Evidence of Genuine Conversion

CONVERSION 

 A supernatural transformation of the mind, affections, and life that restores the freedom, self-control, and spiritual union with God that were lost as a result of sin.

Conversion involves contrition and confession, that is, a recognition and acknowledgment of oneself as a sinner in need of forgiveness. It also involves an unconditional decision to reorient one’s will, aims, and life to conform with the will of God, a corresponding effort to that end, and a willing dependence upon God for the necessities of life and eventually for the complete restoration of all that was lost as a result of sin.

A personal experience of conversion is essential to salvation. The Bible describes this experience by a variety of figurative expressions that call attention to various aspects of what is, in fact, a complex subjective (internal) experience accompanied by important objective (external) effects. It is described, on the one hand, as something a person does: a turning from one mode of life to another (Matt. 18:3; Acts 3:19; 11:21; 14:15; 26:18), a repentance, or change of mind (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 2 Cor. 7:9, 10). But it is also described as something done to or for a person: a rebirth (John 1:12–13; 3:3–7; 1 Peter 1:3, 23; 2:2; 1 John 5:18), a creation (Gal. 6:15; Eph. 2:10; 4:24), a resurrection from spiritual death (Eph. 2:1, 5, 6; cf. Col. 2:12, 13), a washing, or cleansing, from sin (Titus 3:5; 2 Peter 1:9), and an implanting of a new system of values (Eze. 36:26; Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:10). It is an experience of the mind, or “heart”: a coming to know God or religious truth (John 8:32; 17:3; Col. 3:10), a renewal of the mind (Eph. 4:23; cf. Rom. 12:2). It produces a new nature (Eph. 4:24; Col. 3:10), and marks the beginning of a new life in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17).

The precise form conversion may take varies from one individual to another, as determined by such factors as one’s temperament, psychological maturity, intellectual capacity, external circumstances, degree of behavioral change required, and cultural background. Accordingly, no particular pattern of experience may be considered normative, either as to duration or depth of emotional involvement.

Conversion presupposes, as a minimum, awareness of (1) God’s existence and His involvement in human affairs, (2) the distinction between moral right and wrong, and (3) the need for external help. There can be no self-surrender where there is no sense of need and dependence. Early religious training and direct contact with the revealed Word and with human witnesses are not necessarily essential to conversion, for it has occurred when none of these was present; so long as the mind is free to exercise genuine volition, environmental factors cannot prevent conversion. The function of these external factors is to encourage the human response to the call of God’s Spirit. The mission of the church is to increase the number, frequency, and intensity of these contributing factors.

Conversion marks the beginning of a continuing operation of the Holy Spirit in a process of spiritual growth. This growth consists of an improved understanding of God’s will and the gradual elimination of residual tendencies to sin.

Evidence of genuine conversion is both subjective and objective. The subjective evidence that conversion has occurred includes consciousness of love for, and trust in, God, awareness of the supreme importance of religious and spiritual values, and enjoyment of Bible reading, prayer, and worship. Absence of the objective evidence-continuing growth toward perfection in Jesus Christ—is conclusive proof that genuine conversion has not occurred.

Conversion consists essentially in a transformation of the mind, of a man’s attitude, and through the mind, of the entire life.

“The leaven of truth works secretly, silently, steadily, to transform the soul. The natural inclinations are softened and subdued. New thoughts, new feelings, new motives, are implanted. A new standard of character is set up—the life of Christ. The mind is changed; the faculties are roused to action in new lines. Man is not endowed with new faculties, but the faculties he has are sanctified. The conscience is awakened. We are endowed with traits of character that enable us to do service for God” (COL 98, 99).

Conversion begins with a reorientation of the mind to the will of Christ, and starts a person on the pathway that leads to a complete restoration, through the grace of Christ, of the divine character, which was lost when Adam sinned. See also Justification; New Birth; Sin.