Repentance and Conversion
What does conversion mean? How do you know when a person is truly converted? We often use this word in conjunction with sanctification, as it is a necessary experience before a soul can be sanctified. As a result, perhaps we overlook this tremendous work of grace in anticipation of sanctification. But let’s consider this miraculous work of grace on its own for a minute.
We find this term in the gospels and in Act 3:19, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out…”. In this text, conversion takes place after repentance. So it is possible that a person could repent but not be converted, yet it is impossible to be converted without repentance. Repentance is asking God to forgive committed sin and then fully turning away from all known sin. The turning away from sin is the defining mark of repentance and distinguishes this work from forgiveness.
The scripture doesn’t command that we merely confess sin and obtain forgiveness. It demands repentance, which is to say, a complete turning away from sin and a determination not to commit sin anymore. God is faithful to respond to this prayer with great power and the believer is filled with relief and gratitude.
Conversion is when that same believer begins to actively follow Christ. So the turning away from sin and the turning toward Christ is the mark of true conversion. The converted soul will love the Lord Jesus and try to emulate His character in all things. They talk of Christ and study His Word with a newfound disdain for things that are ungodly. It is normal that the experience of a newly converted person will be noticed by their peers and coworkers who knew them before. Then, as the forces of darkness rebel against this change, the power of God is present to help them through as they begin to identify themselves with Christ. This time is usually marked with happiness and positive emotion, even in the presence of suffering and uncertainty. Christ is real and personal to them and His smile warms their new heart.
This experience, however, is not the full blessing of sanctification. As there has been a complete death to committed sins in the heart of the converted soul, there must also be a complete death to self before the full baptism of the Holy Spirit is experienced. That is the fulfillment of the scriptural promise given from the book of Genesis and made possible by the resurrection of Christ.
But, remember, there are no shortcuts to this sacred ground. First, the work of conversion is essential, miraculous, divine, and beautiful. If you have not enjoyed this in it’s fullness, please follow the scriptural exhortation to repent, and do the first works. Let us consider the work of God for what it is and not rush past this experience. Let us remember the words of Jesus, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). So I want to leave you with this testimony, that I am glad to be converted…and sanctified.
Bro Jeff Price