What is conversion and what happens?
A good question for anyone who has not chosen to follow Jesus. Before I discuss this subject, read what it means to be a Christian according to the bible.
What Is Conversion?
According to the dictionary, conversion is a change in form or function or spiritual change from sinfulness to righteousness. In my own experience, I wondered what happens when you are converted and if it is a conscious decision or some type of mind control as many people believe. Satan wants you to believe it is mind control!
Conversion for me personally has been a gradual change in thought and action. It does involve a decision on your part because we are all given the gift of free will by our creator. Think about it…can you force someone to love you, or even like you for that matter? Jesus wants our love but will not force anyone to follow Him and delights in blessing us when we do!
What is conversion and what happens…once you make the decision to follow Christ something wonderful begins to transform your whole world! 2 Corinthians 5:17:“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
Life begins to take on a whole new meaning! It is in all honesty, being born again! Once you give your life to Jesus and spend time with him daily by reading His word and kneeling in prayer. May I suggest Through The Bible?
How To Tell If A Conversion Is Real
Being born again means to cast off the old sinful ways and put on righteousness. We are made new in every sense. Do you know someone who has been converted? It should be rather easy to tell. They no longer act as they did in many ways.
A born again Christian will stop drinking, smoking, going to places that promote these things, and otherworldly sins. They will begin to dress differently and even speak differently. This is why some claim that a conversion is actually a form of mind control!
I can say with absolute confidence that this is not true. Being born again has not turned me into some zombie. If anything, I have more confidence and compassion for my fellow humans.
What Does The Bible say about conversion and what happens
Ephesians 4:22 says: “That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind”.
1 Corinthians 13:11
“When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.”
John 3:5 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Baptism is important when seeking conversion. You can read more about what it means to be a Christian in this post.
It is not enough to simply believe in God. Here is conversion and what happens:
- See God. Know that He is the creator of all.
- See yourself as a sinner (Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God)
- Repent of your sins. Turn away from sinful habits and worldly desires.
- Confess your sins. Confess to God the sins of your heart and actions.
- Receive God to yourself. Ask for the Holy Spirit to reside in you.
- Hear God. He convicts sin by bringing it to your attention.
- Go for God. Strive to live a clean life as Jesus lived.
Conversion may or may not happen overnight.
Some experience immediate conversion, yet most experience a gradual yet consistent change in thoughts and actions. One this is sure: God and His angels rejoice over a soul being saved!
Until next time, make each and every day count for something!
