TO many the word “conversion” has an unpleasant sound, for it signifies a change from one course to another—from the ways of the world to those of God, and this change the natural heart does not like.
Hence some would apply the word to the heathen or to the Jews, and endeavor to escape its application to the professing Christian. No doubt it relates to the Jews and to the heathen, but conversion to God is absolutely necessary to every man under heaven.
What is conversion? It is in Scripture a turning to God, and this turn must take place in the history of every soul of man in order to his entrance into heaven. The fact is that man is in a state of alienation from God; every man, let his circumstances be what they may—the man of Christendom, or the man of Heathendom—his heart is by nature opposed to God, and, indeed, hates Him.
One thing is preparatory to conversion, and that is the “new birth.” This is the distinct work of God’s Spirit in the conscience leading to the change in heart and ways, which are seen in conversion.
At the new birth, a disposition is produced which hates sin and loves God; indeed, a nature is implanted which makes the presence of God no longer repulsive and fearsome, but attractive and blessed, so that the effect in conversion is godliness of life.
Hence the Lord in His faithful ministry here below said, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:33And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3)).
This note was taken up by His servants in the Acts. The apostle Peter said, “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out,” as he preached in Solomon’s Porch immediately after the great day of Pentecost.
This audience was, no doubt, composed of Jews; but in chapter 11:21, we find that, as the result of the labors of the scattered disciples, a great number of the, Grecians believed and turned to the Lord (the word turned is that used for converted), and these Grecians, though Jews by birth, were so mixed up with Greeks as to speak their language. Conversion, therefore, was affecting others besides those of the Jewish nation.
This was extended to the Gentiles, in chapter 26:20, when Paul preached that they should “repent and turn to God (conversion), and do works meet for repentance.”
Finally, we read that the Thessalonians “turned to God from idols.” Hence, whether we have regard to the Jews under the ministry of the Lord, or to the Jews, Grecians, and Gentiles under that of the servants who followed Him, the self-same primary truth of conversion was insisted on in its necessity. It is the first step in the divine life of every child of God, then and now. And, indeed, the after-life of the believer is but the evidence of his conversion to God. There may be, alas, many a slip (for who is sinless?), but he has the grace and power of the Spirit to support him all his journey through, so that he may resemble the light that shineth more and more unto the perfect day.
There are, no doubt, varied degrees in the energy of this life in different souls, yet conversion is a tremendous reality wherever it exists.
We speak of the conversion of Saul of Tarsus; and we are familiar with the incidents of his apostolic career; yet, wonderful as was the grace that wrought in him, as a vessel, his conversion was of the same kind as any other. The effects were mighty, and the change was both radical and thorough, but the Power by which it was produced was the same as in all other cases.
Now this change is not only necessary, but, spite of the possibly unpleasant sound of the word describing it, it is unspeakably blessed.
Conversion to God is, at first, being put right with Him, and that implies pardon, peace, reconciliation, and the sense of His favor. It is, therefore, a precious experience.
To be right with God is an infinite joy and blessing. It is the Spirit-given result of the work of our Lord Jesus in death and resurrection; by faith, we have peace with God through Him. We joy in God; we are His children. All this is blessed, and fills the heart with praise.
Then there is the privilege of outward testimony and service, and also of suffering for Christ’s sake.
But in all this needed exercise the soul is sustained and supported; while, at the close, the coming of the Lord, and being with Him forever, is the portion of the converted soul.
Reader, are you such?
J. W. S.