One of the first words a child learns the meaning of must surely be “No”. This small word can be very difficult to say to yourself at times! Haven’t you often found it hard to say “No” to temptation to evil? (Titus 2:11-14.) Here is a warning not to go along with the crowd and say “No” just because religion says "No".
Paul was on trial giving his defence before king Agrippa. (Acts 25:23.) He said, “I consider myself fortunate to stand before you today as I make my defence against all the accusations of the Jews. … because you are well acquainted with all the Jewish customs and controversies. I have lived … according to the strictest sect of our religion, the Pharisees … I was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth … On authority of the chief priests I put many of the saints in prison … Many a time I went from one synagogue to another to have them punished, and tried to force them to blaspheme.” (verses 2-5 & 9-11.)
You see, Paul’s religion had taught him to say “No” to faith in Jesus Christ as the only way to God. (Acts 9:2. 22:4.) They would not accept that Jesus was the Son of God, and the only Saviour of the world. Although they claimed to believe in the hope of a resurrection, yet the resurrection of Jesus did not convince them that Jesus was the Saviour. (verses 6-8.)
Paul continued, “I was going to Damascus” to persecute the followers of Jesus there. “About noon, O king, … I saw a light … brighter than the sun … and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul! Why do you persecute Me …?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ I asked. The Lord answered, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting …’” (verses 13-15.)
Paul could no longer refuse the claims of Jesus; even though his religion had taught him to say “No”. He now knew that Jesus Christ was alive from the dead and that He was God, so He alone could forgive sins and make the sinner right with God. (Acts 13:36-39.)
It was because Paul believed and taught these things that the priests and pharisees had turned against him, and had him arrested. They wanted him silenced!
Today, if religion says "No" to Jesus’ claims, and insists that there are many other priests, and other ways to get to God, what will YOU say? Don't let fear of man (Proverbs 29:25.), or fear of religion (Acts 5:27-32.) keep you saying “No” to the Saviour Jesus Christ. Remember, Jesus IS the only way to God. (John 14:6. Acts 4:12.)
The Lord was with Paul and would bring him through the trial he was in. And the Lord will be with all those who put their trust in Jesus, and who say “YES” to Him as their Lord and Saviour. (Romans 10:9-13.)
Read Acts chapter 26, verses 1-15.
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