Mormon Dilemma 254

15 May

Conversion

http://www.lds.org/study/topics/conversion?lang=eng  “Conversion includes a change in behavior, but it goes beyond behavior; it is a change in our very nature. It is such a significant change that the Lord and His prophets refer to it as a rebirth, a change of heart, and a baptism of fire.

Conversion is a process, not an event. Conversion comes as a result of righteous efforts to follow the Savior. These efforts include exercising faith in Jesus Christ, repenting of sin, being baptized, receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost, and enduring to the end in faith.”

Holman Bible Dictionary; “The Character of Conversion…Christian conversion is the experience of an individual in which one turns from sin and trusts in Jesus Christ for salvation. It is personal and inward in nature, but is results in a public and outward change. Each individual’s conversion is unique; yet the requirements of conversion are the same for everyone.

Conversion does not result in Christian maturity, but it does begin the process that leads to maturity.

The Causes of Conversion…The cause of conversion is a confrontation and encounter with God. In genuine conversion one is confronted with the living Christ and faced with decision. It is a personal event, concentrated and focused.

The cause of conversion is conviction that is the result of the Holy Spirit’s witness to the Word of God (John 16:7-11). Christian conversion must be preceded by a basic understanding of the gospel story, some cognitive grasp of truth, a minimal acquaintance with God’s redemptive work in Christ. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Rom. 10:17).

Faith is essentially trust. Faith is trust in Christ and His redemptive sacrifice. It is believing in Him alone for salvation. Faith is receiving the grace God revealed through the Person and work of His Son.”

Every single little or big thing in Mormonism has been turned on its proverbial head.  This is a classic example today.  As a Mormon I had no idea what conversion even meant.  You were either born in the covenant or you were a convert, but converting didn’t necessarily mean you had some profound experience happen in your life.  Being a convert simply meant you agreed with their dogma, therefore you decided to join.

The first convert I recall ever meeting was my husband Kirk. His testimony wasn’t Spirit filled at all.  In fact Kirk joined because of the girl he was dating at the time (a bishop’s daughter) convinced him to do so. (This was what we called the “date ‘em, dunk ‘em and dump ‘em plan”).

Within a year’s time he was inactive.

 

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