Topical Bible: Conversion: Follows Repentance

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Conversion is a fundamental concept in Christian theology, signifying a profound transformation in an individual's life, characterized by a turning away from sin and a turning towards God. This transformation is often seen as a direct result of genuine repentance, which precedes and prepares the heart for conversion.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible presents conversion as a necessary step in the process of salvation. In Acts 3:19, the Apostle Peter exhorts the people, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." This verse highlights the sequence where repentance leads to conversion, resulting in the forgiveness of sins. Repentance involves a heartfelt sorrow for sin and a commitment to change one's ways, while conversion is the actual turning to God and embracing a new life in Christ.

Repentance as a Precursor

Repentance is the initial step that sets the stage for conversion. It is a recognition of one's sinful state and a sincere desire to change. In Matthew 3:2, John the Baptist calls for repentance, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." This call to repentance is echoed by Jesus in Matthew 4:17, emphasizing its importance in the Christian journey. Repentance is not merely an emotional response but involves a decisive turning away from sin and a reorientation of one's life towards God.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in both repentance and conversion. In John 16:8, Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will "convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." This conviction leads individuals to recognize their need for repentance and conversion. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to turn from their old ways and embrace a new life in Christ, as seen in Titus 3:5, which states, "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit."

Evidence of Conversion

True conversion is evidenced by a transformed life. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, Paul writes, "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come!" This transformation is marked by a change in behavior, attitudes, and priorities, reflecting the character of Christ. The fruit of the Spirit, as described in Galatians 5:22-23, becomes evident in the life of a converted believer, showcasing love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Conversion and Faith

Conversion is closely linked with faith. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Faith is the means by which individuals receive the gift of salvation, and conversion is the outward expression of that inward faith. Romans 10:9-10 underscores the necessity of confessing with the mouth and believing in the heart, illustrating the connection between faith and conversion.

Conclusion

While conversion follows repentance, it is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of sanctification. Believers are continually called to turn away from sin and grow in their relationship with God. The journey of conversion is marked by a deepening faith and a continual reliance on the Holy Spirit to live a life that honors God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 3:19
Repent you therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 26:20
But showed first to them of Damascus, and at Jerusalem, and throughout all the coasts of Judaea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Old and New Terminology.
... that the work of grace does not begin with faith or with repentance or contrition ...
of the new life precedes the first act of faith, but conversion follows it. ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xix old and new terminology.htm

Regeneration by Faith. Of Repentance.
... First, in the conversion of the life to God, we ... Hence, too, it follows, that, shaking
off sloth and security ... The Apostle, in his description of repentance (2:Cor ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 3 regeneration by faith.htm

On Repentance
... copious definition may be given, such as the following: "Repentance, penitence,
or conversion is an ... it, and in the whole of his life follows after it. ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/disputation 17 on repentance.htm

Results of True Repentance.
... There are five things that flow out of true repentance: ... 4. Conversion. ... righteousness,
and of judgment; of sin because they believe not on Me,""as follows:". ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/moody/the overcoming life/results of true repentance.htm

Article xii (V): of Repentance.
... which properly belong to it in conversion, or regeneration ... This faith follows terrors
in such a manner as to ... accordingly place it among the parts of repentance. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 15 article xii v .htm

Conversion, Its Nature and Necessity.
... sometimes the Scriptures use the word "repentance" as embracing ... is not something
that goes before conversion, and faith something that follows after, and ...
/.../chapter xviii conversion its nature.htm

The Need and Nature of Conversion
... Then there follows, in due order, the promise of a ... us meditate a while upon THE
NECESSITY OF CONVERSION. ... by bringing forth "fruits meet for repentance." It is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 48 1902/the need and nature of.htm

Conversion --Varied Phenomena or Experience.
... an one does give himself to God, his repentance may not ... in general, as cases of slow
and gradual conversion.1 1 ... From all this it follows that not every one can ...
/.../chapter xix conversionvaried phenomena or.htm

That Faith in Christ Justifies.
... [For the preaching of repentance, or this ... For concerning the conversion of the wicked,
or concerning the ... is apprehended only by faith, it follows that faith ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 4 that faith in.htm

Book Eight Conversion to Christ. ...
... from Paul resolves the crisis; the conversion is a ... and nine just persons that need
no repentance." [243] And ... against it, when just punishment follows the sinner ...
/.../augustine/confessions and enchiridion/book eight conversion to christ .htm