What Is Conversion?

1. WHAT universal call does God make to sinners? God commands all men everywhere to repent. Acts 17:30. 2. For what purpose did Jesus come among men? 1 came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance. Luke 5:32. NOTE. We can thank God that every twinge of conscience we feel, and every spasm of remorse that ever troubles this tragic world, is a token of life and a herald of hope. - James S. Stewart, The Strong Name, page 15. 3. What was the constant theme of His preaching? From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. Matthew 4:17. Except you be converted, and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 18:3. 4. How may repentance be defined? Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions. Ezekiel 18:30. NOTE. We can never remind ourselves often enough that the chief action in conversion is God s action upon us. When we are first converted, it is often because we are unhappy over the sins from which we ask to be released; and this is natural. At some time in the process of Christian conversion-whether before it begins, or afterwards-we must come to appreciate something of the real meaning of Christian redemption. The holiness of God, our estrangement from Him through sin, the cross as the sign of God s readiness to span the distance between Him and us-these things may sound very old-fashioned to one who merely contemplates them. But they are the only explanation that fits the facts for one who has really discovered the exceeding sinfulness of sin and been lifted from it by the power of Christ. We come, through conversion, to a life that has been provided for us, not one which we create for ourselves. God s part in our conversion is always the primary part. Our part in conversion is self-surrender to God and His will. If this is not to be a fleeting emotion, if it is to get into the will and be a permanent possession, it must be filled with actual moral content. We must surrender, not just in general, but specifically the sins of which we are conscious at the time. The further renewal of our surrender must involve confessing and banishing the actual sins which have crept in since we made our first decision. -Samuel M. Shoemaker, A Way of Renewal, Religion in Life, Volume 12, Number 4, Pages 485, 486. 5. Why must the turning from sin to God be clear and uncompromising? No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. Matthew 6:24. 6. How wholehearted must the repentance of the sinner be? Therefore also now, said the Lord, turn you even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning: and rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the Lord your God. Joel 2:12, 13. 7. What appropriate words does the Lord suggest the returning sinner should bring to Him? 0 Israel, return unto the Lord thy God. Take with you words, and turn to the Lord: say unto Him, Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: so will we render the calves of our lips. Hosea 14:1, 2. 8. In whose name may the sinner confidently present his plea? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. Acts 2:38. 9. Of what does God further assure the repentant sinner? Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the Lord, and He will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. Isaiah 55:7. 10. Besides revoking the punishment, what will God bestow on those who turn to Him? a. A new heart. 1 will give them an heart to know Me, that I am the Lord: and they shall be My people, and 1 will be their God: for they shall return unto Me with their whole heart. Jeremiah 24:7. See also Ezekiel 36:26, 27. NOTE. The gospel then is not another philosophy. It is a power, a creative energy. - D. R. Davies, On to Orthodoxy, page 133. b. The Holy Spirit. Repent and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. Acts 2:38. 11. How will true repentance manifest itself in the life? Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance! Matthew 3:8. NOTE. The word conversion implies the transformation of the old man. New birth means salvation, deliverance from sin and its consequences. Thereupon genuine repentance manifests itself in a sincere determination to forsake sin and obey God, as conviction of sin is accompanied by sorrow for sin, hatred and renunciation of evil ways. With confession of sin and a desire for forgiveness there comes into

the penitents heart an eager willingness to yield without striving, a submission to God coupled with a resolve to make restitution. Thus is a great change worked in the heart of the penitent sinner. He now receives from the Holy Spirit a new power to do what is right in the sight of God.-Emile Cailliet, The Christian Experience, Theology Today, Volume 2, Number 3, Page 330. The Greek word for repent implies a right about-face. It looks on sin to deplore and confess, but then swings round sharply with resolute will to tread a new path. God does not wish us to remember what He is willing to forget. - George Arthur Buttrick, Prayer, page 219. 12. To whom did Jesus intend the gospel of repentance to be preached after His departure? Repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. Luke 24:47. NOTE Forgiveness never means the remission of penalty where God and man are concerned. Nobody ever escapes some result of his sins. Forgiveness doesnt mean penalty remitted. It means relationship restored. - Leslie D. Weatherhead, In Quest of a Kingdom, page 91. 13. How earnestly did the apostle Paul fulfill the gospel commission? Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ. Acts 20:21. NOTE. Repentance looks back and forsakes. Faith looks forward and accepts. - W. N. Clarke, An Outline of Christian Theology, page 403. 14. What reward did he have for his labor? Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorry, but that you sorrowed to repentance. 2 Corinthians 7:9. 15. What are Gods ministers today exhorted to do? In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth. 2 Timothy 2:25. NOTE It is the business of true religion to preach repentance without reducing man to despair, and to preach hope without tempting him to complacency. - Reinhold Niebuhr.