1. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics

3. Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion The necessity of conversion is evident Jesus said we will not enter heaven unless we are “converted” and become like a little child Mt 18:3 James wrote one must be “turned” (converted) in order to be saved from death and have his sins covered Jas 5:19-20

4. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion The necessity of conversion is evident Sin makes conversion necessary Rom 3:23 The Scripture also teaches us how God feels about sin and why He wants us to be “turned” God “hates” sinful characteristics Prov 6:16-19 These attributes are an “abomination” (disgusting) God “hates” putting away (divorce) Mal 2:16

5. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion The necessity of conversion is evident The Scripture also teaches us how God feels about sin and why He wants us to be “turned” God is entirely holy, wants us to be 1 Pet 1:16 God is the very essence of light 1 Jn 1:5 “Holy, holy, holy” is ascribed to God Rev 4:8

6. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion The necessity of conversion is evident The Scripture also teaches us how God feels about sin and why He wants us to be “turned” God is entirely unique…there is no other being like Him cp. Isa 46:8-10 The only barriers that separate us from God, and that will prevent Him from saving us are our own impenitent sins Isa 59:1-2

7. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion The necessity of conversion is evident Therefore, is there any wonder why God calls on us to be “converted” or “turned?” Man will not be able to live any way he chooses and then expect to enter heaven cp. Gal 6:7-8 Such would be “mocking” (to turn the nose up at) God Ù we only deceive ourselves if this is what we think

8. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” God has never at any time been under any obligation to save a sinner cp. Gen 6-9 He would be well within His Divine right to just “wipe us out” cp. Ex 32:7-10 Instead, He chooses to be compassionate

9. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” His word uses descriptive phrases that reveal His heart toward sinners…those who need to be “converted” Ù Ex. Eph 1-2 MERCYLOVE Eph 2:4

10. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” His word uses descriptive phrases that reveal His heart toward sinners…those who need to be “converted” Ù Ex. Eph 1-2 GRACEKINDNESS Eph 2:7

11. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion How God feels towards sinners…those who need to be “converted” His word uses descriptive phrases that reveal His heart toward sinners…those who need to be “converted” Ù Ex. Eph 1-2 REDEMPTIONFORGIVENESS Eph 1:7

12. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion Some Closing Thoughts… Conversion is something for everyone to think about… both believers & unbelievers Unbelievers should be taught they need to “turn to the Lord” Acts 11:21 1 Thess 1:9 They are “dead in sin” and “without hope in the world” Eph 2:1-3, 12

13. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion Some Closing Thoughts… Believers need to remember their past sinful condition Eph 2:12 Their challenge will be not to return to the former way of life from which they “turned” They need to live as a “transformed” person Rom 12:2

14. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics The Believer’s Transformation Rom 12:2 “Transformed” = origin of “metamorphosis” Illustrates what we can become despite being guilty of sin in the past

15. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics The Believer’s Transformation Rom 12:2 Instead of “getting even” with someone like he used to do, now he refrains from personal vengeance, and he even prays for those who wrong him Mt 5:43-48 Rom 12:17-21 Instead of worshiping at the “church of his choice,” he makes sure his religious service & worship meet with Divine approval Mt 7:21-23

16. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics Lesson 2 Ù Genuine Conversion Some Closing Thoughts… A truly “converted” person realizes he has spent enough of his life in sinful ways God does not approve 1 Pet 4:2-3 He understands he must live as a “changed” or “turned” or “converted” person Col 2:20 – 3:17

17. Thematic Studies In Bible Basics