paul

Making Thanksgiving Real, Part 2 :: By Paul J. Scharf

Making Thanksgiving Real, Part 2 :: By Paul J. Scharf

In our quest to make Thanksgiving real, we left off by thinking about ways to ground our Thanksgiving in Scripture, following the example of the very Pilgrims who left this treasure as a heritage to our entire nation. The next challenge I would offer is to ground our Thanksgiving in history—primarily the history of these […]

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Saul and Persecution

Saul and Persecution

Acts 8:1-3. "On that day a great persecution broke out against the church in Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2 Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3 But Saul began …

Exactly when did Paul repent… before or after he was saved?

Exactly when did Paul repent… before or after he was saved?

There is absolutely no question that Paul did repent (i.e., had a change of direction in his heart), as is clearly attested to in scripture. Therefore, the question being raised isn’t really an issue of exactly where (or when) this change within him may have occurred, other then how it relates to having occurred before or after his salvation. If his salvation preceded his repentance, then surely it must be attributed completely and entirely to God’s grace (and foreknowledge), given that Saul/Paul was a “chosen vessel.” (see Exodus 33:19;Acts 9:15.)

Peter spoke (to the whole house of Israel) on the day of Pentecost and instructed them to “repent and be saved.” However, Paul preaches a slightly different message that makes little to no mention of repentance being required as a condition of salvation, referring to his message of salvation by a new name, “the gospel of the grace of God.” (Acts 20:24.) In fact, Paul states that it is the goodness of God that leads one to repentance in Romans 2:4.

Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and
longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to
repentance?

Repentance, at some point, is what God commands of all men (Acts 17:30)… but why is there so little mention of it in all of Paul’s epistles if it is thought to be a prerequisite to salvation?
Is it because the Gentile nations were not under the law (as Israel was) and would simply not relate to repentance in the same way that Israel did?

Romans 4

[15] Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no
transgression. [16] Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by
grace…

This question has evolved from another question (that was downvoted twice, for reasons I do not understand) that is posted here:

When did Paul’s repentance (i.e., change of heart) and salvation occur? On the road to Damascus, or only after being baptized in Damascus?

Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19 :: By Paul J. Scharf

Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 3: Genesis 17:19 :: By Paul J. Scharf

The Messiah was a descendant of Abraham. More than that, we considered last time how He was, in fact, promised within the covenant that God made with Abram (Gen. 12:1-3). According to the Apostle Paul in Gal. 3:16 and 19, He is the ultimate recipient of that covenant! Our Savior Jesus Christ is finally the […]

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Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 2: Genesis 12:7 :: By Paul J. Scharf

Little-Known Prophecies of Christmas, Pt 2: Genesis 12:7 :: By Paul J. Scharf

Last time, we saw how the very first promise of the Messiah proclaimed Him to be the “Seed” of the woman (Gen. 3:15). But before we can go any further into understanding the characteristics of this coming Savior, we certainly must realize that He was also to be the “Seed” of “Abraham” (Gal. 3:16). During […]

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Daniel: Revealer of Secrets, Part 1 :: By Paul J. Scharf

Daniel: Revealer of Secrets, Part 1 :: By Paul J. Scharf

I have a friend and counselor in ancient Babylon. I have turned to him countless times for wisdom, strength and direction. In fact, he has foreseen the future and has instructed me carefully regarding “days yet to come” (Dan. 10:14). I am always amazed at his dedication, courage, faithfulness and prayerfulness. What an example he […]

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