Understanding Conversion: The Journey to New Life

 

Summary

In our exploration of the work of the Holy Spirit in the application of redemption, we reach a pivotal point where we transition from the unconscious workings of the Spirit to the conscious manifestations and results of that work. This evening, we delve into the doctrine of conversion, which marks the first conscious exercise of the new nature in a believer. Conversion is the act of turning from old ways to a new life in Christ, a necessary step for every believer. It is essential to understand that conversion involves both divine and human activity. While regeneration is solely the work of the Spirit, conversion requires a response from us.

The importance of understanding conversion lies in recognizing the potential for temporary or counterfeit conversions. Temporary conversions may appear genuine but lack depth and permanence, as illustrated by Jesus' teachings and various biblical examples. Counterfeit conversions, on the other hand, may result from influences other than the truth, leading to changes that mimic true conversion but lack its essence. It is crucial to discern these differences to avoid misunderstanding and misrepresenting the Christian faith.

Furthermore, conversion is not bound by time, drama, or age. It can be sudden or gradual, dramatic or quiet, and can occur at any age. The essential elements of conversion are repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. These elements are consistently emphasized throughout Scripture and have been evident in all true revivals and conversions throughout church history. Repentance must precede faith, as it prepares the heart to understand the need for Christ. Ultimately, the goal of conversion is to bring us into a right relationship with God, which is the foundation of our faith and the essence of true Christian conversion.

Key Takeaways:

1. Conversion is the first conscious exercise of the new nature, marking a turning from old ways to a new life in Christ. It involves both divine and human activity, with the Holy Spirit initiating the call and the believer responding. This dual aspect is crucial for understanding the nature of conversion. [03:32]

2. Temporary conversions may appear genuine but lack depth and permanence. Jesus' teachings and various biblical examples highlight the danger of such conversions, emphasizing the need for true, lasting change. [12:23]

3. Counterfeit conversions can result from influences other than the truth, leading to changes that mimic true conversion but lack its essence. Discernment is necessary to avoid misunderstanding and misrepresenting the Christian faith. [19:54]

4. Conversion is not bound by time, drama, or age. It can be sudden or gradual, dramatic or quiet, and can occur at any age. The essential elements are repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. [25:53]

5. Repentance must precede faith, as it prepares the heart to understand the need for Christ. The goal of conversion is to bring us into a right relationship with God, which is the foundation of our faith and the essence of true Christian conversion. [39:23]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to the Recording
- [00:41] - The Work of the Holy Spirit
- [01:49] - Manifestations of the Spirit's Work
- [03:03] - Understanding Conversion
- [04:24] - Biblical Context of Conversion
- [06:01] - The Necessity of Conversion
- [07:24] - The Agency in Conversion
- [09:03] - Characteristics of Conversion
- [12:23] - Temporary Conversions
- [16:11] - Counterfeit Conversions
- [21:45] - Variable Elements in Conversion
- [25:53] - Age and Conversion
- [30:28] - Essential Elements of Conversion
- [34:09] - Repentance and Faith
- [39:23] - The Order of Repentance and Faith
- [41:57] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Luke 22:32 - "But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."
2. Matthew 18:3 - "And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"
3. Acts 20:21 - "I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus."

---

Observation Questions:

1. What does Jesus mean when he tells Peter, "when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers" in Luke 22:32? How does this relate to the concept of conversion? [04:40]

2. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus emphasizes becoming like little children to enter the kingdom of heaven. What characteristics of children might Jesus be referring to in the context of conversion? [06:01]

3. According to Acts 20:21, what are the two essential elements of conversion that Paul emphasizes in his message to both Jews and Greeks? [35:09]

4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit and human response in the process of conversion? [08:12]

---

Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon distinguish between temporary and counterfeit conversions, and why is it important to understand this distinction? [16:11]

2. The sermon mentions that conversion can be sudden or gradual, dramatic or quiet. How might this understanding affect the way we view our own or others' conversion experiences? [22:15]

3. Why does the sermon emphasize that repentance must precede faith in the process of conversion? How does this order reflect the teachings of John the Baptist, Jesus, and the apostles? [37:08]

4. What are the potential dangers of standardizing conversion experiences, as discussed in the sermon? How can this impact individuals' understanding of their faith journey? [26:35]

---

Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own conversion experience. Was it sudden or gradual, dramatic or quiet? How has this shaped your understanding of your faith journey? [22:15]

2. The sermon warns against temporary and counterfeit conversions. How can you ensure that your faith is genuine and rooted in truth rather than external influences? [16:11]

3. Repentance is described as a necessary precursor to faith. Is there an area in your life where you need to practice repentance to deepen your faith in Christ? [37:08]

4. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your conversion. How can you remain open to the Spirit's guidance in your daily life and spiritual growth? [08:12]

5. The sermon highlights the importance of discernment in recognizing true conversion. How can you develop discernment to help others in their faith journey without being judgmental? [15:28]

6. How can you support someone who is experiencing doubts about their conversion or faith journey, ensuring they feel encouraged rather than judged? [29:03]

7. Identify a specific way you can strengthen your relationship with God this week, focusing on either repentance or faith. What steps will you take to achieve this? [39:23]

Devotional

Day 1: Conversion as a Conscious Turning Point
Conversion is the first conscious exercise of the new nature, marking a turning from old ways to a new life in Christ. It involves both divine and human activity, with the Holy Spirit initiating the call and the believer responding. This dual aspect is crucial for understanding the nature of conversion. Conversion is not merely a passive experience but an active engagement with the divine call. The Holy Spirit works within us, prompting a response that requires our conscious decision to turn away from our old ways and embrace a new life in Christ. This turning point is significant as it marks the beginning of a transformative journey where the believer actively participates in their spiritual growth and relationship with God. [03:32]

Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV): "To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."

