Components In Conversion — A Question
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesA querist asks, “In the book of Acts, we see several accounts of conversion that are recorded. Some people think that ‘just getting wet’ [baptism] is all there is to conversion. In addition to baptism, can you please describe some other components in conversion?”
From a study of the Scriptures, we know that conversion requires a change (Acts 2:37-38 ; Acts 3:19; cf. Luke 24:46-47). The very word “conversion” (Strongs No. 1995), carries with it the idea of “a turning from and a turning to” (cf. Vines — also note 1 Thessalonians 1:9). But a change of what? To what degree must we change?
1) Conversion is a change of mindset — It is a change from unbelief to belief. When Paul and Silas preached in Corinth, they were able to convert Crispus from his state of non-belief to a state of belief (Acts 18:8). Thus, through the preaching of the powerful gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16), Crispus was convinced of God’s truth, convicted of God’s truth, and was converted to God’s truth (also note the same progression of conversion in Acts 2:14-41).
2) Conversion is a change of affections — When we are truly converted to Christ, we change our love of sin to a love of God. It is on this basis that we “keep His commandments” (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3). We demonstrate the conversion of our affections by our deeds (James 2:14-24; 1 John 3:15-18).
3) Conversion is a change of will — When we become a Christian, our will becomes obedient to God’s will (Romans 6:17-18). We are to recognize our responsibilities to God and to our fellow man and act accordingly (Ecclesiastes 12:13; 1 John 3:22-24). Once converted, we have the privilege and authority to enter into the gates of heaven (Revelation 22:14).
4) Conversion is a change in state and relationship — When truly converted, we are moved from a lost state to a saved state, and thus in a right relationship with God (Romans 5:6-10; 2 Corinthians 5:17-19). We are no longer strangers, but are “fellow citizens” of the household of God (Ephesians 2:19-20). We can be the worst outcast or an orphan with no home, but God accepts all who will respond to His call (Revelation 3:20; Revelation 22:17). No sin is so great that God cannot forgive (Matthew 9:13; cf. Gal. 1:13; 1 Timothy 1:12-15).
5) Conversion is a change of conscience — When we are truly converted to Christ, our conscience is changed from an evil state to a good state before God (cf. Titus 1:15-16; 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Timothy 1:18-19; 1 Peter 3:18-21). When our conscience is clean and clear before God (Acts 23:1; Acts 24:14-16), we’ll think right things (Titus 1:15; Philippians 4:8-9).
As we can see from the above study, conversion is more than simply “getting wet.” It is a unique change of mindset and thinking resulting in a changed lifestyle (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17; Gal. 5:14-15; cf. Romans 2:29; Romans 6:6; Gal. 2:20).
Related Articles:
- What About Our Conversion?
- A Question Regarding Conversion
- “Except Ye Become As Little Children”