What does "turning to God" mean?

Definition and Scriptural Context

Turning to God refers to a deliberate, wholehearted shift in one’s mind, heart, and actions toward the Creator. This involves recognizing dependence on Him, acknowledging one’s sin, and choosing to align with His revealed will. The Bible consistently frames this turning as an act of faith and obedience.

In many passages, “turning to God” is paired with repentance. One such example is in Acts 26:20: “I preached that they should repent and turn to God and prove their repentance by their deeds.” This pairing reveals that turning to God entails both a change of internal conviction and an outward demonstration of that transformed life.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, turning to God is linked with the concept of returning or “coming back” to the covenant relationship outlined in the Law and the Prophets. Joel 2:12 declares, “‘Even now,’ declares the LORD, ‘return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.’” Such pleas establish that this turning includes emotional humility and a conscious commitment to forsake wrongdoing.

Numerous historical accounts affirm the importance of Israel’s repeated calls to turn from idolatry back to Yahweh. Archaeological findings, such as the discovery of ancient altars and remnants of idol worship practices in sites like Megiddo and Dan, help illustrate Israel’s historical struggles with polytheistic neighbors. Yet the biblical text, supported by consistent manuscript evidence such as the Dead Sea Scrolls, shows a recurring theme: God continually calls His people to “return” to a faithful and exclusive relationship with Him.

New Testament Clarity

In the New Testament, turning to God is more explicitly associated with a person's acceptance of Jesus Christ’s redemptive work. As expressed in Acts 3:19: “Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” Here, turning to God includes embracing the reconciliation made possible by the sacrificial death and resurrection of Christ.

Multiple early manuscript witnesses, such as papyrus fragments and codices of the Gospels and Epistles, support the uniformity of these teachings. These documents underscore that from the earliest recorded texts, believers were guided to trust and follow Jesus as the fullest expression of turning to God.

Connection to Repentance and Faith

Turning to God is inseparably linked to repentance (changing one’s mind about sin) and faith (trust in the risen Christ). Without repentance, turning to God would remain superficial, lacking any real departure from sin. Without faith in Christ, turning to God would be incomplete, as Scripture teaches that salvation is found only through Christ’s atoning work and victorious resurrection (cf. John 14:6: “Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.’”).

Transformation and Lifestyle

In practical terms, turning to God results in a transformed life. Those who truly turn to God demonstrate it through changed behavior, moral choices, and worship. This transformation is energized by the Holy Spirit, as taught in 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!”

This “new creation” aspect is illustrated through changed priorities, habits, and relationships. Even in modern testimonies—from individuals who have turned from destructive lifestyles to selfless service—there is evidence of transformative power. Such real-world testimonials align with the biblical principle that turning to God is not merely an inward shift but one that results in outward, observable life changes.

God’s Initiative and Human Response

Although turning to God involves a human decision, Scripture emphasizes that God Himself initiates and enables it. Philippians 2:13 teaches, “For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure.” Human free will is active, yet it responds to God’s gracious call.

Archaeological and historical corroborations (such as the records of early Christian communities being radically changed from persecutors to believers in the resurrected Christ) echo this belief in divine involvement. Early Christian writers, including those documented by Eusebius, testify to the dramatic transformation of individuals who encountered the message of Jesus. These accounts demonstrate that encountering God prompts a response that the Bible describes as “turning” to Him.

Obedience and Ongoing Fellowship

Turning to God is never described in Scripture as a single moment without lasting implications. Rather, it initiates an ongoing relationship. James 4:8 urges, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” This implies daily, continual reliance on God through prayer, study of the Scriptures, worship, and fellowship with others who trust in Him.

This continual turning reflects a long-term commitment that includes practical steps of obedience, such as service, moral living, and sharing the good news with others. Ancient documents like the Didache attest to the early church’s posture of living out their faith, reinforcing that turning to God is more than a one-time choice—it is a life marked by consistency and growth in holiness.

Evidence and Reasonableness

Outside biblical texts, supporting evidence for a Creator worthy of our trust can be seen in the intricate order of the cosmos, geological structures, and biological systems that offer compelling arguments for intelligent design. Scientific investigations into the fine-tuning of universal constants align with the scriptural assertion of a purposeful Creator. The design evident in the earth’s ecosystems—such as the unique composition of the atmosphere—points to thoughtful craftsmanship rather than random chance.

Historical and archaeological findings, from the verification of flood narratives across cultures to the discovery of ancient biblical towns (e.g., Jericho’s collapsed walls, subject to ongoing study), reinforce the authenticity of events described in Scripture. They offer a tangible backdrop for the purposeful actions of God recorded in the Bible. These lines of support can encourage confidence in the biblical God to whom Scripture calls us to turn.

Salvation and Eternal Hope

Ultimately, “turning to God” brings salvation through Christ’s resurrection, securing believers’ eternal hope. Romans 10:9 states, “If you confess with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” That confession and belief are integrally linked to the act of turning away from self-reliance and sin, and turning toward the living God.

The empty tomb, as attested by multiple gospel accounts and affirmed by first-century historical records, forms the bedrock for this confidence. Early Christian proclamations in Jerusalem focused on the risen Christ (Acts 2), an event that sparked the rapid growth of Christianity. Many historians note that only a genuine conviction (and evidence) of Jesus’ bodily resurrection could have fueled such decisive changes in both Jewish and Gentile communities.

Practical Steps and Ongoing Growth

1. Recognize God’s Holiness and Our Need: Acknowledge that all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and that we require God’s grace.

2. Confess Jesus as Lord: Place faith in His resurrection (Romans 10:9) and respond with obedience.

3. Repent and Turn Away from Sin: Embrace a new pattern of life, letting go of habits and choices contrary to God’s will.

4. Foster Communion with God: Study Scripture, pursue prayer, worship regularly, and engage with fellow believers.

5. Serve and Love Others: Reflect God’s character by caring for those in need, practicing humility, and sharing the message of hope.

Conclusion

Turning to God is both a personal turning from sin and an active movement toward a loving, holy Creator. It involves reshaping one’s life around His commands and character, made possible through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Supported by scriptural teaching, historical and archaeological corroborations, and even modern illustrations of life change, “turning to God” stands as a central Scriptural theme—inviting all to relationship, repentance, and renewed purpose.