What is conversion?

Conversion is a change of direction in a person's life. It is a complete turning from sin to Christ for salvation. It is a transition from idol worship to God worship. It is a transition from self-justification to justification through Christ. It is a transition from self-rule to God's rule.

Conversion is what happens when God awakens those who are spiritually dead and gives them the opportunity to repent of their sins and believe in Christ.

• When Jesus calls us to repentance and faith, He is calling us to conversion. This is a radical change in what we believe and what we do (Mark 1:15).
• When Jesus calls us to take up our cross and follow Him, He is calling us to conversion (Luke 9:23).
• In order for us to repent, God must give us new life, new hearts, and faith (Eph. 2:1, Rom. 6:17, Col. 2:13, Ez. 36:26, Eph. 2:8, 2 Tim. 2:25).

What is not conversion?

1. A one-time event with no consequences for our lives. Conversion really happens in a single moment, and it is a moment of radical change. Life must look different after that. A new struggle begins.
2. A Journey Without a Destination. For some, conversion may be preceded by a long process, but it always involves a conscious decision to repent of sin and trust in Christ, which is the immediate result of God giving new life to the spiritually dead sinner.
3. Optional. Acts 17:30 says that God commands all people everywhere to repent. Conversion can never be forced, but it is absolutely necessary for salvation.
4. Conversation: While Christians should preach the Gospel with humility, our goal is not simply to exchange pleasant information. We should call all to repent of their sins and trust in Christ for salvation.
5. Say a formulaic prayer. Conversion certainly involves prayer, but we must be careful not to encourage people to rely on any particular set of words.