August 15 – LD 33, Day 3: The Power Of True Conversion

Acts 26:18 - "To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me."

Consider these beautiful words which describe not only the radical character, but also the power of True Conversion: "from darkness to light... from the power of Satan unto God." As Paul himself experienced this power of conversion, he was now going to be used by Jesus to work mighty conversion in the hearts and lives of God's elect.

First, True Conversion takes us away from the darkness and power of Satan. What was darkness like in the life of Paul prior to True Conversion? He tells us: "I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth.” (Acts 26:9). How Paul hated and persecuted Christians!

What can we say about this power of darkness? It is a power that makes us fulfill the lusts of our flesh and of the mind. It is a power that makes us by nature the children of wrath and disobedience, and in that disobedience –dead in sin (Eph 2:1-3).

From that power, Paul was converted unto light and life with God. Light is the complete contrast to darkness - so that if one lives contrary to the name of Jesus in darkness, one does not live in obedience, submission and service to the name of Jesus in light. In Jesus is found light and life with God (John 8:12). Just as earthly light from the sun gives earthly life to plants and animals, so also spiritual light from Jesus Christ gives life to God's people. Light also dispels darkness, and by it gives us sight and direction in life. It is none other than the Word of God that is a light to our feet, guiding us on the path of life.

For Meditation: This life that we have been given is a holy life of communion and friendship with God by His Word and Spirit. Because it is driven by the almighty power of God, it is an indestructible life so that nothing shall be able to separate us from the love of Christ (Romans 8:35ff). Praise God from whom all blessings flow!