𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝗔𝗨𝗟 𝗧𝗢 𝗣𝗔𝗨𝗟 𝗕𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗚𝗢𝗗’𝗦 𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗖𝗘

FROM SAUL TO PAUL BECAUSE OF GOD’S GRACE

Key Text: 1 Timothy 1:12–15 (KJV)
“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.”

INTRODUCTION

Saul of Tarsus did not evolve into Paul by education, reform, or religion. His transformation was instant, supernatural, and entirely by grace. Dispensational truth reveals that Paul was not merely converted—he was commissioned with a new message, a new ministry, and a new dispensation (Ephesians 3:1–2).

Today we will examine 9 contrasts showing how God’s grace turned SAUL into PAUL.

RELIGIOUS SAUL ➝ REDEEMED PAUL
Philippians 3:6–7 (KJV)

A. Law-Driven Zeal – Saul trusted religion
B. Flesh-Based Righteousness – Confidence in works
C. Loss Counted Gain – Paul abandoned religion
Dispensational Insight:
Grace replaces religion with redemption.

PERSECUTING SAUL ➝ PROCLAIMING PAUL
Acts 9:1–5; Galatians 1:23 (KJV)

A. Breathing Threats – Saul hunted saints
B. Blinded by Light – Christ confronted him
C. Broadcasting Grace – Paul preached Christ
Dispensational Insight:
Grace turns persecutors into preachers.

LAW-BOUND SAUL ➝ LIBERATED PAUL
Romans 6:14 (KJV)

A. Condemning Law – No peace
B. Crushing Commands – Endless guilt
C. Complete Freedom – Grace reigns
Dispensational Insight:
Believers are not under law, but under grace.

SELF-RIGHTEOUS SAUL ➝ SAVED BY GRACE PAUL
Ephesians 2:8–9 (KJV)

A. Self-Trusting – “Touching the law, blameless”
B. Salvation Excluded – No grace
C. Salvation Received – Faith alone
Dispensational Insight:
Grace destroys boasting.

ENEMY OF THE CHURCH SAUL ➝ APOSTLE TO THE CHURCH PAUL
Ephesians 3:1–2 (KJV)

A. Church Hater – Destroyed assemblies
B. Church Builder – Established assemblies
C. Church Steward – Dispensation of Grace
Dispensational Insight:
Paul is the apostle of the Body of Christ.

MURDERING SAUL ➝ MINISTERING PAUL
1 Corinthians 15:9–10 (KJV)

A. Blood on Hands – Stephen’s death
B. Broken Heart – Grace humbled him
C. Burning Mission – Labored abundantly
Dispensational Insight:
Grace empowers service, not shame.

ISRAEL-CENTERED SAUL ➝ BODY-CENTERED PAUL
1 Corinthians 12:13 (KJV)

A. Jewish Privilege – Tribe of Benjamin
B. National Program – Israel’s covenants
C. New Creature Truth – One Body
Dispensational Insight:
The Body of Christ is neither Jew nor Gentile.

TRADITIONAL SAUL ➝ TRUTH-REVEALED PAUL
Galatians 1:11–12 (KJV)

A. Received by Men – Rabbinic teaching
B. Revealed by Christ – Direct revelation
C. Rooted in Mystery – Hidden truth
Dispensational Insight:
Paul’s gospel was not taught—it was revealed.

CONDEMNING SAUL ➝ COMPASSIONATE PAUL
1 Timothy 1:16 (KJV)

A. No Mercy Shown – Violence and hatred
B. Mercy Received – Chief of sinners
C. Mercy Modeled – Pattern to believers
Dispensational Insight:
Paul is the pattern for this dispensation.

CONCLUSION

The difference between Saul and Paul is not effort—it is grace. God did not improve Saul; He replaced his standing. What grace did for Paul, it does for every believer today.

CALL TO ACTION

STOP trusting religion
START trusting grace
STOP mixing law and grace
START rightly dividing the Word
“By the grace of God I am what I am.” – 1 Corinthians 15:10 (KJV)

FINAL THOUGHTS

Saul proves religion cannot save
Paul proves grace is sufficient
Saul represents the old man
Paul represents the new creature
If God’s grace could save Saul—it can save anyone.