Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Nature Conversion by Christ refers to the transformative process by which an individual turns from sin and self-reliance to faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. This spiritual transformation is marked by repentance, faith, and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, resulting in a new creation in Christ. The Apostle Paul encapsulates this transformation 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!" Biblical Basis The concept of conversion is deeply rooted in Scripture, with numerous passages illustrating the necessity and process of turning to Christ. Jesus Himself emphasized the need for conversion in His earthly ministry. In Matthew 18:3 , He states, "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven." This highlights the humility and faith required for conversion. The Book of Acts provides vivid accounts of conversion, notably the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. Acts 9:3-6 describes Saul's encounter with the risen Christ on the road to Damascus, leading to his transformation into the Apostle Paul. This event underscores the power of Christ to change even the most ardent opponent into a devoted follower. Elements of Conversion 1. Repentance: Acknowledging one's sinfulness and turning away from sin is a crucial aspect of conversion. Acts 3:19 exhorts, "Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away." 2. Faith in Christ: Conversion involves placing one's trust in Jesus Christ for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 affirms, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." 3. Regeneration: The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in conversion, regenerating the believer and imparting new life. John 3:5-6 records Jesus' words to Nicodemus: "Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh is born of flesh, but spirit is born of the Spirit." Evidence of Conversion The evidence of genuine conversion is seen in a transformed life. Galatians 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities manifest in the life of a converted believer, demonstrating the work of the Holy Spirit. The Role of the Church The Church plays a significant role in nurturing and discipling new converts. The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 commands believers to "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 underscores the responsibility of the Church to guide converts in their spiritual growth and understanding of Scripture. Challenges and Perseverance While conversion marks the beginning of a new life in Christ, believers may face challenges and temptations. The Apostle Paul encourages perseverance in Philippians 3:13-14 : "Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize of God’s heavenly calling in Christ Jesus." Conversion by Christ is a profound and life-altering experience, characterized by a turning away from sin and a wholehearted embrace of Jesus as Savior and Lord. Through repentance, faith, and the work of the Holy Spirit, individuals are transformed into new creations, empowered to live lives that reflect the character and love of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 3:26To you first God, having raised up his Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 15:18 Greek 1347. dikaiosis -- the act of pronouncing righteous, acquittal ... 5:18. It focuses on by receiving Christ -- ie as a person is moved from eternal "condemned" to "" at conversion. 1347 () is the ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1347.htm - 8k 3824. paliggenesia -- regeneration, renewal Library Book Eight Conversion to Christ. ... Abgar Sends Princes to Marinus; These Deputies See Our Saviour ... Righteousness is not Placed in Jewish Rites but in the Conversion ... First of Conversion Conversion Our Hope is not the Conversion of the World. Of the Conversion, Life, Miracles, and Death of the Holy Brother ... The Conversion of Zaccheus Saul's Conversion Introduction Resources What is a faith conversion? What does it mean to be converted? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about a death bed conversion? | GotQuestions.org What happened on the road to Damascus? What is a road to Damascus experience? | GotQuestions.org Conversion: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Conversion by the Power of the Holy Spirit Conversion is Accompanied by Confession of Sin, and Prayer Conversion is the Result of Faith Conversion of Gentiles, Predicted Conversion of Israel, Predicted Conversion of Sinners, a Cause of Joy: To God Conversion of Sinners, a Cause of Joy: To Saints Conversion: Danger of Neglecting Conversion: Duty of Leading Sinners To Conversion: Encouragement for Leading Sinners To Conversion: Follows Repentance Conversion: Promises Connected With Conversion: Through the Instrumentality of Affliction Conversion: Through the Instrumentality of Ministers Conversion: Through the Instrumentality of Self-Examination Conversion: Through the Instrumentality of The Scriptures Related Terms |
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