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“conversion” What is “conversion”? Here is what Mr. Webster says: “CONVERSION, n. 1. In a general sense, a turning or change from one state to another; with regard to substances, transmutation; as a conversion of water into ice, or of food into chyle or blood. 2. In a theological or moral sense, a change of heart, or dispositions, in which the enmity of the heart to God and his law and the obstinacy of the will are subdued, and are succeeded by supreme love to God and his moral government, and a reformation of life.” I understand Webster’s definition to mean there is a turning or a change. It is a change of heart or a change of lifestyle. If you in the past have been an enemy of God you now have a change of heart and you are reformed to live your life doing His will. How does this change come about? Here is what Jesus said: (John 6:44) "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day." Jesus says that God “draws” us unto Himself; this He does through His word. The apostle Paul writes that Jesus also has a part in this drawing; (Rom 15:18) "For I will not dare to speak of any of those things which Christ hath not wrought by me, to make the Gentiles obedient, by word and deed," Paul not only informs us that we are drawn by “word and deed” but he also informs us that Christ has a part in this drawing. It was through Paul’s preaching of the gospel of Jesus that the Gentiles were obedient. Just hearing the gospel is not enough, we must also be obedient. Not to be overlooked in this matter of “conversion” is the grace of God. It is the grace of God that allows us to be converted! (Acts 11:21) "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." (Acts 11:23) "Who, when he came, and had seen the grace of God, was glad, and exhorted them all, that with purpose of heart they would cleave unto the Lord." We see in verse 21 that Mr. Webster was correct in saying that conversion is a “turning”. What was it that they believed? Without a doubt it was the gospel of Jesus Christ. When Peter came and saw what had happened to them he recognized it as the “grace of God” which was responsible for their change. If it were not for the “grace of God” their turning would not be possible. Another point that we should be aware of is that “conversion” follows “repentance”: (Acts 3:19) "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;" This stands to reason, if we don’t change our way of living there has never truly been a conversion, remember “conversion” is a turning or a changing. Acts 26:20 confirms that we must repent and then be converted: “that they should repent and turn to God, and do works meet for repentance." Friends, conversion is not possible without faith: (Acts 11:21) "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord." If you believe the gospel of Jesus Christ won’t you repent of your sins and be converted to live the rest of your life for God. Of course in order to receive remission of your past sins you must be baptized: (Acts 2:38) "Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost." God has done His part; won’t you now do that which is required of you?
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