Topical Bible: Conversion: Through the Instrumentality of Self-Examination

◄ Conversion: Through the Instrumentality of Self-Examination ►

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Conversion, in the Christian context, refers to the profound transformation that occurs when an individual turns from sin and embraces faith in Jesus Christ. This transformative process is often facilitated by various means, one of which is self-examination. Self-examination is the introspective practice of evaluating one's thoughts, actions, and spiritual state in light of God's Word. It serves as a catalyst for recognizing one's need for repentance and faith.

The Bible underscores the importance of self-examination as a tool for spiritual growth and conversion. In 2 Corinthians 13:5, the Apostle Paul exhorts believers, "Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Can't you see for yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you actually fail the test?" . This passage highlights the necessity of introspection to ensure one's faith is genuine and active.

Self-examination is not merely a superficial assessment but a deep, honest evaluation of one's heart and life. The Psalmist models this practice in Psalm 139:23-24, where he prays, "Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my concerns. See if there is any offensive way in me; lead me in the way everlasting" . This prayer reflects a desire for God to reveal hidden sins and guide the believer toward righteousness.

The process of self-examination often leads to the recognition of sin and the need for repentance. In the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), the younger son comes to a moment of self-realization and repentance. In Luke 15:17, it is written, "When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death!'" . This moment of self-examination prompts the son to return to his father, symbolizing the sinner's return to God.

Self-examination also involves aligning one's life with the teachings of Scripture. James 1:22-25 warns against merely hearing the Word without acting upon it: "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like" . This passage emphasizes the importance of applying biblical truths to one's life, a process that begins with self-examination.

The practice of self-examination is further encouraged in the context of communal worship and the observance of the Lord's Supper. In 1 Corinthians 11:28, Paul instructs, "Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup" . This directive underscores the need for personal reflection and repentance before participating in this sacred ordinance.

In summary, self-examination is a vital instrument in the process of conversion. It involves a sincere and thorough evaluation of one's spiritual condition, leading to repentance, faith, and alignment with God's will. Through self-examination, individuals are brought to a deeper awareness of their need for Christ and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 119:59
I thought on my ways, and turned my feet to your testimonies.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Lamentations 3:40
Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the LORD.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

From Persecutor to Disciple
... and that later, through his instrumentality, many other ... The Saviour had spoken to
Saul through Stephen, whose ... The conversion of Saul is a striking evidence of ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 12 from persecutor to.htm

George Muller, and the Secret of His
... demonstration as to what could be accomplished simply through the instrumentality
of prayer ... answer is not yet given concerning the conversion of certain ...
/.../murray/with christ in the school of prayer/george muller and the secret.htm

Letter viii. Public and Social Worship, and Sabbath Employments.
... This is nothing less than the conversion of the ... is carried on in the heart, through
the instrumentality ... Upon this, so far as your instrumentality is concerned ...
/.../letter viii public and social.htm

Preparation for Revival
... Our testimony for God rings through this land; from one ... real desirableness and necessity
of the conversion of souls ... the Church is by the instrumentality of all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/preparation for revival.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1836 to the ...
... and soon saw the fruit of their labors in the conversion and salvation ... into the glorious
liberty of the children of God, through the instrumentality of the ...
/.../chapter 14 from the close.htm

Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It.
... The proper remedy in serious self-examination. ... he might seem to insinuate a conversion
which had no ... a body of boundless dimensions, diffused through heaven and ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 of the lords.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... down upon the church by the instrumentality, in the ... Such a conversion, as he himself
calls it, was ... which must terrified them, and, passing through the porch ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm