Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.Matt.18:3

What does it mean to be converted? How does it relate to being born again? Why should we be concerned with the matter of conversion? In this article we will address these questions.

First, I want to make my position clear: being “born again” (regenerated) and being converted are two distinct and separate things. Upon Biblical principles we confidently assert that the new birth is a prerequisite to conversion. This distinction is sufficiently sharp that we are warranted to state, "All genuinely converted sinners were previously regenerated, however, not all regenerated sinners are presently converted."

Converting sinners to "faith in Christ Jesus” is a great part of the designed purpose of the Gospel Ministry. In the new birth the sinner receives spiritual life by an irresistible and sovereign work of the Holy Spirit. In conversion, the regenerated sinner, being empowered by this new life and in response to the Gospel message, acknowledges the truth and turns to it and God.

The dialogue recorded in Luke 22: 31-32 may be helpful to illustrate the distinction between Regeneration and Conversion. The occasion is near the end of Jesus’ ministry and during the Last Supper. The context makes it plain that there was a strife among the disciples. In this passage Jesus addresses Peter's faulty attitude and expectations. He said,
" Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren." Luke 22:31-32

Keep in mind, when Jesus spoke these words Peter had been following Jesus as a disciple for over three years. Long before this occasion, in Matthew 16:16 and Luke 9:20, Peter had openly confessed that “Jesus was the Christ, the Son of God.” From 1 John 5:1 and other passages, we understand that such a confession is sure evidence of regeneration. The point is, Peter was a regenerate person when Jesus spoke these words to him in Luke 22. This passage illustrates the need for continual grace by regenerate persons to overcome their natural propensity to err.

What can we conclude from the above?

1. A regenerate person is not necessarily a converted person.
   Regeneration is both logically and chronologically prior to conversion. This is a presupposition embedded in evangelism, that is, that there are regenerated elect that need to hear the gospel message. Paul wrote, "Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory." 2 Timothy 2:10

2. Generally, Conversion is presented as a radical turn from error to truth (1 Thess. 1:9). This ‘turning’ is the beginning of a continuing and progressive movement toward God and His truth, it is not static.

   By contrast, Regeneration is Not an ongoing process, it’s a single and efficacious act of the Holy Spirit upon the soul of the sinner whereby he is made spiritually alive.

   Conversion is generally described as a progressive work which admits to improvement. Only in a very restricted context may conversion be thought of as a “one-time” or “singular” event. It is generally presented in the context of regenerate persons turning from error, both moral and doctrinal, to gospel truth and purity.

3. Genuine Conversion is effected by both an internal working of grace and external use of divinely appointed means, as the gospel, the scripture, the ministry, and personal experience. (Phili. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:16; Ro. 5:3-5)

I believe biblical evidence overwhelmingly supports the conclusion that Peter was a regenerated person prior to the events recorded in Luke 22. This is based on the fact that Peter had previously confessed Christ (Luke 9:20 & Matt.16:16). Such a confession affords assurance and evidence of the New Birth and is never presented in scripture as a requirement or condition in order for the New Birth (1 John 5:1). Nevertheless, although Peter was regenerate he yet needed to be Converted from his old habits and dispositions. Like Peter, until we are converted we are of no spiritual benefit to our brethren and of little practical usefulness to our Lord in His Kingdom.

Having noted the distinction between Regeneration and Conversion I will offer some specific comments about the latter. I believe we should be very concerned with, and have a renewed interest in the matter of conversion for several reasons:

1. It’s effect upon a person and the manner of life they pursue. Where there is no conversion, there is no spiritual liberty, no “walking in the light”, no “tasting of the heavenly gift”, no present experience of “the powers of the world to come” (Hebrews 6: 4,5). In a word, without conversion there will be little or no spiritual growth, and consequently, no “fruit” brought forth unto the glory of God.

2. The sinner, though born again, can not “enter into the kingdom of God” except he be converted. Allowing that there is disagreement on the interpretation of the phrase "Kingdom of God", the fact remains that, apart from Conversion, there is no entrance into it. Jesus said,

“Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.”

We ought to mark well the words of this text and to whom they were spoken . Those words were not spoken to “dead alien sinners” or about such, but to his disciples! Lets study to understand this important principle, Not water it down or attempt to circumvent it.

3. There is a bogus or counterfeit conversion which may be mistaken for the genuine thing.
Primitive Baptists practice “believer baptism” for an important reason. Personal acknowledgment of gospel truth is the ordained method we are given to screen potential members and protect the local “fellowship” against corruption and maintain purity. Therefore “believer baptism” is the first line of defense. Church historian Sylvester Hassell cites a “regenerate and converted membership” as the first Mark of the Apostolic Church (_Chuch History_, pg. 270).

Sometimes the safe-guard of ‘believer baptism’ is not effectual. This is because we have imperfect discernment. Consequently, there are occasions when mistakes in judgment will be made (Acts 20: 28-30). In such a case, the Lord has given us a second line of defense -- church discipline. When biblically applied with wisdom and grace, church discipline is an effective means to maintain godly fellowship and correct mistakes when errors in judgment are made with respect to receiving and retaining members.

We see then, that it is possible that an unconverted person could be a member in a local church. Although difficult to imagine, such a one could possibly even occupy a position of influence, i.e., a deacon, teacher or minister. I need not enlarge on the obvious problems which could occur in such a case.

In Acts 8, we have an illustration of an unconverted person becoming part of the local assembly of believers at Samaria. His name is Simon, and he was a “magician”. Philip had gone down to Samaria and preached Christ unto them. In verse 6 we read, "And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did."

Then in verse 13 we read,
“Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done.”

When Peter came down to Samaria, he discerned that Simon’s conversion was a counterfeit. You can read the complete account for yourself. This illustration serves as a cautionary to us. It states that this man believed, he was baptized, and continued for some time among the genuine converts in that area before his true state was made known!

Now mark this down. Although an unconverted person may become a member of a local church, and yes, even a member with some degree of influence, such a person will have no experience of intimate knowledge and communion with the Lord. He will be a stranger to vital godliness. He may possess some degree of “doctrinal knowledge” but will lack the inward love of the truth which transforms lives. A Converted person lives a progressively transformed life by the renewing of his mind and the conforming of his life to revealed truth. (Ro. 12: 1-2)

The necessity and importance of Conversion becomes increasingly apparent to us when we understand that the blessings and privileges of intimate fellowship and communion with the Lord in His Kingdom are reserved for those disciples which have genuinely turned to the Lord. To all others he says,

“Except ye be converted....,ye shall not enter into this Kingdom.”

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