michaeljamesaz

What does it mean to be converted? In chapter 2 of Kingdom Living, Dr. Tony Evans writes, “Conversion, or salvation, or the new birth, is the process whereby God deposits within every believer a new nature that is for Him and is therefore perfect.” In Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, Darrell L. Bock defines conversion as “a turning to embrace God.” Conversion involves a change in status, direction, affections, citizenship, and in the inner nature—and it is the first step in spiritual growth.

Dr. Evans observes, “Growth presupposes that a birth has taken place and a new life has begun. Spiritual growth presupposes that a spiritual birth has taken place.” When we gaze upon a great oak tree spreading its branches and offering shade, we often forget the tree’s small beginnings. Years earlier, a small acorn fell on good soil. There it established roots, and over time the tree grew and grew as it received nutrients from the soil, took in adequate moisture, and benefited from favorable weather conditions. As the years passed the tree spread its branches, growing outward and upward, but its growth began with the new life contained in the acorn.

Spiritual growth unfolds according to a similar process, beginning with the new life, or new nature, given by God to those who believe. One cannot grow to Christian spiritual maturity if one has not experienced conversion, or the new birth, wherein this new life is received. As Dr. Evans explains, spiritual birth “occurs at conversion when a sinner places his or her faith in Jesus Christ alone for the forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life. This results in the imparting of a new nature to replace the sinful nature that every person inherits at birth.” Thankfully, this new nature includes everything you need to grow to maturity: the indwelling Holy Spirit, forgiveness from sin, righteousness from God, fellowship with the Father, friendship with Jesus, grace to grow, and more.

Have you placed your faith in Jesus alone for forgiveness of sin and the gift of eternal life?