Conversion is the cry of the new birth. It is the echo of regeneration (the work of the Spirit that makes a dead heart alive). The believer has a new direction: they have turned away from serving sin and turned to serving God. The classic New Hampshire Baptist Confession of Faith of 1833 defines conversion in Article VIII as:
“We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God (Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1); whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ (John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31), we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy (Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom. 10:12-13; Psa. 51); at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour (Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23: Heb. 4:14; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 8:25; 2 Tim. 1:12).”
A new life means that there are new elements that make up that life. Summarizing Scripture, Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck points out seven new elements of conversion:
1. “Illumination of the mind, whereby sin comes to be known in its true sense, as behavior displeasing to God.
2. Genuine sorrow for sin, not just remorse because of its bitter results.
3. Humble confession of sin, both to God and to others who were hurt by our sin.
4. Hatred of sin, including a deliberate resolve to flee from it.
5. A return to God as our gracious Father in Christ, in faith that he can and will forgive our sins.
6. A wholehearted joy in God through Christ.
7. Genuine love for God and others, together with delight in God’s service.”
“We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God (Mark 1:15; Acts 11:18; Eph. 2:8; 1 John 5:1); whereby being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ (John 16:8; Acts 2:37-38; 16:30-31), we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy (Luke 18:13; 15:18-21; James 4:7-10; 2 Cor. 7:11; Rom. 10:12-13; Psa. 51); at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour (Rom. 10:9-11; Acts 3:22-23: Heb. 4:14; Psa. 2:6; Heb. 1:8; 8:25; 2 Tim. 1:12).”
A new life means that there are new elements that make up that life. Summarizing Scripture, Dutch theologian Herman Bavinck points out seven new elements of conversion:
1. “Illumination of the mind, whereby sin comes to be known in its true sense, as behavior displeasing to God.
2. Genuine sorrow for sin, not just remorse because of its bitter results.
3. Humble confession of sin, both to God and to others who were hurt by our sin.
4. Hatred of sin, including a deliberate resolve to flee from it.
5. A return to God as our gracious Father in Christ, in faith that he can and will forgive our sins.
6. A wholehearted joy in God through Christ.
7. Genuine love for God and others, together with delight in God’s service.”
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