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This thematic study in Bible basics explores the necessity of genuine conversion, the importance of being turned away from sin, and how God feels towards sinners.
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FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE ORACLES OF GOD Thematic Studies In Bible Basics
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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” ÙEx. Eph 1-2 Eph 2:4 MERCY LOVE
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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” ÙEx. Eph 1-2 Eph 2:7 GRACE KINDNESS
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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” ÙEx. Eph 1-2 Eph 1:7 REDEMPTION FORGIVENESS
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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
The Believer’s Transformation Rom 12:2 • “Transformed” = origin of “metamorphosis” • Illustrates what we can become despite being guilty of sin in the past
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
Lesson 2 ÙGenuine 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