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Catechist · #4 (**permalink**) 02-11-2007, 11:27 PM

Hi Rich,

I'm also studying conversion, notably the heart is turned, "Turn though me and I shall be turned".

I like your statement, "The Word of God has an effect. May God grant us hearts that are converted and do not rebel against its power." This effect appears to be object of conversion over time. Ursinus has it as mortification and quickening. "These two parts of conversion spring from faith. The reason is, because no one can hate sin and draw nigh unto God, unless he loves God."

Is Paul's "conversion" perfected by this act? We know his justification is perfect in Christ by this account.

Ursinus further, "Our conversion to God is not perfect in this life, but is here continually advancing until it reaches the perfection which is proposed in the life to come. (I Cor. 13:9. Ps. 19:13. Rom. 7:24. Gal. 5;17. Rev 22;11).

Does not saving faith proceed repentance and repentance proceed conversion and regeneration? The kindling of new light in the understanding produces new qualities and activities in the will and heart, from which a new life and new works proceed onto conversion.

Calvin writes concerning the imperfection of conversion, "This restoration is not accomplished in a single moment, or day, or year; but by continual, and sometimes even slow advances, the Lord destroys the carnal corruptions of his chosen, purifies them from all pollution, and consecrates them as temples to himself; renewing all their senses to real purity, that they may employ their whole life in the exercise of repentance, and know that this warfare will be terminated only in death."

To my understanding, this is another way I see the word and object of conversion being used in other writings. Without the fruit of saving faith, conversion, it is hard for me to understand it only as a completed act in a moment in time. Though Paul's experience is not an ordinary "conversion".