By Gary Ray Branscome
The change that takes place in
conversion, takes place the instant our sins are forgiven. Until we receive
that forgiveness, we are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1). Those who fail to understand this often confuse
incomplete repentance, or the works that follow repentance, with conversion,
giving people the idea that conversion is some sort of process in which they
determine the outcome. However that is clearly contrary to what the Bible
teaches. The words, God, who is rich in
mercy, because of His great love for
us, Even when we were dead in sins, has
made us alive together with Christ, tell us that it is God who has made us alive, not us (Ephesians
2:4-5). And, the Bible describes that change from being dead
in trespasses and sins, to being alive together with Christ as a resurrection, saying that God, Has raised us up together with Him, and made
us sit with Him in heavenly places in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:6). This resurrection from being dead
in trespasses and sins, to being alive together with Christ is the first resurrection, and the
second death [hell] has no power over, those who, have
risen with Christ (Revelation 20:5-6, Colossians
3:1).
Conversion is also spoken of as a new
birth. Here again, the change is from being dead in trespasses
and sins, to being alive
together with Christ. The words, Who
are not born of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but
of God, tell us that mans will plays no part in the new birth (John