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

This Word which works so effectively repentance ( metanoia ) to salvation, also works the same power to produce faith ( pistis ) in the believer. Faith in God’s Word is the means by which the Father saves, delivers, and rescues the believer from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. As a result of repentance and faith in the Word of God, new signs of God’s forgiveness and the Holy Spirit’s power are displayed within the heart and through the life of the believer. The inner life of the believer is transformed by the Word of God. Inwardly, the believer senses and experiences signs of new life in Jesus Christ including a knowledge of God as heavenly Father, a new experience of prayer, an openness to the Word of God, and a willingness to follow the inner leading of Jesus’ voice. The Word of God is effective and active in also producing outward, concrete signs of new life in the Christian. These include (but are not necessarily limited to) such things as an identification with the people of God, the display of a new Christlike character and lifestyle, a love for other believers, and a desire to see the lost won to Christ. Sola gratia (by grace alone) and sola fides (through faith alone) are helpful Latin terms that summarize the nature of conversion through faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are saved by grace through faith alone, that is, through our reliance on the work of Jesus Christ on the cross. This grace and faith alone is the basis of redemption and forgiveness with God. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about the nature of the converting power of the Word of God. Think carefully about your own ideas regarding the conversion through repentance and faith, and highlight these now in your discussion. What particular questions do you have in light of the material you have just studied? Maybe some of the questions below might help you form your own, more specific and critical questions. * Can a person claim to know God intimately and show no inner or outward signs of being converted? Why is it critical for the one who claims to know God to demonstrate some sign of genuine conversion in their life?

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Student Application and Implications