Turning To God

Conversion is turning to God. It is the action accompanying repentance, the outward result of a changed heart, a changed direction, in biblical Greek (epistrophé) a turning about. It is the fruit that John the Baptist demanded (Matthew 3:7-8). Do repentance and conversion go together?

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19 NKJV)

This also connects a promise, that our sins may be blotted out. Is repentance changing our minds about acts that lead to death?

Therefore let us move beyond the elementary teachings about Christ and be taken forward to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death, and of faith in God… (Hebrews 6:1-2 NIV)

A similar word in Hebrew is "shoob" meaning simply to turn back. In some contexts, it is the action step after an inner change of heart.

Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted [turn back] unto thee. (Psalm 51:12-13 KJV)

Does conversion include a child-like attitude?

Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you [are converted] turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. (Matthew 18:3 NLT)

Paul’s Conversion

Is Saul’s (Paul’s) conversion an object lesson in a life turned about?

Then Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest and asked letters from him to the synagogues of Damascus, so that if he found any who were of the Way, whether men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. (Acts 9:1-2 NKJV)

Since his involvement in the murder of Stephen the martyr, Saul had lived and breathed threats and murder of the people of the Way, as early Christians were called, from Jesus saying “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6) Was Saul about to have an encounter?

As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” (Acts 9:3-4 NKJV)

What did Saul do?

And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” Then the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” (Acts 9:5-6 NKJV)

Was Saul physically affected by this encounter? Did he fast?

And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:7-9 NKJV)

Through whom did the Lord work to restore Saul’s sight?

Now there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias; and to him the Lord said in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” So the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street called Straight, and inquire at the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus, for behold, he is praying. And in a vision he has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, so that he might receive his sight.” (Acts 9:10-12 NKJV)

What was Ananias’ concern?

Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he has done to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” (Acts 9:13-14 NKJV)

What did the Lord say?

But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” (Acts 9:15-16 NKJV)

What did Ananias then do?

And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. (Acts 9:17-18 NKJV)