Paul was ashamed of how he tried to exterminate Christians before his conversion, but the grace of God even changed Paul. He could say by the grace of God I am what I am. Paul did not feel he was worthy to be an apostle (1 Corinthians 15:9-10), he even says he must be the chief of sinners (1 Tim.1:15), at least he felt he was less than the least of the saints (Eph. 3:8).  Paul was amazed that God would graciously forgive all of his sins because of what Jesus did on the cross to save him.  He did believe it however, and freely spread the good news to others. The Philippian jailor probably felt there was little hope for him as an enemy of God’s apostles, as the one who roughly threw them into the inner prison and put them in the stocks. Yet, Paul boldly proclaimed to him: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).  This is a promise. It is a promise for you and me.  Let us cast ourselves upon his mercy and grace. We will find that God delights to show mercy (Micah 7:18) and will forgive us and make us his own children. God says it! Let’s believe it! 

How gracious and sweet is God’s invitation. We fall at His feet and say, “Lord, I’m a poor, worthless sinner. Please, in your everlasting mercy and grace, accept me, take me, let me be Yours. Be my Redeemer, Savior and Friend, for in you I trust and believe and love.”

May God flood our souls with the joy of salvation. May we begin to see the infinite majesty of God. He has given us hope and joy in believing!

Then my soul will rejoice in the Lord and delight in his
salvation.

—Psalm 35:9