Today we will choose conversion. Conversion is often described as a one-time event in which a person turns from sin and places their faith in Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This initial decision to follow Jesus is often called "being born again." Paul said, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (2 Corinthians 5:17).
When we become followers of Jesus, we experience a radical transformation, becoming a new creation. Our old selves are crucified with Christ, and we begin to live a new life by faith in Jesus. Paul declared: "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me." (Galatians 2:20).
However, while this "crucifixion" — like conversion — may involve a specific moment of decision when we accept Christ as our Savior, it is also an ongoing process that continues throughout a person's life. This process involves two things. One, a continual turning away from sin and the ways of the world and turning toward God and heaven. This involves a reprogramming of our mind, which is why Paul said: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will" (Romans 12:2).
Two, dying to ourselves daily. Jesus said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me" (Luke 9:23). In a world that offers quick fixes — like instant coffee — we want miraculous remedies to spiritual pursuits, fast and pain-free. However, transformation never happens overnight and can be painful as we struggle to break free of chains that have bound us for years.
Knowing the truth will help us because the devil, only too eager to keep us in chains, will feed us lies that we still belong to him. However, if we hold on to the teachings of Jesus, we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free (see John 8:32). And what is the truth? That we are redeemed, we are saved, we are restored, we are forgiven, we are washed, we are cleansed, we are pure, we are holy, we are blessed, we are healed — in soul, spirit, heart, mind, and body, we are free, we are strong, we are victorious. And that doesn't cover a fraction of the things that are true about who we are.
We also need to make the right choices that lead to becoming more like Christ, as we have been doing in this series. As we choose conversion today, let us listen to a song that declares the truth about our faith so we can be encouraged in our spiritual journey.
