Topical Encyclopedia In the context of the Bible, the term "convert" refers to the act of turning or changing from one belief, practice, or allegiance to another, particularly in a religious sense. This transformation is often associated with a profound spiritual awakening and commitment to follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. The concept of conversion is central to Christian theology and is seen as a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of an individual.Old Testament Context While the specific term "convert" is not frequently used in the Old Testament, the idea of turning to God is prevalent. The Hebrew word "shuv," meaning to turn or return, is often used to describe repentance and a return to God. For example, in Isaiah 55:7 , it is written: "Let the wicked man forsake his own way and the unrighteous man his own thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon." New Testament Context In the New Testament, conversion is more explicitly addressed, particularly in the context of the early Christian church. The Greek word "epistrepho," meaning to turn or return, is often used. Conversion involves a turning away from sin and a turning towards God through faith in Jesus Christ. This is exemplified in Acts 3:19 : "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." The Apostle Paul is a prominent example of conversion in the New Testament. His dramatic transformation from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle of Christ is detailed in Acts 9. Paul's conversion underscores the power of God's grace and the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Theological Significance Conversion is seen as a pivotal moment in the life of a believer, marking the beginning of a new life in Christ. It involves both an inward change of heart and an outward change in behavior. Jesus emphasized the necessity of conversion in John 3:3 , saying, "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." The process of conversion is often associated with repentance, faith, and baptism. Repentance involves a sincere turning away from sin, while faith is the trust in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Baptism is seen as an outward expression of an inward change, symbolizing the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the conversion process. It is the Spirit who convicts individuals of their sin, leads them to repentance, and empowers them to live a new life in Christ. In John 16:8 , Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit's work: "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." Missionary Implications The call to convert others is a fundamental aspect of the Great Commission, as given by Jesus in Matthew 28:19-20 : "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This mandate underscores the importance of evangelism and the spread of the Gospel message to all people. Conclusion The concept of conversion is integral to the Christian faith, representing a transformative journey from sin to salvation. It is a profound change initiated by the Holy Spirit, resulting in a new life dedicated to following Christ. Through conversion, believers are called to live out their faith and share the message of salvation with others. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (v. t.) To cause to turn; to turn.2. (v. t.) To change or turn from one state or condition to another; to alter in form, substance, or quality; to transform; to transmute; as, to convert water into ice. 3. (v. t.) To change or turn from one belief or course to another, as from one religion to another or from one party or sect to another. 4. (v. t.) To produce the spiritual change called conversion in (any one); to turn from a bad life to a good one; to change the heart and moral character of (any one) from the controlling power of sin to that of holiness. 5. (v. t.) To apply to any use by a diversion from the proper or intended use; to appropriate dishonestly or illegally. 6. (v. t.) To exchange for some specified equivalent; as, to convert goods into money. 7. (v. t.) To change (one proposition) into another, so that what was the subject of the first becomes the predicate of the second. 8. (v. t.) To turn into another language; to translate. 9. (v. i.) To be turned or changed in character or direction; to undergo a change, physically or morally. 10. (n.) A person who is converted from one opinion or practice to another; a person who is won over to, or heartily embraces, a creed, religious system, or party, in which he has not previously believed; especially, one who turns from the controlling power of sin to that of holiness, or from unbelief to Christianity. 11. (n.) A lay friar or brother, permitted to enter a monastery for the service of the house, but without orders, and not allowed to sing in the choir. Greek 3504. neophutos -- newly planted ... Part of Speech: Adjective Transliteration: neophutos Phonetic Spelling: (neh-of'-oo-tos) Short Definition: newly-planted, recent convert Definition: (lit: ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3504.htm - 6k 1994. epistrepho -- to turn, to return 4762. strepho -- to turn, ie to change 536. aparche -- the beginning of a sacrifice, ie the first fruit 4339. proselutos -- one who has arrived (at Judaism), a proselyte 738. artigennetos -- newborn Strong's Hebrew 7725. shub -- to turn back, return... bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, X certainly, come again (back), X consider, + continually, convert, deliver (again ... /hebrew/7725.htm - 9k Library A Martyr-Convert The New Convert. Convert. PM Lydia, the First European Convert A Gentle Heroine, a Gentile Convert "Let them Convert the Scolds" The Christian Convert Warned Of, and Animated against those ... Peter Wishes to Convert Faustus. God Hath Made it Easy to Convert Our Soul into a Thought ... God is Able to Convert Opposing Wills, and to Take Away from the ... Thesaurus Convert (6 Occurrences)... vt) To change or turn from one state or condition to another; to alter in form, substance, or quality; to transform; to transmute; as, to convert water into ice ... /c/convert.htm - 9k Realize (29 Occurrences) Proselyte (2 Occurrences) Conversion (1 Occurrence) Novice (1 Occurrence) Interrogation (1 Occurrence) Mash (2 Occurrences) Converted (11 Occurrences) Nonimmersionist Non-immersionist Resources How should Christians respond to claims of a recent convert? | GotQuestions.orgHow do I convert to Christianity? | GotQuestions.org If I convert to Christianity, my family will disown me, and I will be persecuted. Should I follow Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Convert: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Convert (6 Occurrences)Matthew 23:15 Acts 6:5 Romans 16:5 1 Timothy 3:6 James 5:19 Isaiah 6:10 Subtopics Related Terms |
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