Conversion

                                         

Matthew 18:3

3 and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

This was Jesus' answer to some of His own disciples, who had been asking that somewhat half-curious, self-confident question,

"Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?"

Everybody is not converted who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ.

Three things here—

The Need of Conversion.

"Except ye turn and become as little children, ye shall in no wise enter the Kingdom of Heaven."

We may be disciples, in a sense, and yet be unfit for the Kingdom of God.

Those who don't need to be converted are those who, at some time or other, have been converted, because,

Isaiah 53:6

6 All we like sheep have gone astray;
We have turned, every one, to his own way;
And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.

There may be an outward conformity where there is an inward deformity.

2 Timothy 3:5

5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

The tree needs to be made good before the fruit can be good; the fountain of the heart must be cleansed if the streams of thought and feeling are to be pure.

The Kingdom of Heaven cannot be entered by those who selfishly seek their own good, and not the glory of God.

Not to submit to the will and purpose of God is to rebel against this Kingdom.

The Nature of Conversion

"Except ye turn."

It is a turning about—a turning from self-confidence and self-rule unto the rule of God.

Saul was thoroughly converted when he said, "Lord, what wilt Thou have me to do?"

He had turned from His own self-made plans and purposes to the will God. In one sense we need to be converted quite often, because every time we turn aside, we need another conversion.

Christ "suffered for us, the Just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God.

" If we have not turned to God we are unconverted; and if we have been converted, and are not now walking in the light and joy of His presence, it is quite clear that we need another conversion.

Ezekiel 33:11

11 Say to them: ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’

The Evidence of Conversion

"Become as little children."

The little child which "Jesus set in the midst of them," was for them an object lesson of self-abasement and trustfulness.

Those who are wholly turned to God are as open minded and submissive as little children.

They are conscious of their own weakness, and free from all unholy ambition and secret intrigue.

They are harmless, affectionate, and sincere, without duplicity and hypocrisy.

To become as a little child is to have the past blotted out and forgiven, and to begin a new life, a more heavenly life.

It's only when a person gets converted, and becomes again a little child, that he can have all the opportunities of a life time before him.

You have not yet begun to live in a real, true sense, if you have not been turned to God.

Psalm 7:11-12

11 God is an honest judge. He is angry with the wicked every day.

12 If a person does not repent, God will sharpen his sword;
    he will bend and string his bow.

1. The testimony of others proving your salvation
2. A hunger for the things of God
3. Power over sin

This is a really good battery test for salvation and conversion.