W HAT I S C ONVERSION ?

Introduction: A. In Matt. 18.3 Jesus said, Unless you are convertedyou will not enter the kingdom of heaven. B. Being converted is obviously critical to our eternal dwelling place, so we need to ask and understand exactly 1. What is conversion? 2. What is involved in conversion? Discussion:

I. W ORDS U SED T O D ESCRIBE C ONVERSION

A. In the KJV there are 6 words or phrases used to translate the original word: 1. Convert 8 times: Matt. 13:15; Mark 4.12; John 12:40; Acts 28.27; Luke 22:32; Acts 3:19; Jas. 5.19-20 2. Turn 16 times: Luke 1.16,17; Acts 9.35,40; 11.21; 14.15; 15.19; 16.18; 26.18,20; 2 Cor. 3.16; Gal. 4.9; 1 Thess. 1.9; 2 Pet. 2.21; (2) Rev. 1.12 3. Turn about 4 times: Matt. 9.22; Mark 5.30; 8.33; John 21.20 4. Return or turn again 9 times: Matt. 10.13; 12.44; 24.18; Mark 13.16; Luke 2.20; 17.4,31; 1 Pet. 2.25; 2 Pet. 2.22 5. Came again 1 time: Luke 8.55 6. Go again 1 time: Acts 15.36 B. From these passages we can clearly see that the original word means a turning around, turning from one thing to another, or changing from one position to another. C. This word is used in three ways in the NT: 1. To denote physical turning, a change of physical position. 2. To denote a turning from good to bad, from right to wrong. 3. To denote a turning from bad to good, from wrong to right. D. This third usage is what we are discussing in this lesson. This only is conversion. E. A point of clarification is needed concerning some of the renderings in the KJV. 1. Six of the eight times the original is translated as convert it is translated into a passive form, e.g. repent ye therefore, and be converted, When thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. 2. However, the word used here is active and not passive. It is something that we do and not that is done to us. 3. This issue has been resolved in most of the reliable more recent translations.

II. C ONVERSION D EFINED

A. Upon analyzing these passages and their contexts, conversion can be more clearly defined in these words of B.F. Manire: Conversion [is] defined as the turning of the

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What Is Conversion?

whole man in heart and life from the love and practice of sin to the love and service of God, including a change of state, or relationship towards God. B. Conversion, however, does not result from a single act of obedience, nor is it something that is instantaneously zapped into an individual. Rather, a series of changes take place in the life of the individual as they choose to heed to the Word of God. C. This series of changes can be summed up in three categories: 1. A change of heart. 2. A change of conduct. 3. A change in a persons relationship with God.

III. A C HANGE O F H EART

A. Unless a person does a 180 in their thinking so that they recognize their sinfulness, their spiritual bankruptcy, true and scriptural conversion will never take place. 1. When talking about a change of heart, we are not talking about shallow, flippant feelings brought about by emotionalism or being caught up in the moment. 2. We are talking about a permanent change from wandering aimlessly to placing our complete reliance in Jesus and Jesus only to save us from our sins and provide hope! B. A true, complete change of heart involves the following: 1. Coming to an understanding of the truth. 2. Conviction of ones sins and their consequences. 3. Setting ones affections on Jesus and righteousness instead of the world. 4. Refreshing or energizing of ones conscience. 5. And the complete subjection of ones will to the Will of God. C. This is not something made up by man, rather it is a process described by the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures. 1. Acts 26.18 to open their eyes is a metaphor that means to cause them to understand. 2. Acts 15.9 cleansing their hearts by faith refers to their hearts being cleansed of affection for the world, and their affections, their faith, was now set on Christ Jesus. 3. Acts 2.37 The apostles sermon had caused these people to understand the truth, to see their sins (specifically their sin of crucifying Jesus), to set their affections on this Jesus whom they crucified, to be pricked in their conscience, and to submit entirely to whatever God willed for them to do; this was truly a change of heart!

IV. A C HANGE O F C ON DUCT

A. A true change of heart will lead to a change of conduct. 1. As with the change of heart, this change of conduct is not something that is hitand-miss. 2. It is the complete change of ones life to serve God in every and all aspects of life.

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What Is Conversion?

3. Involved in this is the renouncing of every kind of evil and unrighteousness. B. This is clearly explained in the Scriptures: 1. Isa. 55.7; Jon. 3.8-10. 2. Acts 3.26; 14.15; 17.30; 1 Thess. 1.9.

V. A C HANGE I N O NE S R ELATIONSHIP W ITH G OD

A. The reason we need to be converted in the first place is because we are guilty of sin. 1. This sin separates us from God (cf. Isa. 59.2). 2. Conversion changes this; conversion brings us back into a harmonious relationship with God. B. Again, the Scriptures clearly bear this out: 1. John 1.12; Col. 1.13; 2 Cor. 6.17-18. 2. 1 Pet. 2.9; Eph. 2.19-20; Gal. 3.26-27. Conclusion: A. As we reflect on all of these passages we conclude that true scriptural conversions then is: 1. Coming to an understanding of the truth. 2. Conviction of ones sins and their consequences. 3. Setting ones affections on Jesus and righteousness instead of the world. 4. Refreshing or energizing of ones conscience. 5. Complete subjection of ones will to the Will of God. 6. Reformation of ones life. 7. Restoration of the proper relationship of man to God. B. The first five, of course, dealing with the inner man and a change of heart, while the last two explain the change of conduct and the change in ones relationship with God. C. In making application of these points, the Scriptures teach that through faith the heart is changed (John 3.16; 8.24; Heb. 11.6); through repentance the conduct is changed (Luke 13.3; Acts 2.38; 17.30-31); and through baptism the relationship with God is changed (Mark 16.16; Acts 22.16; Gal. 3.26-27). D. In Matt. 18.3 Jesus said, Unless you are convertedyou will not enter the kingdom of heaven. E. Jesus said that this process of conversion involves faith John 8.24; repentance Luke 13.3; and baptism Mark 16.16.
(Note: much of this material was derived from a sermon by B.F. Manire entitled, Conversion In Its Scriptural Import.)

John R. Gentry, www.HaveBibleWillPreach.com For audio and other study helps visit http://sierraleone.havebiblewillpreach.com Originally aired on BBN in Freetown, Sierra Leone on 2009.01.11

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