Conversion & Calling, Student Workbook, SW01

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C O N V E R S I O N A N D C A L L I N G

saved” position do not always show the kind of energy and commitment that he believes Christians ought to show. He happens to believe, however, that the heart of that teaching is correct. James holds that the one who repents and believes in Jesus is born again and receives eternal life. Still, why do so many who say they believe show little or no signs of it? He is somewhat confused and discouraged. How would you help James understand the relationship between professing faith and demonstration of your faith in life?

The Word that Converts

Segment 1

Rev. Dr. Don L. Davis

This segment inquires into the relationship between God’s Word and the power to be converted and transformed. In this study we will learn how the Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Word that converts. This transforming Gospel of Jesus Christ effectively leads us to metanoia , that is, to a true repentance from sin and a turning towards God in Jesus Christ. Furthermore, we will see how this same Gospel that produces repentance in the believer also moves us toward faith. The Word that leads us to repentance also leads us to faith ( pistis ), a living faith through which God saves, delivers, and rescues the believer from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. Our objective for this first segment of The Word that Converts is to enable you to see that: • The Word of God, the Word that converts, corresponds directly with the good news of salvation by faith in Jesus Christ. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is the Word that converts, making plain the conditions of salvation in Christ. • The Word that converts produces repentance ( metanoia ), a turning from sin and idolatry to faith in Jesus Christ. This repentance includes (among other things) a change of mind, a godly sorrow for sin, and a confessing and forsaking of one’s sins before the Lord. • The Word that converts, that Word that produces repentance, is accompanied by saving faith in Jesus Christ as Lord, a deliberate dependence on Jesus Christ to save and redeem one’s soul from the penalty, power, and presence of sin.

Summary of Segment 1

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