We will examine the Bible's teaching on conversion. Contrary to what many think, it is not just a one-time event. Instead the Scriptures reveal that it is a process. The process begins with God's calling, followed by the key steps of repentance, baptism and the receiving of the Holy Spirit—finally climaxing with the return of Jesus Christ, when the dead in Christ are resurrected to immortality and given eternal life. That is the ultimate transformation, being changed from a mortal to an immortal being!

Table of Contents

A man holding and reading a Bible.
3 minutes
Repentance from dead works and faith toward God are listed in Hebrews 6:1 as part of the foundation that ultimately leads to perfection and eternal...
A Bible.
3 minutes
Many people assume that the Holy Spirit, along with God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son, form what is commonly known as the Trinity. The doctrine...
A woman looking out over a body of water.
7 minutes
When God formed our first human parents Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, they were part of a created order that was "very good" (Genesis 1:31)...
An open Bible laying on a table.
5 minutes
The Scriptures speak of the Holy Spirit in many ways that demonstrate that it is not a divine person.
Puzzle pieces
3 minutes
What exactly is conversion? People talk of their "conversion" or of being "converted," but what does that mean? We know from the definition of the...
Hands hold heavy chains.
4 minutes
One of the fundamental principles of the Bible helps us understand why God wants us to quit sinning and turn to Him. That basic principle is we reap...
A silhouette of young man looking out over a body of water.
6 minutes
In Ephesians 2:8-9, Paul explains that "by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works...
Open Bible.
13 minutes
Millions of people claim to be Christian—followers of Jesus Christ. Yet their beliefs, practices and lifestyles differ greatly. Jesus said His true...
A person holding a Bible.
2 minutes
Jesus explicitly shows that our obedience to God must include obeying the Ten Commandments.
A person with their hands on top of a Bible.
2 minutes
The key to solving the problem of sin in our lives is the help we receive through Jesus Christ.
A man under distress.
10 minutes
Not long after Christ's death, the apostle Peter delivered a powerful message about salvation through Jesus Christ. Cut to their hearts, his audience...
Photos illustration of the baptism processes.
10 minutes
Why should a Christian seek to be baptized? How should one be baptized, and by whom? What does baptism symbolize? All these are key questions, because...
A person reading a Bible.
3 minutes
Paul scolded the Corinthian Christians for their unspiritual attitudes and conduct (1 Corinthians 3:1-4). He explained that their problems were caused...
A man sitting and praying.
2 minutes
Responding to God involves not just repenting of our individual sinful acts. It also involves a recognition that our hearts and minds have been...
Under water looking up at sun rays.
2 minutes
What is the correct method of baptism—sprinkling, pouring, immersion or some other technique?
A man sitting on log praying.
5 minutes
The apostle Paul admonished members in one of the churches he started, "Do not quench the Spirit" (1 Thessalonians 5:19). He also urged the young...
A young woman looking out a window.
2 minutes
A change in the way you think is the most important aspect of real repentance and being a true Christian.
A young women praying.
3 minutes
Baptism represents the most important commitment we can make.
A person with a Bible on their lap.
3 minutes
God is aware of everything we say and do. Not even a sparrow can fall to the ground without His knowing it (Matthew 10:29). Therefore when anyone...
An open Bible with glasses.
19 minutes
A vital first step to becoming a true servant of God is to admit that we are sinners and to seek God's forgiveness and help to avoid sin. But what...
Sunset with people in foreground.
8 minutes
None of us can overcome our sins and shortcomings without God's help. And God makes that help available to us through His Holy Spirit. But what...
Womans hands on top of a Bible.
12 minutes
Many people believe God will accept them just as they are. But Scripture nowhere supports this idea. God expects His true followers to grow, mature...