Theology of Holiness: Part 3: Conversion

The third part or consideration of the life of holiness is conversion. This means that because of the grace - prevenient grace - that is received by man in faith from God alone, man is able to be changed forever. Conversion could be explained as being a crisis event where after a change or difference in the life of that person is shown to others in that person's actions and deeds.
This is a shorter section, as conversion is a product of repentance, which was discussed in part 2 of this theology presentation. For original sources, take a look at H. Orton Wiley's "Introduction to Christian Theology"; Gilbert Bilezikian's "Christianity 101" - which is fantastic for new believers or those who are curious about Christianity. Once again, Thomas C. Oden's "Life in the Spirit" is drawn on. As with the other sections, I do go on a bit of a word study. This is done to show what the word meant in its original context. If you haven't already, please read parts one and two in order to get the whole picture thus far.

Conversion
Conversion is viewed as an action of a human being, when viewed through the Wesleyan lens. ..Conversion is our willing response to the gospel call, in which we sincerely repent of our sins and place our trust in Christ for salvation.. (Grudem, 2000, p.709). ..Conversion was the basic message preached by Jesus from the outset of his ministry.. (Bilezikian, 1993, p.158). In contrast, strict Calvinism views conversion solely as ..an act of God.. (Sawyer, 2006, p.323). Once again, for Calvinism, the onus for change is upon God exclusively. I do not agree with strict Calvinism on this front. Conversion ..is the term used to designate the process by which the soul turns from sin to salvation.. (Wiley, 1946, p.273) or as Oden states it ..a change from unfaith to faith (Oden, 1994, p.101). Furthermore, ..Arminianism holds that through grace, preveniently bestowed, man turns to God and is then regenerated.. (Wiley, 1946, p.274). Another fine definition of Christian conversion states that it is ..the combination of repentance and faith which leads someone to turn and follow Christ.. (Thomas, 2000, p.176).
In my own ordo salutis, I would place conversion after repentance, as it comes as a result of repentance. In fact, conversion is impossible without repentance first occurring. I would also place conversion after justification, as justification comes at repentance. Conversion is the manifestation of a life changed by repentance. ..Conversion compromises two elements, one negative and the other positive: repentance and faith.. (Bilezikian, 1993, p.159). Succinctly stated, ..repentance and faith produce together the conversion that makes regeneration possible.. (Bilezikian, 1993, p.160).
The English word, ..conversion.., ..come(s) from (the) Latin root word, ..convertere.., and from the Greek word, ..epistrepho.., which both mean ..to turn around or turn toward.. (Oden, 1994, p.80). This is mentioned due to the fact that the words ..conversion.. and ..salvation.. are linked inexorably in English yet actually possess different meanings in Latin (Orton, 1994). Due to its root word meaning, conversion actually has ties to the Hebrew definition of ..repentance.., that being ..shub... Both words involve a turning about of one..s actions. In English, the word conversion seems to denote a type of metamorphosis from one state of being to another or from one frame of mind to another. This seems to be a bit different from the classical understanding of the conversion concept.
According to DeNeff, ..the point of conversion..is for cleansing, and not merely forgiveness.. (DeNeff, 2004, p.104). This treatment of conversion points at what occurred to the prodigal son in Luke 15:21 when he said, ..Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.. (NRSV). The son had changed from a life of self-indulgence to one of recognition of his own sin and disgrace. The tax collector in Luke 18:13 stated, ..God, be merciful to me, a sinner.. (NRSV) (Oden, 1994). Possibly the greatest Biblical example of conversion is found in the change of the Pharisee and early church persecutor, Saul. Saul is blinded by the glory of Jesus while on the Damascus Road and is converted through his acceptance of God..s calling. Paul writes in Galatians 1:15-16, ..But when God, who had set me apart before I was born and called me through his grace, was pleased to reveal his son to me, so that I might proclaim him among the Gentiles, I did not confer with any human being.. (NRSV).
Faith is required if conversion is to occur. In fact, the faith that results in conversion could be termed a ..saving faith.. (Schenck, 2006, MIN543 lecture). It is by this faith that we receive ..the Spirit.. at conversion (Wood as cited by Alexander, 1988, p.101). Wesley himself wrote of his May 24, 1738 Aldersgate experience, ..I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust Christ, Christ alone, for salvation..and saved me from the law of sin and death.. (Wesley as cited by Sawyer, 2006, p.353). Conversion, then, this ..change of one..s personal relationship to God.. (Sawyer, 2006, p.551) is reliant upon the reception of grace in faith. It is the sincere belief that change is required, desired and attainable. Conversion is ..turning from sin to Christ.. (Grudem, 2000, p.709). Furthermore, conversion ..allows (Jesus) to get a hold on us and to infuse us with new life. The new life that begins with the new birth is forever; it is life eternal.. (Bilezikian, 1993, p.160).