251 – Calling – Conversion

SEMESTER 4

251 – Calling – Conversion

BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE

COURSE: SOTERIOLOGY IV LESSON # 51
THE DOCTRINE OF CALLING (CONVERSION)

INTRODUCTION:

In the previous lesson, that is (Evidences of Regeneration) we saw something of the subjective aspect of conversion. However, our study of Soteriology would be improperly shallow if we did not study conversion as a proper subject.

I. CONVERSION IS A PROPER DIVISION OF CALLING

1. In all stages of either “Arminianism” or “Calvinism” soteriological issues are seen under five divisions.

i. Extent of depravity, i.e., man’s state which necessitates salvation.
ii. Election, (soteriological) God’s purpose to save (whoev­er).
iii. The blood atonement, i.e., the work of reconciling (whoever) to Himself.
iv. Calling, i.e., the work upon or in (whoever) by which atone­ment is appropriated.
v. Preservation and perseverance, i.e., the maintenance of the state resulting from the above.

2. Under the heading of calling comes the work of God, in two basic divisions.

i. Quickening, the work of the Spirit done in the sinner.
ii. Conversion, the response of the sinner to that work.
iii. Each may be properly viewed as a division of regeneration. (James 1:18, I Pet. 1:23)

3. Conversion then is a secondary effect of calling and is seen in the responses of the quickened sinner.

I. CONVERSION SEEN BY SIMPLE DEFINITION

1. In a proper sense it is a change in which the sinner turns.

i. From his pursuit of sin (repentance).
ii. To Christ as his only hope of justification (faith).

2. In its most precise sense, this is singular and instantaneous:

i. In repentance the basic ruling principle changes.
ii. In faith one hope is abandoned and another embraced.

3. Yet in manifestation, conversion is progressive. (The Christian grows in this grace.) (Lk. 22:32)

i. He progressively turns from sins to which he was previously insensitive.
ii. He progressively grows stronger in his faith.
iii. This progressive manifestation is the necessary result of original work. (Jn. 13:10)

II. THE LOGICAL ORDER OF QUICKENING AND CONVERSION

If logical order is not properly considered in this area, all manner of confusion can result.

1. The divine side of regeneration, i.e., quickening must precede the human side, i.e., conversion:

i. Because life must precede conduct and conversion involves conduct.
ii. Because conversion is turning from sin and man by nature cannot do this. (Jer. 13:23)
iii. Conversion pleases God which the natural man cannot do. (Rom. 8:8)
iv. Conversion is a good thing which natural man cannot do. (Rom. 7:18)
v. Conversion is subjection to God which the natural man cannot do. (Rom 8:7)
vi. Conversion is a spiritual resurrection and life must precede manifestation, i.e., coming forth. (Eph. 2:4-6)
vii. Conversion involves coming to Christ, which act must logically be preceded by God giving them. (Jn. 6:37)
viii. Man cannot do what conversion involves without the work of God, which is quickening. (Jn. 6:44, Jn. 6:65)

2. What of Scriptures which make faith (which is included in conver­sion) a condition of sonship.

i. This is sonship in an experimental or adoptive sense.
ii. It is not sonship in the new birth or positional sense.

III. THE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER OF QUICKENING AND CONVERSION

Do not imagine that because quickening precedes conversion logically that it precedes it chronologically. It does not.

1. Chronologically, quickening and basic conversion come simul­taneously. (I Pet. 1:4)
2. Only He who, by faith, has the Son has life. Thus, this is confined to believers. (I Jn. 5:12)