Kittens and Birth – Theology of conversion
Watching the litter of kittens being born made me ponder the miracle of birth. That led me to recall a conversation. During a discussion on theology, I was asked whether I believed that salvation, “conversion” to Christianity was a process or a sudden event. My answer was yes.
“Now wait a minute,” my friend said. “I gave you an either-or choice. It cannot be both.”
Technically, both positions are correct. You see, along the way, the Lord is preparing our hearts for conversion. That is done through people and circumstances in our lives that point us in His direction. It is that uncomfortable feeling that we need something more. It is the gradual realization that we cannot do it on our own. It is the prompting and calling of the Holy Spirit, beckoning us towards salvation.
There comes a point when that process reaches a head, and we accept Jesus. Whatever your theology —Calvinist, Arminian, or something completely different —we agree that there comes a point when we cross the threshold , a conversion, a born again experience, and Christ becomes our Lord.
Theologians debate the ordo salutis. That’s a fancy Latin term meaning “order of salvation”. It refers to the sequence of events in salvation, outlining how God saves us. It includes stages such as election, calling, regeneration, faith, justification, sanctification, and glorification, though interpretations in differing schools of thought.
I find such topics fascinating to think about. However, we look at the moment of conversion, whether you agree with my thoughts that the rebirth is both a process and a sudden thing, or not, the fact remains that we must be born again. Jesus made that clear when speaking with Nicodemus (John 3:1-8)
Jesus is our only hope.
Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6 ESV
Have you been saved from your sins, been born again through Christ? If you have praise Him for His mercy. If you haven’t, run to Him in repentant faith.
Until next time, may you be genuinely born again.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed,
Kevin
Gleanings From The Word – Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.