Reflection: What old habits or ways of thinking do you need to consciously turn away from today to embrace your new life in Christ?


Day 2: The Danger of Temporary Conversions
Temporary conversions may appear genuine but lack depth and permanence. Jesus' teachings and various biblical examples highlight the danger of such conversions, emphasizing the need for true, lasting change. Temporary conversions can be misleading, as they often mimic the initial enthusiasm and outward signs of genuine faith but fail to produce lasting transformation. These conversions may be driven by emotional experiences or external pressures rather than a deep, personal conviction. It is essential to seek a conversion that is rooted in a genuine understanding of the gospel and a heartfelt commitment to follow Christ, ensuring that our faith is not just a fleeting moment but a lifelong journey. [12:23]

Matthew 13:20-21 (ESV): "As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away."

Reflection: Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where your faith feels shallow or temporary? How can you deepen your roots in Christ today?


Day 3: Discernment Against Counterfeit Conversions
Counterfeit conversions can result from influences other than the truth, leading to changes that mimic true conversion but lack its essence. Discernment is necessary to avoid misunderstanding and misrepresenting the Christian faith. These conversions may be influenced by cultural trends, charismatic leaders, or personal desires rather than a genuine encounter with the truth of the gospel. It is crucial to develop discernment to recognize the difference between true and counterfeit conversions, ensuring that our faith is grounded in the truth of God's Word and not swayed by external influences. [19:54]

2 Corinthians 11:13-15 (ESV): "For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. So it is no surprise if his servants, also, disguise themselves as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their deeds."

Reflection: How can you cultivate discernment in your spiritual life to recognize and avoid counterfeit influences?


Day 4: The Varied Nature of Conversion
Conversion is not bound by time, drama, or age. It can be sudden or gradual, dramatic or quiet, and can occur at any age. The essential elements are repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. This diversity in conversion experiences highlights the personal nature of our relationship with God. Whether your conversion was a dramatic moment or a quiet realization, what matters is the genuine repentance and faith that accompany it. Embrace the uniqueness of your conversion story, knowing that God works in diverse ways to draw people to Himself. [25:53]

Acts 16:14 (ESV): "One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul."

Reflection: Reflect on your own conversion experience. How has God uniquely worked in your life to bring you to faith in Christ?


Day 5: The Order of Repentance and Faith
Repentance must precede faith, as it prepares the heart to understand the need for Christ. The goal of conversion is to bring us into a right relationship with God, which is the foundation of our faith and the essence of true Christian conversion. Repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a recognition of our need for a Savior. This prepares our hearts to fully embrace faith in Jesus Christ, leading to a transformative relationship with God. Understanding this order helps us appreciate the depth of our conversion and the ongoing process of sanctification in our lives. [39:23]

Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you need to repent and turn back to God today? How can this act of repentance lead to a deeper faith in Christ?

Quotes

Conversion is the first exercise of the new nature in ceasing from old forms of life and starting a new life. That's conversion. It is that first action of the regenerate soul in moving from something to something. The very term suggests that, doesn't it? It means a turning from one thing to another. [00:03:34]

It is essential that we all be converted. Nobody is born a Christian into this world. We are all born in sin, shapen in iniquity. We are all born the children of wrath as others. We are all subjects of original sin and original guilt, so we all must undergo conversion. [00:06:50]

In any definition of conversion, you must bring in the human activity as well as the Divine activity. The Call Comes effectually, and because it comes effectually, you and I do something about it. That's conversion—the two sides: the call, the response. [00:08:03]

It is vital that we should consider the Biblical teaching about conversion because there is such a thing as a temporary conversion. Now put that in inverted commas: temporary conversion. Have you noticed how often that is dealt with by our Lord himself in his own teaching? [00:09:16]

There is such a thing as a temporary conversion, a temporary believer, but he's not a true believer. That is why it's so vital we should know the Biblical teaching as to what conversion really is. [00:14:18]

In the case of a counterfeit conversion, it is a phenomenon that resembles and simulates very closely Christian conversion but has been produced by some other agency which is not the truth. So I think you must draw the distinction. [00:16:35]

Conversion must it be sudden? Is it impossible for it to be gradual? Well, I would say that the scripture does not teach that it must of necessity be sudden. The great thing is that it's happened, whether sudden or gradual. The time element is not one of those absolute essentials. [00:22:12]

Must conversion of necessity be dramatic? Now, if you read just one chapter in the scriptures, the 16th chapter of the book of The Acts of the Apostles, you'll see that you have no right for a moment to say it must be dramatic. [00:22:37]

There are two essential elements in conversion, and these two, I say, are emphasized everywhere in the scripture. You'll find them in the gospels, you'll find them in the book of The Acts of the Apostles, you'll find them in the Epistles. [00:34:03]

Repentance toward God and Faith toward the Lord Jesus Christ—those are the two essential and the only two essential elements in conversion. Repentance, Faith, sudden, gradual, doesn't matter. Repentance must be there; Faith must be there. [00:34:59]

The primary thing in conversion, the primary thing in the whole of Christian salvation, is to bring us into the right relationship to God. Why did Christ come? Why did he die? The answer is that he did it all to bring us to God. [00:39:34]

The first need of every soul, as I'm going on to show you when I come to elaborate the teaching concerning repentance, the thing we all need is to be right with God, in the right relationship to God. Nothing matters but that. [00:41:01]

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 25, 2017. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?