CONVERSION

Matthew 18:3; Acts 3:19; James 5:19-20.

I.      DISPENSABLE or INDISPENSABLE

        A.    Conversion refers to the internal change required in order to have admission into the kingdom of God.

        B.    Jesus clearly establishes that conversion is indispensable to salvation (Matthew 18:3).

II.    DESCRIBED

        A.    The word conversion is a very simple word. The Savior did not simply tell them "be converted," but to turn from their evil thoughts.

        B.    Conversion means change.

                1.     BBBaxter wrote, "It is not some mere surface redecoration, or something done in a few minutes with little effect on the deeper aspects of life. Real conversion must be deep." (So That All May Hear, page 16).

                2.     And an unknown author said, "Nature forms us; sin deforms us; school informs us; but only Christ transforms us."

III.   DECISION

        A.    Conversion is a decision that every accountable person must make. It is not something done to us apart from our own volition or choice.

        B.    N.L. Rice, in debate with Alexander Campbell, argued: "We believe and teach, that in conversion and sanctification there is an influence of the Spirit in addition to that of the Word, and distinct from it -- an influence, without which the arguments and motives of the gospel would never convert and sanctify one of Adam's ruined race.." Campbell Rice Debate, page 628.

        C.    Gene Cook laid great stress upon the passive phrase “be converted.” See, one does nothing; God does it all.

                1.     ILL–“Be Ready To Go When I Get Home.” Is the person who is to be ready passive? No. It is a command–or, in the case of a husband, a request to his wife.

                2.     Therefore, neither “be converted” (Acts 3:19) nor “be baptized” (Acts 2:38) mean that man has nothing to do unto his salvation.

IV.   DECLARED (Book of Acts)

        A.    Cases of conversion:

                1.     How do you convert God-slayers (Acts 2)? Or, the despicable (Acts 8:4-13)? Or, the elite (Acts 8:26-40)? Or, the enemy of the church (Acts 9, 22, 26)? Or, “the unwashed” (Acts 10, 11, 15)? Or, the lovely (Acts 16:12-15)? Or, the doomed (Acts 16:25-34)? Or, the immoral (Acts 18:1-11; 1 Corinthians 6:9-11)? Or, the misinformed (Acts 19:1-6)?

                2.     Note how many of these were also God-fearing.

        B.    You convert them by preach and teaching the gospel, and by them trusting and obeying.

        C.    Contrast “The Prayer of Conversion”: “Jesus, I am a sinner. I believe that you died for my sins. I confess and forsake my sins, and I ask you to forgive me for my sins. Come into my heart and save me now....” AMEN!

V.    DESIGN

        A.    Man is alienated from God in mind, in thought (Isaiah 55:8-9; Pro. 15:26).

        B.    Conversion turns the heart; makes it new (Acts 15:9

        C.    Man is alienated from God by wicked acts (Ps. 14:1, 3).

        D.    Repentance is a change of mind, resulting in a change of life.

        E.    Man is alienated from the family of God (Eph. 4:18; Rom. 3:23; Pro 12:5).

        F.     Baptism changes the sinner’s state or relationship.

                1.     We are baptized "into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matt. 28:19).

                2.     ,,, baptized "unto the remission of sins” (2:38).

                3.     We are baptized into the death... (Rom. 6:3).

                4.     We are baptized into the one body (1Cor 12:13)

                5.     We put on Christ by baptism (Gal. 3:27).

VI.   DESTINY: God rewards the converted with an eternal destiny, filled with hope and happiness (Matthew 18:3; Mark 4:12; Acts 3:19).

CONCLUSION: ILL–“A SOLDIER’S CONVERSION”