Quotes on Conversion
Quotes on Conversion
Wayne Grudem: “Conversion is our willing response to the gospel call, in which we sincerely repent of sins and place our trust in Christ for salvation.” [Systematic Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1994), 709]
James P. Boyce: Conversion is “…the turning of the heart to God in holiness. It is a turning of the thoughts, desires and affections of the heart from sinful and carnal lusts and pleasures toward holy things, and God, and Christ, and salvation. It is a turning from darkness to light, from the power of Satan to God.” [Abstract of Systematic Theology (Hanford, CA: den Dulk Christian Foundation, 1887), 380]
Millard J. Erickson: “Conversion is a single entity that has two distinguishable but inseparable aspects: repentance and faith. Repentance is the unbeliever’s turning away from sin, and faith is his or her turning toward Christ. They are, respectively, the negative and positive aspect of the same occurrence. In a sense, each is incomplete without the other and each is motivated by the other. As we become aware of sin and turn from it, we see the necessity of turning to Christ for the provision of his righteousness. Conversely, believing in Christ makes us aware of our sin and thus leads to repentance.” [Christian Theology (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2013), 865]
Augustus H. Strong: “Conversion is that voluntary change in the mind of a sinner, in which he turns, on the one hand, from sin, and on the other hand, to Christ. The former or negative element in conversion, namely, the turning from sin, we denominate repentance. The latter or positive element in conversion, namely the turning to Christ, we denominate faith.” [Systematic Theology (Valley Forge, PA: Judson Press, 1907), 829]
Anthony A. Hoekema: “… Conversion should include the following elements: (1) illumination of the mind, whereby sin comes to be known in its truest sense, as behavior which is displeasing to God; (2) genuine sorrow for sin, not just remorse because of its bitter results; (3) humble confession of sin, both to God and to others who were hurt by our sin; (4) hatred of sin, including a deliberate resolve to flee from it; (5) a return to God as our gracious Father in Christ, in faith that he can and will forgive our sins; (6) a wholehearted joy in God through Christ; (7) genuine love for God and others, together with delight in God’s service.” [Saved by Grace (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1989), 113-114]