Saul Becomes a New Man

The Lord would not leave Saul to be placed in a position of trust without divine enlightenment. He was to have a new calling, and the Spirit of the Lord came upon him.

The effect was that he was changed into a new man.

The Lord gave Saul a new spirit, other thoughts, other aims and desires, than he had previously had.” “God was ready to transform Saul’s vision, ambition, and aspirations in such a way that the things of God would become to him the all-important issues of life. . . . God first answered the plea for personal guidance, and then invited Saul to accept His guidance in matters that affected the welfare of the entire nation. So it is today. God takes men where He finds them and invites them to fulfill His own glorious plan for their lives.” “The reality of the transformation becomes apparent as changes occur in the thoughts, the habits, the life. Old things pass away; all things become new (2 Cor. 5:17). But it must be remembered that such a change becomes permanent only with the daily reaffirmation of the choice thus made. . . . How many men, today as in ancient times, wear the badge, ‘might-have-been.’” “Saul had a mind and influence capable of governing a kingdom, if his powers had been submitted to the control of God, but the very endowments that qualified him for doing good could be used by Satan, when surrendered to his power, and would enable him to exert widespread influence for evil. He could be more sternly vindictive, more injurious and determined in prosecuting his unholy designs, than could others, because of the superior powers of mind and heart that had been given him of God.” “Brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall” (2 Peter 1:10).