Salvation to Conversion

When we speak of salvation, it is not only the gift of eternal life we are speaking about, but also a conversion to a new way of life. Although salvation is a gift to us by believing in Christ, there was an awesome price paid on the cross so that we could have salvation and the chance to live our life as a Christian. For God so loved the world, that He gave Hid only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16) The salvation part is easy for us… All we have to do is believe in Jesus Christ and acknowledge that He is the Son of God who died for the sins of the world and was resurrected, defeating death. The hard part is the conversion to become a real child of God. For this we need the help of the Holy Spirit that is also a gift to all who will receive it. But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26) The Holy Spirit will help us and teach us all things of the Spirit. Lets look to the Word to find the meaning of conversion. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His. (Romans 8:6-9) We have to live out our flesh bodies and we will always have sin in the flesh. But, we can also have the Spirit of God, “The Holy Spirit” to dwell within our minds, which is the intellect of the soul. When we repent and hole heartedly commit ourselves to Christ we are crucified with Him, and make the conversion through faith and verbal acknowledgement, or baptism. Christ will then live within us… Helping us to live in the flesh, as we begin our new way of life as a Christian. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John 1:9) I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20) But what is life like after conversion? Many think living, as a Christian is easy… Not true. At times you will find plenty of distractions thrown your way to make things a little more tempting to the flesh. Paul would best explain it as a constant struggle between flesh and Spirit. (Romans 7:14-24) and he ends with… I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. (Romans 7:25) So, how does this conversion take place? No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. (John 6:44) And he said, therefore said unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. (John 6:65) The Heavenly Father draws us to conversion. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone listens to my voice and opens the door, I shall come in to him and dine with him and he with Me. (Revelations 3:20) He will come to us in time of need, we just need to invite Him in. That is why another Christian cannot save anyone, or force anyone to become Christian. It is a personal thing between the one drawn to salvation, and the Father. Another Christian may plant a seed, but the Father will make it grow. So then, all I need to do is believe and that is it? I would not say that. Many may think this is all it takes, and they go no further in their spiritual life. But, my questions to you and those who think they are saved is... How can you believe in someone if you do not get to know them? We must get to know our Heavenly Father through His Word. So study the Gospel and think for yourself... Remember, it is a personal relationship between you and Jesus Christ.Keep The Faith,Bart