SYNONYMS OF CONVERSION

 

By Gary Ray Branscome

 

          Our conversion involves far more than just a change of opinion. It is a transformation that changes our standing with God, our spiritual nature, and the place where we will spend eternity. For that reason, in order to fully appreciate conversion we need to understand the synonyms of conversion used in Scripture.

 

          While the Bible sometimes speaks of repentance as nothing more than sorrow for sins, one example being when it tells us that Judas “repented,” at other times it uses repentance as a synonym for conversion, such as when it tells us that, “There will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, than over ninety and nine just persons, who do not need to repent” (Matthew 27:3, Luke 15:7). [See Mark 14:21.]

          Whenever the Bible speaks of repentance bringing salvation, such as when it says, “Unless you repent, you will all perish,” repentance is being used as a synonym for conversion (Luke 13:5). However, whenever it separates repentance from faith or forgiveness, it is speaking only of sorrow for sins. For example: The words, “The kingdom of God is at hand: repent, and believe the gospel,” separate repentance from faith (Mark 1:15). The words, “Testifying… of repentance toward God, and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ,” separate repentance from faith (Acts 20:21). And, the words, “That repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, starting at Jerusalem,” separate repentance from forgiveness (Luke 24:47).

 

          The words, “Unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God,” use the phrase “born of water and of the Spirit” as a synonym for conversion (John 3:5,6). The words, “Whoever believes that Jesus is the promised Savior is born of God,” use the phrase “born of God” as a synonym for conversion (1John 5:1). And, the words, “To as many as received Him, He gave power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe in His name: Who are not born of blood, or of the will of the flesh, or of the will of man, but of God,” use the phrases “become the sons of God” and “born… of God,” as synonyms of conversion (John 1:12,13).

 

          The words, “You formerly… were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But 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,” speak of conversion as a transformation from being “dead in sins” to being “alive together with Christ” (Ephesians 2:2-5). The words, “He has made you, who were dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, alive together with Him, having forgiven all of your sins,” again speak of conversion as a transformation from being “”dead in your sins” to being “alive together with” Christ (Colossians 2:13). Telling us also, that the transformation is the result of forgiveness.

 

          The words, “To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among those who are sanctified through faith in me [Christ],” speak of conversion as being brought “from darkness to light” and “from the power of Satan to God” (Acts 26:18). The words, “I [Jesus] have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me will remain in darkness,” speak of conversion [i.e. believing in Christ] as a change from darkness to light (John 12:46). And, the words, “You were once darkness, but now are light in the Lord: walk as children of light,” again speak of conversion as a change from darkness to light (Ephesians 5:8).

 

          The words, “Many are called, but few are chosen,” separate being “called” from actual conversion (Matthew 22:14). In that context, to be called is to hear the gospel. In contrast, the words, “Who has saved us, and called us to a holy calling, not because of anything we have done, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began,” equate being called with being converted (2Timothy 1:9). The words, “You are also the called of Jesus Christ,” also equate being called with being converted (Romans 1:6). As do the words, “Those He predestinated, He also called: and those He called, He also justified: and those He justified, He also glorified” (Romans 8:30).