Topical Encyclopedia Conversion, in Christian theology, refers to the spiritual transformation in which an individual turns from sin to faith in Jesus Christ. This transformation is understood to be an act of divine grace, rather than human effort or merit. The concept of conversion being of grace is deeply rooted in Scripture and is a fundamental tenet of Christian doctrine.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently emphasizes that conversion is a work of God's grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "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." This passage underscores that salvation, and by extension conversion, is a gift from God, not something earned by human deeds. In the book of Acts, the conversion of Saul of Tarsus (later known as the Apostle Paul) serves as a profound example of grace. Acts 9:3-6 describes Saul's encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus, where he is dramatically transformed from a persecutor of Christians to a devoted apostle. This event highlights the unmerited favor of God in initiating and effecting conversion. The Role of the Holy Spirit The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the process of conversion. John 16:8 states, "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." The Spirit convicts individuals of their sinfulness and their need for a Savior, leading them to repentance and faith in Christ. Titus 3:5 further elaborates on this work, saying, "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." This renewal and regeneration are acts of grace, accomplished by the Spirit's power. Human Response While conversion is initiated by God's grace, it requires a human response of faith and repentance. Mark 1:15 records Jesus' call to action: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe in the gospel!" This response, however, is itself enabled by grace, as Philippians 2:13 explains, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure." Theological Implications The doctrine that conversion is of grace has significant theological implications. It affirms the sovereignty of God in salvation, emphasizing that He is the initiator and completer of the work of conversion. Romans 8:29-30 speaks to this divine orchestration: "For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son... And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This understanding of conversion as a gracious act of God provides assurance to believers, as their salvation rests not on their own unstable efforts but on the steadfast grace of God. It also fosters humility, as it acknowledges that no one can claim credit for their conversion; it is solely the work of God's grace. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 11:21,23And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Who Teach: that Grace and Free Will are Partial Causes which ... Free Will Has Its Function in the Heart's Conversion; but Grace ... What it is Not. Rejection of Errors The Corruption of Man, his Conversion to God, and the Manner ... Of the Conversion, Life, Miracles, and Death of the Holy Brother ... Conversion A Picture of Conversion. 2 Kings ii. 19-22. The Conversion of Paul. Who Teach: that the Grace Whereby we are Converted to God is Only ... Resources What is conversion/reparative therapy, and is it biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs it wrong to force a conversion? What role should coercion play in religion? | GotQuestions.org How can I detect a false conversion? | 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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