CONVERSION

     "Conversion -- something converted from one thing to another"
(Webster's dictionary). "Repent therefore, and be converted, that
your sins may be blotted out..." (Acts 3:19). Serious attention is
invited to some things of basic importance regarding conversion.
     Conversion from sin is not produced by human feelings and
emotions. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the
end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12). "O Lord, I know
that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh
to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23.
     Conversion from sin is not produced by human traditions and
doctrines. Jesus said, "...thus have ye made the commandment of God
of none effect by your tradition. Ye hypocrites, well did Esaias
prophesy of you saying, This people draweth nigh unto me with their
mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from
me. But in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the
commandments of men" (Matthew 15:6-9).
     Conversion from sin is based upon the terms and conditions of
the word of God. Christ said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the
truth shall make you free" (John 8:32). And again, "Sanctify them
through thy truth: thy word is truth" (John 17:17). "Being born
again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of
God, which liveth and abideth forever" (1 Peter 1:23).
     Conversion from sin is based upon obedience to the word of God.
Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord shall
enter into the kingdom of heaven: but he that doeth the will of my
Father which is heaven" (Matthew 7:21). "Though he were a Son, yet
learned he obedience by the things which he suffered, and being made
perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them
that obey him" (Hebrews 5:8-9). Conversion is essential if one
wishes to please Jehovah. The old man must be put away; the new man
must be put on (Colossians 3:9-10).
        ---Jack Thompson, preacher for White Park church of Christ.

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