1. Matthew 18:3

2. The primary meaning of conversion is to change a thing or person into something else. Corn is converted into bread - sometimes! Wood is converted into paper, and paper into books. Biblically, conversion is the mental or moral change in man which begins with belief of the gospel and ends in obedience.

3. Man has never been able to frame a system which could purify the sinner's heart, sanctify his soul, restore his character, and save him from hell. His Creator alone could to it - and did it. "The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul..." (Psalm 19:7).

4. It is accomplished through obedience to the truth - the agent, or vital power, through which the Holy Spirit effects conversion. There is no necessity for any other power than the truth in effecting this change. In fact, any other would be an infringement upon man's freedom of will. Man is either willing or unwilling to receive the truth. If he is willing, no other means of conversion is necessary. If he is unwilling, any other means would be coercion rather than conversion. The motivating power of conversion is, therefore, the truth - and it is has immense power. T.U.L.I.P. is a completely false doctrine of man.

5. It is the beginning of the salvation process - Matthew 18:3 It is a work of each Christian - James 5:20

6. It begins with hearing the word of God - Romans 1:16; 10:17 It involves the desire of the hearer's heart - Acts 16:14; 2 Thessalonians 2:14 - (John 12:42) It involves understanding the message of God - Acts 8:30; 16:23-34

7. It is shown by a changed mind - Acts 2:38; 3:19; 2 Corinthians 7:10 It is initiated by obedience to the Lord - Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 3:21 It is manifested by a change in actions in one's life - Romans 6:4-7 It is manifested by a change in the way we interact - Ephesians 4:22-32

8. The mind changes as God's Word influences each life - Romans 12:1-2 The physical becomes less and less important - 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

9. The Jews - Acts 2:37-38, 41; 8:12, 36; (9:18 & 22:16); 16:15; 19:5 The Gentiles - Acts 10:48; 16:33; 18:8; Romans 6:3; 1 Cor. 1:16; Galatians 3:27 It is not a matter of “faith only” - James 2:14, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26

10. Conversion is imperative in pleasing the Lord. "Unless you are converted and become like little children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3. Since Jesus counts it as so important, "let us receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." - James 1:21-22. God will be pleased and we'll be better people - both now and later! - 1Timothy 4:8-9

11. What must I do to be Saved ? Hear Romans 10:14, 17 Believe John 8:24; Mark 16:16 Repent Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38 Confess Matthew10:32 Be baptized in water Acts 2:38; 22:16 Remain faithful Revelation 2:10 b, Matthew 25:21

12. If you have questions, you may contact me at the following addresses or by phone: Charlie Gant P. O. Box 837 Leakey, Texas 78873-0837 E-mail: charliegant@hotmail.com Or phone: 830 232 4777 Or text: 979 743-1066