6627 conversion, nature of
True repentance results in a turning from sin and an inner renewal which can only be brought about by God, who draws people to himself and who, through Jesus Christ, gives forgiveness and new life.
Conversion as turning to God
Turning back to God Dt 4:30-31; Lk 1:16-17 See also Dt 30:2-3,10; Lk 22:32; Jas 5:19-20
Turning from idolatry Ac 14:15 See also 1Sa 7:3; Jer 3:12-13; Jer 4:1-2; 1Th 1:9-10
Turning from sinful ways 2Ki 17:13-14; Isa 55:6-7 See also 2Ki 13:11; 2Ki 14:24; 2Ki 15:9; Jer 18:11; Jer 25:5; Eze 18:23; Da 9:13
Conversion as a turning away from unbelief to faith
It is linked to repentance Ac 3:19 See also Eze 14:6; Eze 18:30; Ac 26:20
It is linked to coming to faith Ac 11:21
Conversion brings new life
It results in a transformed life 2Co 5:17 See also Ro 12:2; 2Co 3:18; Gal 6:14-15
It is symbolised in baptism Ro 6:3-4 See also Col 2:12; Col 3:1-3
It demands a new lifestyle Hos 12:6; Mt 18:3-4 See also Gal 5:22-24; Eph 4:1; Eph 5:8-11; 1Pe 2:11-12
Conversion brings a new relationship with God
It brings a new status Gal 4:7 See also Gal 3:26-29; 1Jn 3:1; 1Pe 2:9-10
It brings a new understanding 2Co 3:15-16 See also Jer 31:34; Heb 8:11
Conversion is a work of God
God turns people to himself Jer 24:7; La 5:21 See also 1Ki 8:58; Jer 31:18; Eze 36:26-27; Jn 6:44; Jn 15:16; Eph 2:12-13
God gives new birth Jas 1:17-18 See also Jn 3:3-6; Tit 3:4-5; 1Pe 1:23
