Understanding True Conversion: Repentance and Faith

 

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 of conversion. Conversion is the first exercise of the new nature, a turning from old ways to a new life in Christ. It is essential for every believer, as no one is born a Christian; we all must undergo this transformation. Conversion involves both divine and human activity: the Holy Spirit's effectual call and our response to it.

We must be cautious of temporary and counterfeit conversions, which can mislead individuals into believing they have experienced true conversion when they have not. Temporary conversions may arise from a misunderstanding of the truth, while counterfeit conversions can result from influences other than the truth. It is crucial to discern the essential elements of true conversion, which are repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. These elements are consistently emphasized throughout Scripture and have been evident in all genuine revivals and conversions throughout church history.

Repentance must precede faith because it addresses our primary need: to be reconciled to God. Without understanding our need for repentance, we cannot fully grasp the necessity of faith in Christ. The ultimate goal of conversion is to bring us into a right relationship with God, which is the foundation of our salvation. As we continue to explore these themes, let us examine ourselves to ensure that our conversion is genuine and rooted in the truth of God's Word.

Key Takeaways:

- 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's effectual call prompting our response. This transformation is essential for every believer, as no one is born a Christian. [03:19]

- Temporary conversions can occur when individuals misunderstand the truth, leading to a superficial change that lacks depth and permanence. It is vital to discern true conversion from these temporary experiences to ensure a genuine relationship with God. [12:25]

- Counterfeit conversions may resemble true conversion but are produced by influences other than the truth. These experiences can lead individuals to believe they have been converted when, in reality, they have not encountered the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. [16:48]

- The essential elements of true conversion are repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. These elements are consistently emphasized in Scripture and have been evident in all genuine revivals and conversions throughout church history. [35:24]

- Repentance must precede faith because it addresses our primary need: to be reconciled to God. Without understanding our need for repentance, we cannot fully grasp the necessity of faith in Christ. The ultimate goal of conversion is to bring us into a right relationship with God. [39:21]

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 Examples of Conversion
[06:01] - The Necessity of Conversion
[07:24] - The Agency in Conversion
[09:03] - Characteristics of Conversion
[12:25] - Temporary Conversion
[16:48] - Counterfeit Conversion
[21:40] - Variable Elements in Conversion
[30:24] - Permanent Elements in Conversion
[35:24] - Repentance and Faith
[39:21] - The Order of Repentance and Faith
[41:54] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Conversion and the Work of the Holy Spirit

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 18:3 - "Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
2. Acts 20:21 - "Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ."
3. Luke 22:32 - "But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren."

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what is the first conscious exercise of the new nature in a believer's life? How is this described in the sermon? [03:32]

2. What are the two essential elements of true conversion mentioned in the sermon, and how are they consistently emphasized in Scripture? [34:24]

3. How does the sermon differentiate between temporary and counterfeit conversions? What examples from Scripture are used to illustrate these concepts? [16:21]

4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the process of conversion, according to the sermon? [07:24]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the necessity of repentance preceding faith in the process of conversion? What is the significance of this order? [39:21]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that temporary conversions can occur, and why is it important to discern these from true conversions? [12:25]

3. How does the sermon describe the human and divine activities involved in conversion? Why is it important to recognize both aspects? [08:12]

4. What does the sermon suggest about the variability of conversion experiences, and how should this influence our understanding of conversion? [22:09]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your own conversion experience. How did you experience repentance and faith, and in what ways do you see the Holy Spirit's work in your life? [07:24]

2. Have you ever encountered a situation where you or someone you know experienced a temporary or counterfeit conversion? How did you discern the difference, and what steps did you take afterward? [16:21]

3. In what ways can you ensure that your faith is rooted in genuine repentance and faith, rather than a superficial or emotional experience? [12:25]

4. How can you help others in your community discern true conversion from temporary or counterfeit experiences? What role can you play in guiding them toward a genuine relationship with God? [15:41]

