The claims of all other religions can be met by mere outward conformity, but Christianity demands the regeneration of the inner man. Even unconverted men like Paul, before meeting the Lord on the Road to Damascus, may live blameless lives in the sight of men, but the converted man is one whose whole heart has been turned to God. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away, behold, new things have come." The process of "whole heart change" is exemplified in the apostle Paul’s conversion experience.

We see Paul as a rebel. He was "still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord" (Acts 9:1-2). Toward the end of winter, news came that followers of Jesus who had fled Jerusalem were not fleeing with covered mouths. They were propagating their doctrines wherever they went. They took the word to Samaria, with great success, northward to Damascus, to the Phoenician country beyond the Lebanon range, and even overseas. Paul went in a rage to the high priest asking permission to ensue, arrest and punish those preaching in the name of Christ.

We see Paul as a prisoner. He was apprehended by a "light from heaven" and he immediately "fell to the ground…" (Acts 9:3-4). There is nothing the evil-worker dreads more than the light. John 3:20 says, "For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed." The light of truth flashing into the heart by the power of the Holy Spirit is still God’s way of subduing rebels to Himself. This light, like the Word of God, was quick and powerful, sharper than any two-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12).

We see Paul as an inquirer. Along with the arresting light there came a voice saying, "Why are you persecuting Me?" (Acts 9:4). Paul could not believe what he heard and saw. All of his convictions, intellect and training, his reputation, his self-respect demanded that Jesus should not be alive again. When the truth comes in the power of the Holy Spirit there is always a voice with it, making the sinner realize that he will be

held accountable to God. Paul was absolutely blind to who Jesus was, but how could he possibly know Jesus and yet live at enmity with Him?

We see Paul as a convert. Trembling at the discovery of his past sin and guilt, and astonished at the greatness of the Lord’s mercy and grace, he asks, "What shall I do, Lord?" (Acts 22:10). Paul, repentant, ready and willing to yield himself to God’s will, has been through a "whole heart change." This is conversion. Not the talking about religious duty, but the entire surrender of the whole being to the person and service of the Lord Jesus Christ. After discovering the error of his ways, he repented at once. In Matthew 18:3 Jesus told His disciples, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven."

What’s next? We see Paul as a worshiper. Paul had frequently said his prayers, but now he prayed. Now his renewed heart yearned for fellowship with the risen Lord, who had revealed Himself to him. A young convert once said, "Before I was converted I prayed to myself, but now I pray to God." Those who don’t know Jesus Christ as their own personal Savior can only worship with the lips, which is not really worship at all. Before his conversion, Paul had the religious ritual down pat, but the real relationship with the Lord was non-existent.

We see Paul as a witness. Now he is a "chosen vessel" – having been cleansed and transformed by the grace of God – "to bear My Name," as precious treasure "before the Gentiles." Paul sums up his calling and the gospel in his letter to the Galatians when he said "God, who had set me apart… called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him…" (Gal. 1:15-16).

All children of God experienced salvation in different ways, but there is one thing forever be in common – a "whole heart change." It has nothing to do with our outward works and everything to do with God changing a heart (Philippians 1:6).