The most repeated and equivalent term for conversion in the New Testament is repentance, which means, 'to have another mind' or 'to change the mind' (Acts 2:38; 20:21). So, to understand the Biblical idea behind conversion, we must consider the teachings related to repentance and its significance in a believer's life.
A careful study of repentance in the New Testament reveals that conversion is basically a change of heart, not a change of name or religion. This happens as a result God's gracious work in the heart of a penitent sinner, based on the finished work of Christ on the cross.
No one can forcefully or deceptively bring about such internal transformation in another person. God Himself does it as one yields to Him. Of course, one may hypocritically claim to be anything; but born-again fellow believers with the gift of discernment will expose the genuineness sooner or later (Acts 8:13, 21b-23).
Though God never compels anyone to return to Him, in His love and mercy He wants everyone to know for sure that God saves all those who repent and return to Him, (Acts 17:30; 26:20). Let us consider six facts about repentance.
1. It is a universal divine directive, Acts 17:3
"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent."
The call for repentance is God's instruction for everyone worldwide. That is why from John the Baptist to the apostles, all of them emphasized the need for repentance during their sermons (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; Acts 2:38, etc.).
They realized, without repentance people live in sin and bear the consequences and perish (Ezek. 18:31) The Lord Jesus even referred to the prayers of the souls in hell for the repentance of their loved ones on earth (Luke 16:30).
2. It is evidence of God's grace and mercy for the fallen ones.
God's decree to repent is evidence of His longsuffering and compassion toward sinful, rebellious people. He does not want anyone to perish bearing the consequences of their sins, but to enjoy forgiveness and new life (1Tim. 2:4; Ezek. 18:30-32).
The entire mission of Christ was to call sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). One of the major works of the Holy Spirit today is to convict man of his sin, God's righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8). Apostle Peter writes that God patiently gives man more time to repent (2Peter 3:9 cf. Reve. 2:21). Such divine concern and intervention for our good should not be overlooked (Acts 5:31; Rom. 2:5).
3. True repentance is visible and evident
Repentance is not just a doctrine but a practical experience of every true born-again believer. This is basic to be saved. It involves three things:
a. Change of Mind - The Intellectual Aspect
Job's repentance is an example, (Job 42:5, 6). Notice his enlightened understanding about God and himself. Similarly, David's repentance also shows that he got a fresh knowledge of his sin and God (Psa. 51:4).
b. Change of Heart- The Emotional Aspect
Deep sorrow over sin is the outcome of conviction of one's sins. Paul calls it 'godly sorrow that leads to repentance' (2Cor. 7:10). Without having such a genuine grief on account of their sinful state, no one can be saved. Consider any genuine conversion; one of the essential features is that they mourn at their spiritual bankruptcy (Luke 18:13; 22:61; Matt. 5:3, 4; Psa. 51:17).
c. Change of Will - The Volitional Aspect
An enlightened view of self and sin not only breaks the heart of an awakened sinner, it also prompts them to change their path, returning to God's way (Acts 26:20). Being convicted of their true state, with all humility they seek the salvation God prepared for them through His Son. Gospel and the salvation it offers are relevant only for those who acknowledge their sin, not for the self-righteous ones (Luke 5:32).
Remember, in genuine repentance, all these three should go together. In the story of the prodigal son this is very clear. He understood his folly, arose and returned to his father confessing his fault, and was no more with the swine (Luke 15:17, 18, 21).
Regret vs. Repentance
There are some who regret over their mistakes only when they are caught. They are only worried about their reputation and the consequences. Some others are ready to pay the penalty or any other form of punishment, yet they return to the same evil path after sometime. Such temporary remorse is not true Biblical repentance or conversion.
True repentance is always noticeable and results in internal transformation which will have an effect on their outward lifestyle (1Thess. 1:9).
4. Evidence of true repentance is an on-going experience.
Many think only unbelievers need to repent. But a true born-again child of God, as he progresses in his Christian life not only grows in the knowledge of the things of God, but he will also develop an increased sensitivity to evil. Thus, he begins to see his inadequacy and the abiding sin nature more and more. That in turn makes him humbler and more submissive to Christ for cleaning and strength (1John 1:7, 9; 2:2).
That's why the Word of God exhorts God's people to repent repeatedly (2Cor. 12:21; Rev. 2:5, 16, 22, etc.). A truly converted saint constantly examines his life in the light of God's Word and makes the needed amendments (Rom. 12:2).
5. Absence of genuine repentance is tantamount to rebellion.
In the Old Testament, we see the Lord always abhorred the heartless, hypocritical empty ritualism of the Jewish religion, (Isa. 1:11ff). He always called upon the people for a change of heart, an internal transformation, not an outward show with certain gestures or rituals (Isa. 29:13; Eze. 33: 31–33; Matt. 15:7-9).
Similarly, in the New Testament, John the Baptist vehemently reprimanded the Jews for their hypocritical effort to show external piety without having any internal change (Luke 3:7). The Lord Jesus often warned of the fraudulent followers (Matt. 7:21-23; John 2:23-25; 8:31, 32). Apostle Peter strongly rebuked one Simon who professed faith and joined the congregation of Philip with a hidden agenda (Acts 8:13).
Notice Peter's reaction, "Your heart is not right in the sight of God. Repent therefore of this your wickedness, and pray God if perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. For I see that you are poisoned by bitterness and bound by iniquity." (Acts 8:21b-23).
If deceitful conversions took place in the early days of the church, how much more careful we ought to be today! It does not matter if one is baptized and part of a zealous evangelical local congregation; if the evidence of genuine repentance is missing, it's only a profession.
One may be well known and respectable among the followers of Christ, yet repeatedly rejecting the opportunity to repent reveals the rebellious attitude of that individual. God may give them some more time to repent, but a time will come when it will be impossible for them to repent (Rev. 2:21; 22:11; Heb. 6:4-6).
6. True repentance leads to divine favour and blessings.
Basically, repentance is an individual's response to God's Word. But the moment one repents and returns to God, He graciously begins to work for the penitent sinner (Acts 5:31; 11:18). Along with forgiveness and restoration, we begin to enjoy all other blessings, even the ever-abiding presence of God (Psa. 107:10-13; Eph. 1:3-14).
Remember Zacchaeus, the moment he confessed his sins and repented, the Lord Jesus responded, "Today salvation has come to this house." (Luke 19:8, 9)
Our repentance and renewed life also give joy to heaven as well as the servants of God (Luke 15:7; 2Cor. 7:7c, 9). Even the society will benefit from the life and activities of a genuinely transformed Christian. On the contrary, an unrepentant rebellious lifestyle gives sorrow to the heart of God and hurts many around them.
Dear reader, be honest, is true repentance part of your life? When was the last you mourned in the presence of God? If not now, when are you going to repent and lead a genuine, true life? G&P
