Word of the Week: Conversion

Pastor Nathanael Mayhew discusses the word "conversion" this week. The word is an important theological term which is defined as the act of turning an unbeliever into a believer. It comes from Greek and Hebrew words which literally mean to "turn around." These words are usually used to describe a physical turning around as seen in Matthew 9:22 when Jesus "turns around" to see the woman who had touched him. We would visualize a complete 180 degree turn. A person who was going one way turns around and goes back the way they had come. With this in mind, the word is also used in a spiritual sense. A sinner who is headed into sin and on their way to hell, is "turned around" or "converted" by the work of God. Peter says "Repent therefore and be converted (literally "turned around")..." This is the work of God, who turns us from sin and death, to righteousness and life through faith. The LORD uses His word to accomplsh this: "The Law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul." Thanks be to God for His work of Conversion in our lives!