In the commission that Jesus gave to Paul in Acts 26:18-20, Paul so clearly articulated to King Agrippa as he shared his testimony of what God had done in calling him to salvation and service. Paul also shared with Agrippa, what Jesus had said to him. Jesus said, “I am sending you to open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.” Acts 26:17–18
Jesus was saying that the whole world is blind and in spiritual darkness unable to see the truth of who Jesus is, because the whole world is under the authority of satan, who exploits our sinfulness to continually deceive us as to what is truth. And Jesus says to Paul, "I am sending you to change all of that by opening their eyes with truth, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."
Of course, all of that is impossible for a human being to bring about. Open the eyes of the blind. Deliver from satanic bondage. Grant forgiveness of sins. Sanctify what is unholy and make it pure. Awaken saving faith. But Jesus says, “I am sending you to open their eyes.” God wanted people to know that the things that are impossible with man are possible with God and if we are willing, God is able to do them for us according to His will.
Mankind has an enemy and his name is satan. satan does not work against himself, but only those who oppose him. satan never opposed Buddha, Mahamid, Hare Krishna or other false gods or prophets, but stands before God as the accuser of the brethren day and night according to Revelation 12:10. 2 Corinthians 4:4 tells us, "The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."
When God calls someone to salvation He is calling them out of darkness and into His light. That light is all truth and with truth comes change, because truth shines its light on all forms of darkness. Paul told Agrippa in Acts 26:20 that he preached to all, repentance by turning to God, and the proof of their repentance would be by their deeds.
True repentance will always bring change. Paul described the changes that take place as their eyes are opened in Acts 26:18-20. They turn from darkness to the light by seeing their sin as God sees them. Just as Paul had done and spoke of, all people receive the forgiveness of their sins through faith as God brings them into the light. Their old master satan, who painted himself with such deceitful pictures, is now clearly seen to them as who he really is, a master liar. They hate what he stands for and they see God for Who He really is.
These new believers will find their place, their lot and their portion among all the others who are sanctified. In other words, their newness is not just a legal pardon, but real purity is taking place within them. Sins are canceled, and sins are being conquered as they walk in the newness of their salvation. This new believer finds as they delight themselves in the Lord, that He gives them the desires of their hearts. The love that they develop in their new life and walk with Christ brings sheer delight in their deliverance, as they are being changed daily.
Hold Fast,
-Bren
