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Abundant Life in the Son: A Study of Salvation

In this chapter, we’ll consider the part a person has in conversion,
which begins the experience of salvation. It is a dynamic experience
that changes us into the likeness of Christ and causes us to respond with
joy to His desires.

The Nature of Conversion

How does conversion differ from salvation? Consider the following
example. If we see that a well-known drunkard no longer gambles, gets
drunk, or goes to places of sin, and he hates the things he once loved
and loves the things he once hated, we would say, “He’s converted; he’s
a different man.” These observers are simply describing what they see
from the human (outward) viewpoint. But from God’s viewpoint, we say
that God has pardoned him and made him a new creature. Conversion
stresses the positive activity of a person in the experience of salvation.

The Definition of Conversion

We may define conversion as the act by which one turns from sin to the
Lord Jesus for forgiveness of sins. In addition, we are saved from our sins
and delivered from the penalty of sin.

The word translated conversion means “to turn, to make a complete
turnabout.” This turnabout involves more than a simple change of mind,
attitude, or morals. It involves every part of a person’s being: desires,
lifestyle, will, spirit, and outlook on life. This change is a complete
spiritual change. In the act of conversion one has, according to John 5:24,
“crossed over from death to life.”

The spiritual change brought about by conversion through Christ is not
the same as other kinds of conversion. For example, I might be converted
to a different view of politics, religion, or morals without ever involving
myself in the total commitment that is required of one who is dead to
sin but alive to God (Romans 6:1–14). Paul explained this basic change of
Christian conversion by noting that when “anyone is in Christ, he is a new
creation; the old has gone, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Conversion has three important steps. First, people must carefully
consider the error of their ways. This is an important step of preparation,

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