Why is Saul of Tarsus an example of grace rather than deserved judgment?
Saul of Tarsus had persecuted Christ and deserved judgment, yet God intervened on the Damascus road, knocked him down, and spoke to him. He did not first repent or ask acceptance; God showed unmerited grace, making him the epitome of a sinner saved by grace.
Les explains that Paul is the epitome of a sinner saved by grace. If ever a man had every right to be zapped and done with, it was Saul of Tarsus. But Saul did not suddenly come to himself, repent, and ask God to accept him. Instead, while on his way into Damascus to carry out his dirty work, God knocked him off his horse and spoke: 'Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?' Les says that was grace. Believers are in that same category with Paul, saved without ever doing anything on their part. As vessels of mercy, none deserve anything; it is all God's mercy, poured out at the cross and appropriated by faith.