Topical Encyclopedia Conversion, in the Christian context, refers to the transformative process of turning from sin and unbelief to faith in Jesus Christ. This change is not merely an internal decision but is commanded by God throughout Scripture. The call to conversion is a central theme in the Bible, emphasizing the necessity of repentance and faith for salvation.Old Testament Foundations While the term "conversion" is more explicitly developed in the New Testament, the Old Testament lays the groundwork for this concept. The prophets consistently called the people of Israel to turn back to God. In Ezekiel 18:30-32 , God implores, "Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to your ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so that sin will not be your downfall. Cast away from yourselves all the offenses you have committed, and fashion for yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. Why should you die, house of Israel? For I take no pleasure in anyone’s death, declares the Lord GOD. So repent and live!" New Testament Command The New Testament explicitly commands conversion, emphasizing repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as essential for salvation. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark 1:4). Jesus Himself began His ministry with the call to conversion: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). The apostles continued this message. On the day of Pentecost, Peter addressed the crowd, saying, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit" (Acts 2:38). This command underscores the necessity of conversion as a response to the gospel. The Role of Faith Conversion is not solely about turning away from sin but also involves turning toward God through faith in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him." Faith is the means by which individuals receive the grace of God and are justified before Him. The Work of the Holy Spirit While conversion is commanded, it is also a work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus explained to Nicodemus that one must be "born again" to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). This new birth is a spiritual transformation brought about by the Holy Spirit, who convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). The Urgency of Conversion The Bible presents conversion as an urgent matter. In 2 Corinthians 6:2 , Paul writes, "For He says: 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!" This urgency is echoed in the call to be ready for the return of Christ, as no one knows the day or hour (Matthew 24:44). Conclusion Conversion is a divine command that requires a response of repentance and faith. It is a transformative process initiated by the Holy Spirit, leading to a new life in Christ. The call to conversion is urgent, as it determines one's eternal destiny. Torrey's Topical Textbook Job 36:10He opens also their ear to discipline, and commands that they return from iniquity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Conversion of the Jailor of Philippi. Concerning the Barbarians Beyond the Danube, who were Driven Out ... Righteousness is not Placed in Jewish Rites but in the Conversion ... Conversion of all that Come. Free Will Has Its Function in the Heart's Conversion; but Grace ... Book Eight Conversion to Christ. ... Conversion. The Conversion of the Ethiopian Eunuch. The Conversion of Cornelius. The Conversion of Paul. Resources What is conversion/reparative therapy, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong to force a conversion? What role should coercion play in religion? | GotQuestions.org How can I detect a false conversion? | GotQuestions.org Conversion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conversion by the Power of the Holy Spirit Conversion is Accompanied by Confession of Sin, and Prayer Conversion is the Result of Faith Conversion of Gentiles, Predicted Conversion of Israel, Predicted Conversion of Sinners, a Cause of Joy: To God Conversion of Sinners, a Cause of Joy: To Saints Conversion: Danger of Neglecting Conversion: Duty of Leading Sinners To Conversion: Encouragement for Leading Sinners To Conversion: Follows Repentance Conversion: Promises Connected With Conversion: Through the Instrumentality of Affliction Conversion: Through the Instrumentality of Ministers Conversion: Through the Instrumentality of Self-Examination Conversion: Through the Instrumentality of The Scriptures Related Terms |
    |