A Conversation with Paul the Apostle

Héctor: Good evening, Saul, is it? It's a pleasure to have the opportunity to speak with you, who I consider to be a nearly fatherly figure.

Paul: Good evening, and, before meeting with the Lord I was known as Saul, but I am now called Paul.

Héctor: Oh, I'm sorry, I don't see how I could have forgotten such an important thing. How silly of me!

Paul: No worries my child, remember, there is only one who is perfect, although that shouldn't keep us from striving to become perfect!

Héctor: Very true! And, that is, in a way, what we're here to talk about... Well, to start off, could you explain in a nutshell what it is that you've preached to so many thousands across the ages?

Paul: In a nutshell? Well, I suppose I would have to say that I preach of Eternal Life through Christ, who died in our place for our sins and came back victorious over death and bought us a place in Heaven for all who in Him believe.

Héctor: Wow, and, do you truly believe that? That a man could carry our sins and come back from the dead?

Paul: Yes, I do. But it was no mere man, He was the Son of God and God himself.

Héctor: God himself... so, that is the reason why he could make miracles?

Paul: Well, yes and no. He was God made unto man, but he also gave authority to those he sent, so that they too could do miraculous things in his name, and later, when he rose to Heaven, He gave us the Holy Spirit, that is always with us.

Héctor: Whoa... that's quite a bit to take in at once. You also mentioned he bought us a place in Heaven... how much would that cost for us mortals?

Paul: Cost? nothing. The gift of salvation is free, although it isn't cheap. The thing is that He bought us a place in Heaven, but He isn't reselling, He's giving them to His beloved children, that is, those who accept Him into their hearts and repent their for their sins.

Héctor: Really? But... wait... sins?

Paul: Yes, sins.

Héctor: And, just, what could we say is sin? not using butter on your bread?

Paul: Heh, no, not using butter on your bread is not sin, though it could be rather sad. No, sin is something more. Sin is what we call anything that does not please our God.

Héctor: Right. So, anything that doesn't please God... is there a list?

Paul: A list? Well, actually there is, it's called the Ten Commandments, but when He came to us he told us a rule that would make it easier for us. First, we must love God above all else, and then, we must love our neighbors, and not just the nice ones, our enemies too.

Héctor: I understand loving God and our neighbors but... love our ENEMIES???

Paul: Yes. If we love God, and our neighbors, then we will follow his commandments because, obviously, you won't killed your loved ones or tell lies regarding them, no matter how minuscule they may seem, also, we won't betray the love of our Lord.

Héctor: Yes... But why our enemies? Do you expect me to love someone who's harm me? Who'd do that?

Paul: Jesus did so, as I've tried to do. If you love your enemies then you show them just how big God is. That not even in the face of death, we'd abandon His love.

Héctor: I see... It's not exactly easy, is it?

Paul: No one ever said it would, but there is one thing I can assure you: If you give your life to Him, He'll never leave you alone. He'll be there regardless of the situation. He'll give you direction, and strengthen you so that you may march on through the storms of life. You may get battered, but ask anyone who's really walked under his wings, He is there.

Héctor: Wow... I must say I'm amazed... well... suppose I wanted to... uhm... you know... give my life to Him... what do I have to do?

Paul: Let Him into your heart. Simply believe in truth of Heart that He died for you in atonement for your sins, your mistakes, and that He came back from the dead to reclaim your soul from Death, that he has a place for you in Heaven.

Héctor: Believe? That's it?

Paul: Yes, believe, but not just how you believe that one plus one is two, you have to trust in him, that He is the one road to Eternal Life.

Héctor: ... Well... I do... I choose to believe in Him... I give Him my heart!

Paul: Then I am more that joyous to welcome you as one of His children!

Héctor: And... what now?

Paul: Now you should find someplace to congregate. Be on the lookout for His voice, and know that no matter what happens, He will be there for you comforting and supporting you.

Héctor: Very well... Thank you! Thank God!

Paul: Thank God indeed! Well, it seems I must take my leave now. I shall be waiting for you

when you go see your mansion in Heaven!

Héctor: Goodbye Paul! Godspeed!... wow... Thank you Lord...