THE NATURE OF CONVERSION

THE TRUE NATURE OF CONVERSION

In this lesson we plan to explore the subject of conversion. What is the true nature of biblical conversion? What does a person need to do in order to truly be converted?

Matthew 18:3

Conversion at its most basic level involves change.

If conversion is anything, it’s change. For example, our bodies convert food into energy. Solid food must be changed into energy our bodies can use to thrive and do work. Our lives must go through a similar change (conversion) that we might be ‘meet for the master’s use.’

Biblical conversion involves change on multiple levels. It involves turning or a change in direction (Acts 26:18). It also involves returning or a change in position (1Peter 2:25).

We’ll talk more later about how conversion involves a ‘turning’ and a ‘returning,’ but right now I want to talk about another change associated with conversion.

True conversion involves a change of heart (Matthew 13:15).

Moreover, this change originates with God (Jeremiah 24:7; John 6:44; Titus 3:4, 5).

This may be the reason Jesus commands us to ask before He invites us to seek (Matthew 7:7)! Problems occur when we try to seek God (move in obedience) without first taking the time to ‘ask’ God or prepare our heart.

Acts 8:12, 13, 18-20, 22, 23

Although Simon had been baptized (converted?), Peter perceived that his conversion was less than authentic. Why? Because his heart was not right (Acts 8:21). You cannot be converted/return until your heart has been turned.

Having said that, there are things we can do that will assist in this process (1Chronicles 22:3-5)! Although David knew that Solomon ultimately be the one who would build the Temple, he made preparations by giving Solomon materials with which to build. We can do the same with our heart (1Chronicles 22:17-19)!

Although we know that God is ultimately responsible for changing our hearts, there are things we can do to prepare for such change. For example, we prepare our hearts by removing idols from our heart.

2Chronicles 30:14, 17-20

Although the people were not ritually or technically cleansed, God made an exception and healed them because they prepared their hearts. Notice what he is calling ‘preparing their hearts to seek the Lord’— removing the altars and idols!

We can also prepare our hearts by moving in God’s direction.

2Chronicles 11:14-16

In order to establish (strengthen) his kingdom, Jereboam built altars in Bethel and Dan for the 10 tribes that separated from Judah. These altars were competing for their true worship of Jehovah in Jerusalem. However, to ensure that they would always worship Jehovah, many in Israel decided to leave their homes and move to Jerusalem!

True conversion involves a change of mind.

2Corinthians 3:15, 16

The word ‘turn’ is the same word for conversion. This verse is about what will happen when the Jews are finally ‘turn’ to the Lord (are converted). What does it mean to turn to the Lord?

We often associate ‘turning to God’ with a decision to ‘go back to Church.’ But, turning to God and, consequently conversion, is about changing one’s mind about where your salvation lies. When Israel turns to God they will cease putting their trust in the Law (their efforts) and will put their trust (look to God) for salvation.

True conversion is about changing one’s mind concerning God and His word .

This isn’t an easy thing to do. It takes time. Just ask the disciples (John 13:36-38). Why couldn’t Peter the rest of the disciples follow Jesus? Because they weren’t fully converted (Luke 22:31-34). Peter thought he was converted and ready to follow Jesus, but he was not! However, later he would. And when he was converted, he would restore the brethren (Luke 22:32). Basically, Jesus is telling Peter that when he is fully converted he will return to his calling (duty) that he had before going astray (John 21:3, 15). This tells us that...

True conversion involves a change of place.

Psalm 23:3

The word ‘restore’ is from a Hebrew word that means to convert. Here the Psalmist is saying that Lord restores his soul by returning it to its original state.

Conversion is a return to the place or the state we were in before going astray.

Genesis 13:3, 4)! After his ordeal in Egypt, Abraham returned to the place where he first called upon the name of the Lord (Genesis 12:7, 8)! Many claim to be converted, but they have not returned to the place (or calling) they had before going astray (John 21:3, 15-17).

We mentioned earlier that conversion begins in the heart and that a man’s heart must be ‘prepared’ before he can really be converted (see 2Chronicles 12:13). I want to talk a little bit about some of the things we can do to help prepare our hearts. (Of course, this is in addition to the work/renewal performed by the Spirit.) Actually, works of repentance is how we work with God in preparing (renewing) our own heart. Renewal of the heart requires a work from the Spirit, and a work from man (Ezekiel 18:31; Jeremiah 4:14). Again, we are expected to act (respond) to the work God performs in our heart. This is what the Bible means when it says ‘Work out your own salvation.” There’s a work that God does, but there’s also a work that we do in response to God’s work.

What are these things?

Some of the things we must turn from are: idols (1Thessalonians 1:9, 10; Acts 14:15), sin (Isaiah 55:6), from unbelief to faith (Acts 11:21).

Conversion results in a new lifestyle (Matthew 18:3, 4; Ephesians 5:8).

True conversion is what gives you status in the kingdom (1Peter 2:9, 10)!

Conversion will give you new insight and understanding into the things of God (2Corinthians 3:15, 16; Hebrews 8:11). In 2Corinthians the ‘veil of unbelief’ was removed when they turned to the Lord with all their heart. Therefore, turning to the Lord is how you get rid of unbelief and doubt (Mark 9:28, 29). The prayer and fasting mentioned in this verse is not a prayer for more power. Fasting is a type of repentance. Jesus is telling His disciples that their unbelief and doubts are rooted in a lack of conversion. They are doubting because they have not fully turned to the Lord (2Corinthians 3:16). When you turn to the Lord you will believe that He is the end of the Law (works, human effort). When you turn to someone for something you are turning to them for help. We need to be converted from turning to men and even from turning to ourselves! This is why Jesus told Peter that he needed to be converted (Luke 22:31). Peter had not fully turned to Christ, because he was still turning to himself. He didn’t yet see his own weaknesses. It was after Peter fully saw his own weakness that he was in a position (ready) to be converted (turn to Christ). This is what Christ meant when He said, “Where I go you cannot follow me, yet” (John 13:37). Conversion often takes time. It often requires a series of events in which God reveals to a person their own weaknesses. It is when we see our own weaknesses (weaknesses in those we have trusted) that we are ready to turn to Him and truly be converted! By the way, Peter teaches us that it’s possible to believe and even be regenerated, but still not be fully converted. Peter’s name (nature) was changed, but he wasn’t converted. We see the same thing in the life of Abraham. Abraham’s name was changed, but Abraham didn’t fully recognize his won weakness and therefore did not fully follow (trust) God. This was the purpose of Abraham’s trials (and ours)—to expose his weaknesses and to see if he would trust God. To receive grace (strength) from God you first have to take inventory of your own strength. If God sees that you have too much, then He will send a try to reduce your strength.

Notes:

Who needs to be converted?

What does it mean to be converted?

What keeps us from being converted?

Spirit of whoredoms (Hosea 5:4), pride (Hosea 7:10)

What are some of the things God uses to turn (convert) His people?

Amos 4:6-11