Conversion Illustrated in the Case of Paul
J. Jordan. Philippians 3:12 Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after… I. HOW IS THE WORK OF CONVERSION EFFECTED. Paul says, "I am apprehended of Christ Jesus." How this was done may be seen from Acts 9:16. 1. Christ got possession of Paul's understanding by appearing to Him in glory. Having once seen the Saviour's glory Paul could not resist His claims. 2. Christ got possession of Paul's heart by assuring him of His grace. 3. Christ got possession of Paul's life. Having surrendered mind and affections he would not be likely to make any reserve. Nor did he; and ever after he said, "To me to live is Christ." II. TO WHAT IS THE WORK OF CONVERSION EXPECTED TO LEAD? To perfection. Paul expected to be perfect — 1. In character. 2. In his whole nature — physically (ver. 21); morally, by being sanctified wholly; intellectually, by having all the powers of the mind so fitly harmonized that there should be no undue preponderance, but that each should lend its own proper aid in working out for the renewed man that eternal progression in knowledge to which he is destined. 3. In all his external circumstances. The society, employments, joys of heaven, will make us fully and forever blest. III. WHO ARE THE SUBJECTS OF THIS CHANGE? How are we to know them? What proof did Paul give of it? The text shows us — 1. That he highly appreciated his future destiny (vers. 20-21; 2 Corinthians 4:18; 2 Corinthians 5:1-9). 2. That he cherished a lively sense of his present deficiencies — "Not as though," etc. 3. That he made it the one great business of his life to realize the blessings of the gospel, both in this life and the next (vers. 12-14 and 7-9). Compare yourselves with Paul. (J. Jordan.) Parallel Verses KJV: Not as though I had already attained, either were already perfect: but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. WEB: Not that I have already obtained, or am already made perfect; but I press on, if it is so that I may take hold of that for which also I was taken hold of by Christ Jesus.