CONVERSION

This comes from a great tract that has been around for a long time.

CONVERSION
The Bible teaches a rational plan of salvation. Do what Jesus and the apostles commanded and you will be saved. The Scriptures do not teach us to look for lights and signs and listen for strange voices, and expect to be picked up bodily. The religion of Jesus is intended for all the people, and is made so plain that all the people can understand it. Conversion is simply a change. Yes - a change of the heart. The Bible says we think and reason with the heart, that is, the intellect (Luke 9: 47; Mark 2: 8). It says we love and hate with the heart; that is, the affections (Matthew 6:19, 21). We purpose with the heart; that is, the will (2 Corinthians 9: 7). It says the heart condemns and approves; that is the conscience (1 John 3: 20, 21).

So when a person is converted they are completely changed in intellect, in affections and will. Having done his duty, and hence the heart or mind approves of what has been done, and the conscience is at ease. Faith changes his way of thinking; repentance his will, and baptism his state; and all combined change his relation toward God, and make him a Christian. A person who hears the gospel, believes on Christ, repents of his sins, confesses Christ, and is baptized into Christ is a Christian. They met Christ where Christ promised to meet them. They must then continue faithful unto death and a person will receive a crown of life.

Facts Concerning the New Testament Church by P. H. Welshimer
Available from Standard Publishing.