A True Conversion
Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, If you remain in My word, then you are truly My disciples. You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.
- John 8:31-32
There is no shortage of people in local congregations who have an emotional experience in worship and a passing knowledge of Scripture. But without a true heart conversion, they’re as lost as anyone who has never set foot inside a house of worship. In some cases, they may be asked to contemplate making a decision, but will almost never be faced with the prospect of conversion.
In order for the truth to set you free, it is imperative that you understand the distinction between making a decision and undergoing a conversion. I like to use the experience that people have at the fast food drive through lane as an example.
You’re hungry, so you make your way to a favorite and convenient fast food restaurant. You’ve been there many times before, as no doubt many others in line ahead of you have been. But unlike so many ahead of you, you have already made up your mind what you want. You have made a decision, but you’re still not free from hunger.
Finally, after the people in front of you have somehow managed to figure out what they want from a menu that has not changed for years, you reach the talk box on the menu board. You tell whoever is listening what menu items you have decided to order. In other words, you have made a confession—but even though you have made your desire clear in specific terms, you’re still hungry.
If all goes well, the food that you receive is at least approximately what you said you wanted. You hold in your hand what you have conceived in your mind and said with your mouth. But you’re still not free from the specter of hunger.
What is the problem? You’ve acknowledged the truth; you’ve confessed your need. The answer to your situation is bagged up and sitting right next to you. But you still need to take immediate and appropriate action before you will be free from hunger. Nobody is going to stuff that muffin between your clenched teeth. You have to eat!
What is true in our generation was also true when these verses were spoken. Many of the Jews in during the first century believed they had a special relationship with God because of their lineage. They believed they were saved because of the conditions of their birth. But Jesus was having none of that. He was bold enough to tell them that they lacked the heart conversion that takes place when someone believes in the person of Jesus, accepts the truth of the Bible into his or her heart, and then takes action based on what they say they believe. God does not want a passing acquaintance with you—He wants a passionate relationship. He wants you to experience the freedom that can only come from remaining in the Word and being true disciples, or followers of Christ.
Jesus left no doubt about what those people had to do: they could not stop with a decision or even a confession—they had to experience conversion. And He apparently discerned that they weren’t about to do that, because in verse 44 He said they were “of your father the devil.” That must have been quite startling to those who heard it!
And it still is today. God passionately desires to call us His, and to experience the freedom that rightly belongs to the sons and daughters of God. But we will never experience the glorious liberty that comes with being in His family until our hearts are truly converted.
Lord, grant me courage as I go through this day. When I am tempted to give up, help me to keep going. Grant me a cheerful spirit when things don't go my way. And give me the endurance to do whatever needs to be done. Amen.
Further Reading
- James 1:22–25
- Exodus 15:6
- Matthew 7:21-23
