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Transforming Your Life: The Process of Conversion

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Table of Contents

Introduction: Transforming Your Life

What exactly is conversion? People talk of their "conversion" or of being "converted," but what does that mean? We know from the definition of the word that it means a change, but a change from what to what? You need to know!

Who Are God's True Followers?

Millions of people claim to be Christian—followers of Jesus Christ. Yet their beliefs, practices and lifestyles differ greatly. Jesus said His true followers are "called, chosen and faithful." How can we discern who His true disciples are?

What Must I Do?

Not long after Christ's death, the apostle Peter delivered a powerful message about salvation through Jesus Christ. Cut to their hearts, his audience responded, "What shall we do?" Indeed, what must we do to be saved?

Praying for a Right Spirit and New Attitude

Responding to God involves not just repenting of our individual sinful acts. It also involves a recognition that our hearts and minds have been corrupted by the world and the devil, "the prince of the power of the air" (Ephesians 2:2).

We Must Change Our Way of Thinking

A change in the way you think is the most important aspect of real repentance and being a true Christian.

Repentance Must Be With Faith

Repentance from dead works and faith toward God are listed in Hebrews 6:1 as part of the foundation that ultimately leads to perfection and eternal life.

What Is Sin?

A vital first step to becoming a true servant of God is to admit that we are sinners and to seek God's forgiveness and help to avoid sin. But what exactly is sin? We need to understand what God's Word says about sin and why we sin.

What's Wrong With Our Human Nature?

When God formed our first human parents Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they were part of a created order that was "very good" (Genesis 1:31). Clearly they were not bent on evil.

What's So Bad About Sin?

One of the fundamental principles of the Bible helps us understand why God wants us to quit sinning and turn to Him. That basic principle is we reap what we sow!

Must We Obey God's Commandments?

Jesus explicitly shows that our obedience to God must include obeying the Ten Commandments.

Why Be Baptized?

Why should a Christian seek to be baptized? How should one be baptized, and by whom? What does baptism symbolize? All these are key questions, because baptism is a crucially key step we must take if we are to be truly converted.

How Baptism's Meaning and Method Are Related

What is the correct method of baptism—sprinkling, pouring, immersion or some other technique?

We Must Count the Cost

Baptism represents the most important commitment we can make.

The Holy Spirit: God's Transforming Power

None of us can overcome our sins and shortcomings without God's help. And God makes that help available to us through His Holy Spirit. But what exactly is that Spirit? How does it help us to change? And how do we receive it?

Is the Holy Spirit a Person?

The Scriptures speak of the Holy Spirit in many ways that demonstrate that it is not a divine person.

Why Can't Theologians Explain the Trinity Doctrine?

Many people assume that the Holy Spirit, along with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, form what is commonly known as the Trinity. The doctrine of the Trinity expresses a belief in one God who exists in three distinct but equal persons. Is the Holy Spirit truly a third divine person, along with the Father and Jesus?

Growing to Spiritual Maturity

Many people believe God will accept them just as they are. But Scripture nowhere supports this idea. God expects His true followers to grow, mature and bear fruit. What kind of fruit does God expect? And how do we produce it?

Does God Set Conditions on His Gift of Eternal Life?

In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul explains that "by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast."

A High Priest Eager to Help Us

The key to solving the problem of sin in our lives is the help we receive through Jesus Christ.

Why Bible Study Is Necessary for Spiritual Growth

Paul scolded the Corinthian Christians for their unspiritual attitudes and conduct (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). He explained that their problems were caused partly by some of them having too little knowledge of God's ways. He wrote: "Awake to righteousness, and do not sin; for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame" (1 Corinthians 15:34).

How to Stir Up God's Spirit

The apostle Paul admonished members in one of the churches he started, "Do not quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19). He also urged the young evangelist Timothy: "Stir up [rekindle] the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind" (2 Timothy 1:6-7).

The Prayer God Will Hear

God is aware of everything we say and do. Not even a sparrow can fall to the ground without His knowing it (Matthew 10:29). Therefore when anyone prays to God He is well aware of the words that are spoken.