There is much confusion, even among Christians, as to how one comes to faith in Christ Jesus. Some view it as their own will or decision and others look to the predetermined will of God. While God forces no one to come to faith, neither is it possible for one to come to faith in Jesus of his own free will.
So, how does one come to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior?
The Bible makes it very clear that we are born into this world dead in our sins and cannot of ourselves come to faith in Christ Jesus or trust in Him. It is not by our own will or decision. It is only by God's gracious working through the Gospel that anyone is saved.
It is as John writes (John 1:12-13): "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God."
Jesus Himself said, "No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him" (John 6:44).
The Bible says in Ephesians 2:1-10: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
The Holy Spirit, working through the Word of God (cf. John 3:1ff.), reveals to us our utter sinfulness and the just condemnation we deserve on account of our sins; but He also reveals to us that Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God in human flesh, fulfilled the law for us and suffered our punishment when He was crucified and put to death upon the cross. He assures to us and gives us faith to believe that, because Christ died for our sins and rose again, God's wrath against all sin is appeased and that God gives full pardon and forgiveness for Jesus' sake. The Holy Spirit calls us to believe and take comfort in the fact that in Jesus we have redemption, that "the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7; cf. 1 John 1:7 -- 2:2; Eph. 1:6-7).
What does it mean to repent or be converted?
To repent or be converted is, simply put, to turn from one's sinful and rebellious ways to God in faith for mercy and forgiveness for the sake of the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God in human flesh. Repentance and conversion are entirely the gracious working of God in us, for His Spirit convicts us of our sinful ways and shows to us the condemnation we justly deserve (cf. John 16:7-11) but also offers and gives to us comfort and forgiveness through faith in the holy life and innocent sufferings and death of Christ Jesus in our stead (Matt. 9:2; 1 John 2:1-2; Eph. 1:3ff.).
The Bible tells us that "we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life" (Titus 3:3-7).
Again, Paul wrote to the believers in Ephesus: "And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) and hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: that in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them" (Eph. 2:1-10).
A true Christian lives his life here in this world in continual or daily repentance; that is, he acknowledges his sins and failures to the LORD God and receives in faith God's mercy and forgiveness for Christ's sake -- as well as the needed help and strength to amend his life and live for the LORD God (1 John 1:8 -- 2:2; Psalm 32; Psalm 51; Psalm 86:5; Eph. 1:15-23; Phil. 4:13).
Randy Moll is the managing editor of the Westside Eagle Observer and also the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rogers. He may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
General News on 07/27/2016