WHAT
CAUSED THE CHANGE?
Acts
26:18
18
To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to
light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness
of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in
me.
Paul
testified before Agrippa that Christ had commissioned him to a lifelong
effort to convert men. Certain specific changes would
define conversion. First, there would be a change of view. Their eyes would be
opened so that they might clearly see things as they really are. Next, they would
be changed from darkness (“shadiness”) to light. The power (“mastery”) of Satan
would be broken and men would then be at liberty to serve God. Sins would be
forgiven and a new life of not sinning would begin.
Former atheist, Lee Stroble, tells that his young
daughter told her mother: “Mom, I want what God has done to daddy!” This is the
observable change that takes place when men are converted.
Specifically, conversion is a change in the thoughts, desires, dispositions and
behavior of a sinner. He changes his mind about right and wrong. His appetite
changes and he begins to crave good and right things instead of wicked and
damaging habits. The Bible refers to him as a “new man” (Eph. 2:15; 4:24).
In my desire to discover a reason or a
pattern for conversion, I often miss miracles. As I ask what
caused the change, I miss the blessing of the change itself. True conversion is
due to the working of the Holy Spirit upon the heart and mind of an individual.
It is personal and therefore defies being pressed into a formula. The specific
circumstances needed to bring one to conversion will not necessarily be needed
for another. When it happens it is mysterious and marvelous.
Mark
5:15
15
And they come to Jesus, and see (saw) him that was possessed with the devil,
and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were
afraid.
Dear
Lord, let your Holy Spirit apply the pressures and circumstances necessary to
bring conversion. AMEN
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