5. Consider the order of repentance and faith in your spiritual journey. How does understanding this order impact your daily walk with Christ and your interactions with others? [39:21]

6. How can you cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's work in your life, especially in moments of doubt or spiritual dryness? [01:49]

7. Identify one area in your life where you need to turn from old ways to a new life in Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to make that change? [03:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Conversion as a Conscious Turning Point
Conversion marks the first conscious exercise of the new nature, a pivotal moment where one turns from old ways to embrace a new life in Christ. This transformation is not merely a human endeavor but involves both divine and human activity. The Holy Spirit's effectual call prompts our response, leading us into a new existence as believers. It is essential for every Christian to undergo this transformation, as no one is born a Christian. This conscious turning point is a testament to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, guiding us toward a deeper relationship with God. [03:19]

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 ways or habits do you need to consciously turn away from to fully embrace your new life in Christ today?


Day 2: Discernment of True Conversion
Temporary conversions can occur when individuals misunderstand the truth, leading to a superficial change that lacks depth and permanence. It is vital to discern true conversion from these temporary experiences to ensure a genuine relationship with God. True conversion is marked by a deep and lasting transformation, rooted in the truth of God's Word. This discernment requires a careful examination of one's faith journey, ensuring that it aligns with the essential elements of true conversion. [12:25]

2 Corinthians 13:5 (ESV): "Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!"

Reflection: Reflect on your own faith journey. Are there areas where you might have misunderstood the truth, leading to a temporary change rather than a true conversion?


Day 3: Identifying Counterfeit Conversions
Counterfeit conversions may resemble true conversion but are produced by influences other than the truth. These experiences can lead individuals to believe they have been converted when, in reality, they have not encountered the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. It is crucial to identify these counterfeit conversions and seek the genuine transformation that comes from a true encounter with God. This requires a deep understanding of the essential elements of conversion and a commitment to living out one's faith authentically. [16:48]

Matthew 7:21-23 (ESV): "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?' And then will I declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.'"

Reflection: Consider your own conversion experience. Are there influences in your life that might have led to a counterfeit conversion? How can you seek a genuine encounter with the Holy Spirit today?


Day 4: The Essential Elements of True Conversion
The essential elements of true conversion are repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. These elements are consistently emphasized in Scripture and have been evident in all genuine revivals and conversions throughout church history. Repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin and a desire to be reconciled to God, while faith in Christ is the trust and reliance on Him for salvation. Together, these elements form the foundation of a true and lasting conversion. [35:24]

Acts 20:21 (ESV): "Testifying both to Jews and to Greeks of repentance toward God and of faith in our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: Reflect on your understanding of repentance and faith. How can you deepen your practice of these essential elements in your daily walk with Christ?


Day 5: The Order of Repentance and Faith
Repentance must precede faith because it addresses our primary need: to be reconciled to God. Without understanding our need for repentance, we cannot fully grasp the necessity of faith in Christ. The ultimate goal of conversion is to bring us into a right relationship with God, which is the foundation of our salvation. This order is crucial for a genuine conversion experience, as it ensures that our faith is rooted in a sincere desire to turn away from sin and toward God. [39:21]

James 4:8-10 (ESV): "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize repentance in your spiritual life to ensure that your faith is built on a solid foundation of reconciliation with God?

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. [00:03:37]

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. [00:06:48]

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. [00:08:00]

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? [00:09:33]

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. [00:16:15]

The essential elements in conversion must be quite plain and quite clear. Another argument I have for saying it is this, and I do want to emphasize this at this present time: what the scripture tells us as to the permanent and essential elements in conversion has always been repeated in all great revivals in the long history of the Christian church. [00:31:37]

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. What are the two elements in conversion? [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. [00:35:24]

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. [00:39:33]

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. [00:41:54]

We must put repentance first. It's the original trouble. It's the main consequence of the fall and original sin, and God is orderly in his working, and he starts with a big thing, the first thing. So in the two essential elements in conversion, repentance and faith. [00:46:26]

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