Biblical Conversion (Pt. 2)

In the last article, I explained the history of the Sinner’s Prayer in American Christian evangelism. I claimed that, at its core, the Sinner’s Prayer tries to boil down the most basic elements of how a sinner receives salvation. Unfortunately, the entire process embraced man as the primary mover in conversion. Almost from first to last, the sinner is placed in the driver’s seat, demanding that God save him. It is still presented as the fail-proof method of salvation. If someone prays and asks God to save them, God has no choice but to obey.

Yet, when children grow up and have no desire for the things of God or for living for Him, we chalk it up to “walking away from the Lord for a season” and assume that God will bring them back because they did pray as a child.

The purpose of this post is to positively present exactly what happens at our salvation.

I recently had the privilege of preaching Ephesians 1:15–23 for my church, and in that prayer, Paul explained exactly what happens when a sinner is “converted.”

“...having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you...” (Eph. 1:18)

Notice the passive verbs: “having...enlightened,” and “to which he has called you.” We must admit that our salvation is a work of God. We can no more force God to save us than we can create a milkshake to appear in our hands. It is simply outside our ability and, even more, it is against our depraved wills. In our sinful state, we would never desire the things of God.

“None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” (Rom. 3:11–12)

Well, if that is true, then how do we get saved? (Notice my wording in that question.)

Paul answers that question—but he answers the correct question—in Ephesians 2.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Eph. 2:8–9)

More passive verbs: “you have been saved.”

God saves you through His unmerited grace, according to the faith (life-changing confidence) that is granted to the sinner. It is all a gift of God, not a result of any work, thought, or incantation of man, so that no one can look to anything they did as the cause of their own salvation.

So what is biblical conversion? It is the process by which God regenerates the fallen and spiritually dead soul of a sinner into a new creation. He does this by His sovereign power, based on Christ’s eternally righteous sacrifice on the cross, and through the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit.

But how does it happen? It happens when God opens the eyes of your heart to the light of the gospel.

How do I know if it has happened? Paul explains that too in Ephesians 2: “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Eph. 2:10) How do you know if God has saved you? You will desire to walk in God’s ways and serve Him with your life.

What if I don’t “feel” like serving Him at times? The ongoing effects of sin will continue to wage their wicked war against God and His people. When sin appears, we must confess and reject it. We must force our feelings and emotions to conform to the unshakeable truth of Scripture. When you don’t feel saved, remind yourself that you have been saved by God’s grace. When you don’t feel like loving others, confess your selfishness and get busy!

How can I truly know that I am saved? True conversion will cause a real change to occur. We will not be able to continue in sin unaffected. We will no longer only desire our own way. Because of God’s spiritual enlightening, we will grow. How can you know? We must honestly examine our hearts and desires. Do you believe the gospel? If you do, it is a work of God! If you are curious to learn more, that too is a work of God! How can you know? It is a matter of faith—and praise God that He has given us that faith to believe!

So how should I evangelize if I don’t call someone to pray the Sinner’s Prayer? This is definitely a change from decades of American tradition, but God saves the sinner according to the truth of the gospel being presented, His Spirit convicting, and His grace being bestowed. The sinner will respond in faith, repentance, and contrition, but that does not force God’s hand or restrict His action. He will save, and the sinner will respond according to the faith given.

So pray for God to save sinners. Pray that God would use you to share the gospel with others. Pray that God would be glorified by your obedience. Pray that God’s Spirit would enlighten the hearts of others. Pray that God’s will be done! Conversion is a work of God. May we thank Him for His mercy and live out our new life in faith-filled obedience!

Return to Blog Feed