| Conversion is a deep work-- a heart work. It goes throughout the man, throughout the mind, throughout the members, throughout the entire life. Joseph Alleine |
Conversion is not Regeneration. Neither is it the same as Repentance...though it is closely associated with it. Both repentance and conversion have reference to turning. Repentance indicates a turning from sin, and Conversion a turning to God. We find these two distinct processes closely associated time and again in the Scripture. Here is an example:
Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God...Heb.6:1.
In this verse conversion is defined as “faith toward God”....that is, the sinner is turned about and now has a view of God. Prior to this, it is as though his back was turned to God. And, lest we pass by too quickly, notice that repentance involves a turning from the “dead works” of sin (and self).
Genuine conversion is a distinct marker in the experience of the sinner. In conversion the inward faculties (the mind, the affections, and will) of the regenerated sinner make a radical turn Godward. At this point his inward cry is, “Lord, what wilt thou have me to do?”
It is important to distinguish between conversion, and the external effects of conversion. Conversion is an inward work, but is manifested in varying degrees by sundry external changes as:
Historically, Primitive Baptists have carefully examined candidates for church membership because there is great danger in receiving unconverted persons into the fellowship. In the examination, the candidate was expected to give some statement describing his experience and the manner by which God had providentially led him.
| External Evidences of Conversion Can be Simulated by Unconverted Persons | A counterfeit conversion is deceptive because it is accompanied by external signs which simulate the real thing. However, no genuine internal work by the Spirit has been done upon the faculties of the soul. (I refer to the internal work of enlightment which makes Truth subjectively precious and produces repentance & conversion. ) They are walking “in their own light” rather that the true light which God gives. God’s words in Isaiah 50:11 are applicable to them: |
Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass yourselves about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks that ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.
There is a significant fault in the expression of faith by unconverted persons. They manifest external signs which simulate Conversion, but these signs are consistently found lacking. Consider the following:
An unconverted person can see the obvious harmful effects of drugs and alcohol, gambling, adultery and fornication. He observes how drugs and alcohol will ruin your health, how gambling brings financial loss, and how adultery destroys marriages and families. However, his sense of sin is faulty because he only perceives the harmful effects... not the vile nature of sin itself.
He senses that sin is deviant behavior. As such, it is destructive to the family and community. Therefore he is displeased with it and feels that God must be as well. However, he fails to comprehend the odious nature of sin as being committed against a Just and Holy God.
When the wife of Joseph’s master attempted to seduce him, his response showed he clearly understood the horrendous nature of sin: “How can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” Genesis 39:9
Such a person may, through exposure to religion or religious teachers, come to a significant degree of understanding. He may discern the logic of specific bible teaching and doctrine. However, an unconverted person has not received the love of the truth. Love for the Truth makes a deep and lasting change in the life of those genuinely converted.