Conversion

What is a credible conversion? What ought we to expect of ourself or another who is converted so we might know who is saved and with whom we can have Christian fellowship.

While today ‘conversion’ has very negative connotations, biblically it is very positive. Conversion means to be transformed from one state (a sinner) into another (a saint). A key biblical word for this is metamorphosis (a glorious change), like that of an ugly worm into a beautiful butterfly. It is what happens to the believer who responds to the Good News of Jesus in repentance and faith (Acts 20:21). Like Faith and Following, repentance and faith are really flip sides of what we call conversion; they represent a change, a turning.

Repentance means a change of mind, a sorrow over one’s sin and so a turning from it toward one’s only hope—the provision of forgiveness and new life in the Gospel.

Faith (explored more in Saving Faith) means more than mere mental assent or belief (c.f. James 2:19), but an active trust, a crying out to Jesus for mercy, believing His promised offer of salvation to be true. It is personal trust in the Saviour.

While the path to conversion may be very long (Engel’s Scale of Evangelism) and can even be parsed (Order of Salvation), conversion is always a moment (you can’t be 75% saved). The normative momentary nature is seen in across Scripture (e.g. Paul, Lydia, the Philippian Jailer). It is like the flipping of a coin; the sudden onset of a new season. However, sometimes conversion is more like a slow turning of a coin where someone grows in their realization of their sin and then imperceptibly in their faith in Jesus (e.g. the disciples. This can be true of children in Christian homes or an adult who has sat under the Gospel for some time). While it appears like a season of conversion, at some point there is a hidden moment when our heart believes.

Whether in a moment or a season repentance and faith must be passed through, either consciously or evidently, for conversion to be credible. Do you have a clear understanding of the Gospel and a trust in it. Are you aware of your sinfulness, your need of and faith in a Saviour, and the assurance of salvation (Ro 8:13). (Have you been convicted, convinced and comforted?). Do you have a new softness of heart, a new love for God, regard for others, general humility, a desire to do God’s will. These were not present before but now by the regenerating and indwelling of the Spirit you are a ‘new creation’ (2 Cor 5:16). They are changed, permanently.
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Thus, repentance and faith are not just for conversion but the Christian life; they are traits of a truly changed person, “As you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” (Col 2:6).