And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high “priest, And desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem” (Acts 9:1–2).
When Saul acted, he did so with his whole heart. He was devoted and sincere. Devotion and sincerity are vital for becoming and being a Christian; however, prior to his conversion to Christ, Saul’s sincerity alone could not save him. Let us note numerous occasions that Paul (formerly Saul) recounts his sincerity and devotion before becoming a Christian. To the churches of Galatia, he wrote, “For ye have heard of my conduct in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: And profited in the Jews’ religion above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers” (Galatians 1:13–14).
While in Jerusalem, and after being removed from the Jewish mob that sought to kill him, Paul recounted to the Jews his background and conversion (cf. Acts 22:1–21). After another interruption, uproar, and demand for him to be scourged, Paul appealed to the guards with his Roman citizenship. So, the Romans set him before the Jewish Sanhedrin, and Paul picked up with his former account with these words: “Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day” (Acts 23:1). A little later, he would recount some of the same to Festus and Agrippa (higher governing authorities): “I verily thought with myself, that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. Which thing I also did in Jerusalem: and many of the saints did I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. And I punished them oft in every synagogue, and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even unto strange cities” (Acts 26:9–11).
It is apparent on all accounts that Saul was sincere and devoted, even while he acted contrary to the will of God. Many today believe sincerity grants us access to Heaven; however, such simply is not the case. Jesus said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23).
Saul is a powerful example to the fact that we cannot be saved merely by sincerity. For, at one time, he was sincerely wrong.
