your own conversion to Christ. Was it an instantaneous event similar to Paul’s, or was yours a gradual one? List the clearly unmistakable signs of your conversion:______________________________________________________________ Now reflect upon the Second Coming of Christ that will take place in a flash. Praise God for His grace in giving you the opportunity to turn to Him now and pray for those who are yet to turn to Him.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in