The Gift of Salvation - 4. Conversion
In the previous blog,
we saw that a Christian is one that has been ‘born again’ or ‘regenerate’ by
the Holy Spirit.
‘Conversion’ is a term
that means ‘turning’; it sums up what happens after one is regenerate. Like any
new birth, the bible points to crucial attributes (or fruit) that will always accompany
this transformation.
Repentance always accompanies conversion
Repentance is a change
of mind and life. Regeneration will
always be accompanied by a desire to follow and please Jesus.
Faith always accompanies conversion
Faith receives Jesus
as Lord and Saviour; a complete trust
in Jesus’ death and resurrection for our sin will always accompany true
salvation.
Wayne Grudem sums it
up,
‘Conversion Is a Single Action of Turning from Sin in Repentance
and Turning to Christ in Faith.’
Baptism should always follow conversion
Baptism is a vital act
of faith; it is the symbolic action that the New Testament commands us to
undertake in order to show our acceptance of the gospel and desire to live a
new life for Jesus. Baptism is not essential in order to be saved – one can be
a Christian without baptism; never the less, it is always to our detriment when
we don’t follow the clear teaching of scripture.
A couple of great quotes
‘Conversion is our willing response to the gospel call, in which
we sincerely repent of sins and place our trust in Christ for salvation.’
(Grudem)
‘Trust involves the will as well as the mind. To have saving
faith requires that we love the truth of the gospel and desire to live it out.
We embrace with our hearts the sweetness and loveliness of Christ’ (R. C.
Sproul)
To memorise/meditate upon
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.
Acts 2:38 Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptised, every one of
you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Acts 2:41 Those who accepted his message were baptised, and
about three thousand were added to their number that day.
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