The Application of the Work of Redemption: True Conversion

Notes from Louis Berkhof pps 131 - 137 and Myer Pearlman pps 223-237

In the very simplest terms conversion is a real turning from sin to God.

Act 3:19  Therefore, repent and turn to him to have your sins blotted out,

Act 3:20  so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord and so that he may send you Jesus, whom he appointed long ago to be the Messiah.

Louis Berkhof defines conversion as that act of God whereby He causes the regenerated, in their conscious life, to turn to Him in faith and repentance.

Act 11:18  This statement of Peter's silenced his opponents. They extolled the goodness of God, and said, "So, then, to the Gentiles also God has given the repentance which leads to Life."

2Ti 2:25  He must speak in a gentle tone when correcting the errors of opponents, in the hope that God will at last give them repentance, for them to come to a full knowledge of the truth

2Ti 2:26  and recover sober-mindedness and freedom from the Devil's snare, though they are now entrapped by him to do his will.

The Holy Spirit is the Agent of the Godhead who causes this change to take place in the life of a Newly Born Again Person.

Php 2:13  For it is God Himself whose power creates within you the desire to do His gracious will and also brings about the accomplishment of the desire.

Act 2:38  "Repent," replied Peter, "and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ, with a view to the remission of your sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Act 2:39  For to you belongs the promise, and to your children, and to all who are far off, whoever the Lord our God may call."

It consist as a momentary change like regeneration, and is not a process like sanctification. It is  a change in the conscious life of a new believer.

Questions for research and Review.

1. Name some instances of outstanding conversions in the Old and New Testaments?
2. What elements are found in a True Conversion?
3. How do the Roman Catholics conceive of Repentance?
4. How does Conversion differ from Regeneration?
5. Who is the author of Conversion? Does man cooperate in conversion?

Verses to Memorize.

1. That God is the author of conversion.

Act 11:18  This statement of Peter's silenced his opponents. They extolled the goodness of God, and said, "So, then, to the Gentiles also God has given the repentance which leads to Life."

    b. That man cooperates in Conversion.

Isa 55:7  Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to Jehovah, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.

Act 17:30  Truly, then, God overlooking the times of ignorance, now He strictly commands all men everywhere to repent,

   c. The Necessity of Conversion.

Eze 33:11  Say to them: As I live, says the Lord Jehovah, I have no delight in the death of the wicked, except in the turning of the wicked from his way, and so to live. Turn, turn from your evil ways; for why will you die, O house of Israel?

Mat 18:3  and said, Truly I say to you, Unless you are converted and become as little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven.

True conversion involves Repentance and Faith. See next time.