Topical Encyclopedia Conversion by God is a transformative process in which an individual turns from sin and unbelief to faith and obedience in God. This profound change is initiated by God and involves the work of the Holy Spirit, leading to a new life in Christ. The concept of conversion is central to Christian theology and is seen as a necessary step in the salvation process.Biblical Basis The Bible presents conversion as a divine act that involves both God's initiative and human response. In the Old Testament, the call to conversion is often expressed as a call to return to God. The prophet Joel exhorts, "Return to the LORD your God, for He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion" (Joel 2:13). This call to return signifies a turning away from sin and idolatry and a turning towards God. In the New Testament, conversion is closely associated with repentance and faith. Jesus begins His ministry with the call, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17). Repentance involves a change of mind and heart, leading to a change in behavior. The Apostle Paul describes conversion as a turning from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God (Acts 26:18). The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of conversion. It is the Spirit who convicts individuals of their sin and their need for a Savior. Jesus explains the work of the Spirit, saying, "When He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (John 16:8). The Spirit also regenerates the believer, giving them new life in Christ. Paul writes, "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). Faith and Grace Conversion is an act of God's grace, received through faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This underscores that conversion is not achieved by human effort but is a gift from God. Faith is the means by which individuals receive this gift, trusting in the finished work of Christ on the cross for their salvation. Evidence of Conversion The evidence of genuine conversion is seen in a transformed life. The Apostle Paul writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" (2 Corinthians 5:17). This transformation is marked by a new love for God, a desire to obey His commandments, and a love for others. The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23 , is also evident in the life of a converted believer: "love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." The Call to Conversion The call to conversion is universal, extending to all people. God desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). The Great Commission, given by Jesus to His disciples, emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the gospel so that others may hear and respond in faith: "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Conversion by God is a miraculous work that brings individuals from death to life, from sin to righteousness, and from alienation to fellowship with God. It is a testament to God's love and power, drawing people into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Kings 18:37Hear me, O LORD, hear me, that this people may know that you are the LORD God, and that you have turned their heart back again. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 6:44 Acts 21:19 Greek 1995. epistrophe -- a turning about, conversion ... Noun, Feminine Transliteration: epistrophe Phonetic Spelling: (ep-is-trof-ay') Short Definition: a turning to God Definition: a turning (to God), conversion. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1995.htm - 6k Library The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ... Of Perfect Conversion, which is an Effect of this Method of Prayer ... First of Conversion Our Hope is not the Conversion of the World. Argument -1 from the Withdrawal of Prophecy and Destruction of ... Conversion of all that Come. Of the Conversion, Life, Miracles, and Death of the Holy Brother ... Theophilus an Example of Conversion. The Conversion of the Gentiles was More Difficult than that of the ... He Returns to the Conversion of the Gentiles, and Shows that it ... Resources Was the Apostle Paul actually a false prophet? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Lydia in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How should Christians respond to claims of a recent convert? | 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 |
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