Components of Conversion

Making the decision to become a Christian is making a decision to be converted. By definition, to be converted is to "change from one form to another" (Merriam-Webster). Consequently, changing from a servant of the world to a servant of God is the truest, most important conversion we'll ever make. As Christians who understand the grave importance of teaching others about the need to be converted, it's valuable for us to appreciate that there are three key components to this great conversion.

Component # 1 -- God's Word

When Philip the evangelist taught the Ethiopian, he found the eunuch reading from the prophet Isaiah. Asking him if he understood what he was reading, the Ethiopian pointed out that it was difficult for him to understand what the prophet was saying without someone to guide him. At that point, Philip used the scripture and began to preach Jesus to the student (Acts 8:30-35).

As we look to convert the lost, we have the great luxury of not having to come up with theories of our own. Instead, we can simply refer to the God's word and preach Jesus and His plan. In a world where there are so many things competing for others' attention, we need to simply use God's word. Paul called the gospel the power that leads to salvation (Romans 1:16). That same, powerful message which was used by Philip and Paul is the same message that we must present to others today. To begin the process of spiritual conversion, God's word must be the focus.

Component # 2 -- A Desire

We can try and try to teach others and we can do a fabulous job of presenting the scriptures. Conversion will not occur, however, until the person has a desire to know more and seek God's will. In Acts 8:36, this same eunuch asked what kept him from becoming a baptized believer. Of course, Philip then stressed the importance of faith in Christ Jesus and the Ethiopian made the confession of faith. Until those we are trying to teach have a desire to change and become truly "new" and "different" beings, we won't witness their conversion to Christ.

Component # 3 -- Action

With the word of God and a desire to obey it, one has all the tools necessary to move forward in the conversion process. If a person is unwilling to act, though, that person cannot become something new. Once the Ethiopian knew what he needed to do to become a Christian, he did it without wasting anytime! Both he and Philip went down into water and without any hesitation, Philip baptized the eunuch (Acts 8:38).

It is indeed a beautiful sight to see a person who, knowing God's word, desires to do what it says and is willing to act to become converted. Let's do what we can this week to help others do just that and be converted to Christ.