Authentic Conversion

This summer of raising support has been at times very challenging and very encouraging. It is always a joy to meet with people and to hear more about their walks with Christ. However, one couple we met with reminded me of the joy and beauty of our salvation.

I think that so often in our modern-day Christianity, we have lost sight of what a true conversion to Christianity looks like. We have instead replaced it with a formula of praying a sinner’s prayer lacking repentance and then being told that they are a Christian.

In many cases we then end up with a person who was never really converted, and now is considered a “backslider.” I believe that the Bible depicts a salvation and conversion that is so much more than that.

He told them, “This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”-Luke 24:47

The Bible calls people everywhere to repentance; to turn from their sin. (I don’t know why we don’t use that word-- repentance--much anymore) Not only are we called to repent, but to then trust in Christ as our substitute. Our sin is then exchanged for Christ’s perfection and we can have a right relationship with God.

One of the key aspects to a true conversion I see in the Bible is that when someone is truly converted they receive the Holy Spirit and their life changes. They start to desire the things of God more than the things of the world.

'The Bible does not recognize “conversion” that lacks this radical change of direction. A true believer cannot remain rebellious--or even indifferent. Genuine faith will inevitably provoke some degree of obedience. In fact, Scripture often equates faith with obedience. “By faith Abraham [the father of true faith] ... obeyed”. That is the heart of the message of Hebrews 11, the great treatise on faith.'--John MacArthur

When I reflect on my own conversion and the miraculous work that God has done on my heart, I cannot help but be amazed and worship Him. God is so very kind to offer such a salvation to sinners like you and me and we would do well to have a biblical understanding of salvation and conversion.