The Mercy

GOI Bible Study

The Mercy

Acts 9:1-31

As Saul's encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus reshapes his life, we witness the priceless currency of God's grace at work. How does Saul's conversion challenge our assumptions about who is worthy of God's love and forgiveness? What does his journey teach us about the immeasurable value of surrendering our lives to Christ's transformative power?

You take Jesus as Lord and Savior, full stop.

Have you ever wondered how God transforms a person from being His enemy to becoming His faithful servant? This Bible study examines Acts 9, where we witness the dramatic conversion of Saul of Tarsus (later known as Paul). The passage reveals how God’s transformative power can take even the most ardent opponent of Christianity and turn him into one of its greatest advocates. Through Saul’s experience, we see the essential elements needed for anyone to come to faith: receiving God’s pardon, undergoing spiritual preparation, and proclaiming Christ to others.

And he said, “Who are you, Lord?” And he said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting”. Acts 9:5

To receive a pardon, you've got to acknowledge first of all that you have a problem.
  • Saul was initially a persecutor of Christians, acting out of religious zeal rather than true faith
  • Saul’s conversion experience on the Damascus Road involved a blinding light and direct encounter with Jesus
  • Saul acknowledged Jesus as “Lord” before knowing Him as Savior
  • Saul immediately began preaching about Christ after his conversion
  • True Christian proclamation must be Christ-centered
  • Spiritual growth is an ongoing process of learning and enlightenment

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel.” Acts 9:15

You take Jesus as Lord and Savior, full stop.

Saul’s transformation reminds us that no one is beyond God’s reach. Jesus took the chief persecutor of the church and turned him into its chief missionary. The same Jesus who appeared to Saul continues to transform lives today. What strikes me most is how Saul immediately recognized Jesus as Lord—not just as a historical figure or good teacher, but as the divine Lord worthy of complete devotion. This same Jesus calls each of us to receive His pardon, undergo His preparation, and participate in proclaiming His message. No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, Jesus offers us the same transforming grace He extended to Saul on the Damascus Road.

    Bible References

  • Acts 9:1-31
  • Acts 9:11
  • Galatians 1
  • 1 Corinthians 1:23
  • 2 Corinthians 4:5
  • Psalm 139

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