The Elements of Conversion
Acts 9:1-9
Feb. 17, 2008
Why have Islamic Studies, and Jewish Studies, but not Christian Studies in the Universities?

Lord Littleton and Gilbert West on the resurrection of Jesus and the conversion of Saul

John Newton’ tombstone; Mel Trotter’s conversion
For Luke, this conversion marks the real beginning of the Gentile mission, how God has singled out Saul for taking the gospel to the ends of the earth.

It is not so much how you came to faith, but that you are now believing.

WSC Q 31 “What is effectual calling?

Heidelberg Catechism Q 2

What is necessary to live a converted life?

Conviction of Sin v 1-2

Did Saul think that he was doing the right thing?
How was Saul persecuting Jesus?

Confronted with the God of Salvation v 3-6
Did Saul prepare himself for this confrontation with God?

How would Saul, trained in Rabbinic school, have understood the light and the voice?

God was speaking, but who was God?

How did Saul now understand his life?
 

Service to God v 8-9
Jesus was giving orders.
 

God is able to convert the worst of sinners. (1 Timothy 1:15-16)

Jesus saves. We do not save ourselves by faith. (Matthew 1:21)

When God converts someone, you will notice a change. (Ephesians 4:17-24)

Evidences of a true conversion
Questions

Regeneration

Regeneration is not to be confused with the full experience of conversion. Just as birth is our initiation, or first entrance into life outside the womb, so our spiritual rebirth is the starting point of our spiritual life. It occurs by God’s divine initiative and is an act that is sovereign, immediate, and instantaneous. An awareness of our conversion may be gradual. Yet rebirth itself is instantaneous. No one can be partially reborn any more than a woman can be partially pregnant.

Regeneration is not the fruit or result of faith. Rather, regeneration precedes faith as the necessary condition for faith. We also do not in any way dispose ourselves toward regeneration or cooperate as coworkers with the Holy Spirit to bring it to pass. We do not decide or choose to be regenerated. God chooses to regenerate us before we will ever choose to embrace Him. To be sure, after we have been regenerated by the sovereign grace of God, we do choose, act, cooperate, and believe in Christ. God does not have faith for us. It is our own faith by which we are justified. What God does is quicken us to spiritual life, rescuing us from darkness, bondage, and spiritual death. God makes faith possible and actual for us. He quickens faith within us.

– R.C. Sproul