XIX. Of Conversion and the New Birth.

Since the heart of man is evil from his youth (Genesis 8:21; John 3:6) and carnally-minded (Romans 8:5) which is enmity against God (Romans 8:7), it is self-evident that such a faith as set forth in the preceding chapter includes: and brings about a sincere amending of one's way (Ephesians 4:25-29; 1 Peter 4:2-4), conversion (Acts 3:19) and a newness of life. Romans 6:4, 11; 8:1, 4. Therefore equally as strong emphasis is laid upon conversion as upon faith (Matthew 18:3; Acts 2:38) and the Lord Jesus has declared most solemnly, that no one can see the kingdom of God unless he be born again. John 3:3; Luke 13:3-5.

This teaches us that all men must be converted if they are to receive remission of sins (Isaiah 45:22; Luke 24:47), be fitted for fellowship with God who is light (1 John 1:5-7) and bring forth good fruit (Matthew 12:33-35; John 15:8); since neither profession (Matthew 7:21) nor baptism, nor the Lord's Supper, nor any other outward act apart from regeneration can avail anything to please God. Galatians 5:6; 6:15; Ephesians 4:22-24.

That this essential experience of conversion may be truly a turning unto the Lord (Hosea 14:2; Jeremiah 4:1), it is not sufficient that one be convinced in his conscience that he must leave the evil and do good, for this is found among the heathen (Romans 2:14, 15) and with many of the worst sinners. Acts 24:25. Again, it is not enough to make some good resolutions now and then (Matthew 21: 28-30), or to do this or that good deed (Mark 6:20) without a sincere turning of the heart to God (Acts 8:21), for in this way one may indeed come near to the kingdom of God (Matthew 13:20-22; Mark 12:34) and yet be excluded from it just the same. Matthew 25:11, 12; Luke 13:24. But in order to a true conversion there must be such an understanding and conviction of sin (Psalms 51; John 16:8) that we repent of it not only because of the punishment that it brings, but primarily because through it we have dishonored, offended and lost God (Isaiah 1:2-4; Deuteronomy 32: 5, 6; Daniel 9:5-19); for it is sorrow for God that worketh unto salvation a repentance which bringeth no regret. 2 Corinthians 7:10. They who thus sorrow, shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4. Those who are thus exercised abhor themselves (Job. 42:6; Ezekiel 36:31), hate and leave sin (Psalms 119:104), and from the heart make the resolve, -- I will arise (Luke 15:18), I will confess. Psalms 32:5. And this they do in that they penitently plead for forgiveness (Luke 18:13; Psalms 51), make a complete surrender of their will (Romans 6:17), and seek to know (Acts 22:10) and to do (Psalms 40:8; Ephesians 6:6) what is well-pleasing unto the Lord. Ephesians 5:10.

In view of the inner renewing of the understanding and the will (Romans 12:2; Titus 3:5) as well as of the outward active change and renewing of the life (Matthew 18:3; Romans 6:4), this true conversion is also called a new birth, a being born again (John 3:7), a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10-15) and the like, because the change of condition and activity that is brought about is as though a heart of stone had been removed and one of flesh received, upon which the Lord would write His law. Ezekiel 36. The effect is therefore nothing less than a transition from sin to virtue (Romans 6:17-22), from death unto life (1 John 3:14), from darkness to light (Ephesians 5:8), from the power of Satan unto God (Acts 26:18), etc., though weak in its inception and needing growth (Colossians 1:11-14) and strengthening. Ephesians 6:10.

This true conversion or new birth is therefore a spiritual life, which, like faith, comes from God (Ephesians 4:18; Romans 6:11; Galatians 2:19, 20; Acts 11:18; Titus 3:5; Psalms 51:10; a gift of God in Christ for which we must ask and return thanks as for a blessing upon which depends our whole happiness. Titus 3:5; 1 Peter 1:3, 21-23; 2:25). Nevertheless, to obtain it, there is required on our part, accompanying the divine work of grace and through the same, earnest effort (Luke 8:18; 13:24; James 1:21) and great diligence as is plainly evident from the many exhortations and promises (Ezekiel 18:30-32; Mark 1:15; Isaiah 55:7; Luke 7:30-34; Matthew 11:20) as well as warnings and rebukes pointing this way.

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