Conversion
Conversion is a change in the character. It means a restoration to what we were initially were created to be after God’s image (Genesis 1:26,27). When Adam and Eve fell, every human being inherited the sin nature (Romans 3:10, 23; Isaiah 53:6).
Based on our own efforts, we can’t please God and are destined for death (Romans 6:23, 8:8; John 3:16-18). That’s why Jesus came to earth, died in our place, and rose again to redeem us back to Him (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Conversion is the miracle of transformation which takes place through the grace of God (2 Corinthians 5:21).
When people accept God’s calls for repentance (Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9), the work of conversion starts in the life. The Holy Spirit moves into hearts and transforms the entire way of life (Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Paul says, “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (Corinthians 5:17).
The apostle Paul is a great example of what conversion is all about. Saul the persecutor of the church became the apostle Paul, who devoted the rest of his life to serving and building the church (1 Corinthians 15:9; Ephesians 3:7-8). And then sealed his testimony by death for Christ.
Change of character is accomplished through the power of faith. Faith claims God’s promises for change and believes it did take place before even seeing any physical assurance of this change (Hebrews 11:1). Hebrews 11:6 says that “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
But even faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8-9). God gives faith to anyone that asks (Ephesians 2:8). Exercising the gift of faith results in conversion. When the heart is transformed, the evidence of change will be shown in the actions that will seek to glorify God not self.
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
