For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.~ Matthew 24:24
Does God use us regardless of our character? Yes? No?
The Bible holds many examples of God using people who, despite early flaws, underwent transformation through repentance, faith, and obedience.
Let’s look at seven examples.
Jacob – From Deceiver to Israel (Genesis 27, 32)
Sin: Jacob, whose name means “supplanter,” deceived his father Isaac to steal his brother Esau’s blessing (Genesis 27).
Transformation: God did not bless Jacob while he was in active deception. Instead, Jacob underwent a transformative journey of trials, which ended in his wrestling with God (Genesis 32:22-32). At this moment, Jacob confessed his name. It was symbolic of his past nature as a deceiver. He was given a new name, Israel. This marked his new identity as someone who strives with God. His blessing came after his repentance and change, not during his deceitful ways.
Rahab – From Canaanite Prostitute to Faithful Ally of Israel (Joshua 2, Hebrews 11)
Sin: Rahab was a Canaanite prostitute living in Jericho, a city that opposed Israel. As part of the pagan society, she would have been deeply immersed in idolatry and sinful practices.
Transformation: Rahab’s story of change begins when she encounters two Israelite spies sent by Joshua to scout Jericho (Joshua 2:1-21). Rahab overcame her background. She recognized the true God, stating, “The Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below” (Joshua 2:11). She demonstrated faith. She wanted to align herself with God’s people. She hid the spies and risked her life to ensure their safety. Her faith and actions saved her when Jericho was destroyed. She and her family were then integrated into Israel. Rahab’s faith is commended in the New Testament. She is included in Hebrews 11:31. She is also mentioned in the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:5). Rahab changed from a life of sin to a place of honor. This change shows that God values a change of heart and faithfulness over past actions.
Moses – From Murderer to Leader (Exodus 2, 3)
Sin: Moses committed murder when he killed an Egyptian (Exodus 2:12), acting on impulse rather than on God’s command.
Transformation: After fleeing to Midian, Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness, a time of humbling and preparation. God didn’t call Moses to lead Israel immediately after his crime but waited until he was a changed man. At the burning bush (Exodus 3), Moses was reluctant and humble, indicating a changed heart. His leadership role came as he submitted to God’s authority rather than asserting his own, unlike in his earlier life.
David – From Adulterer to “Man After God’s Own Heart” (2 Samuel 11, 12)
Sin: David committed adultery with Bathsheba and orchestrated the murder of her husband, Uriah (2 Samuel 11).
Transformation: God didn’t ignore David’s sin. Instead, He sent the prophet Nathan to confront him, leading David to repentance (Psalm 51). David’s sorrow and confession demonstrate the heart change necessary for God to continue using him. David’s relationship with God was marked by humility and reliance on God’s mercy, traits that God valued. David’s transformation is evident in his commitment to God’s will and his repentance.
Jonah – From Rebellious Prophet to Obedient Messenger (Jonah 1-4)
Sin: Jonah initially fled from God’s command to preach repentance to Nineveh (Jonah 1:3). His disobedience stemmed from his hatred for the Assyrians and his unwillingness to see them saved.
Transformation: God disciplined Jonah through a storm and a time in the belly of a great fish (Jonah 2). Jonah was able to fulfill his mission in Nineveh only after he repented. He submitted himself to God’s will (Jonah 3). Even then, Jonah continued to struggle, but God’s correction reminded Jonah that His compassion extends to all who repent. Jonah’s usefulness as a prophet came only after he yielded to God’s commands.
Mary Magdalene – From Oppression to Devoted Follower of Christ (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9)
Mary Magdalene was believed to have been afflicted by seven demons (Luke 8:2, Mark 16:9). Demon possession was often associated with sin, shame, or uncleanness.
Transformation: Mary’s life changed dramatically when Jesus delivered her from demonic oppression. Mary was freed from her bondage. She became a devoted follower of Christ. She is one of the few women mentioned by name. She accompanied and supported Jesus and His disciples during His ministry (Luke 8:2-3). Her dedication is evident as she is present at both the crucifixion and the resurrection. Mary Magdalene saw the resurrected Jesus first. He appeared to her outside the empty tomb (John 20:14-18). Jesus chose her to bring the news of His resurrection to the disciples, a crucial role in the foundation of the Christian faith (What an honor to have bestowed upon her!). Mary Magdalene’s story illustrates that Jesus liberated her from a past of oppression. He possibly freed her from sin, transforming her into a faithful disciple. God did not use Mary Magdalene in her state of possession but after her deliverance, emphasizing how change precedes service.
Paul – From Persecutor to Apostle (Acts 9)
Sin: Saul (later known as Paul) was a zealous persecutor of Christians, complicit in the deaths of many (Acts 8:1-3).
Transformation: Paul’s encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus (Acts 9:1-19) led to a complete change of heart. After a period of blindness and contemplation, he was healed, baptized, and began to preach the gospel fervently. God’s use of Paul came only after Paul turned away from his past and embraced a new life in Christ. Paul himself emphasized that change is essential for those who serve God (2 Corinthians 5:17).
God’s sovereign. He can work through whomever He wants to—sinners and nonbelievers—and Christians to ensure that His purposes are accomplished.
Also, as followers of Jesus Christ, we have been transformed through repentance, faith, and obedience. This is evident in our character through the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22 – 23) and keeping The Greatest Commandments (Matthew 22:37- 40).
…if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect (Matthew 24:24). Thank God, it’s not possible. And like Paul, we, too, can repent daily.
God bless… I am Wiley’s granddaughter.
