June 26

God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 4:6.

What is conversion? Conversion is the changing of a child of Satan into a child of God. It is a turning from darkness to light. The branch of a wild olive-tree is ingrafted into the true olive-tree, which is Christ. The wicked and deceitful heart is changed to a sanctified and honest heart. The darkened understanding of man is enlightened so that he is able to receive and to know the things of the Spirit of God. His will is freed from the bondage of sin and Satan and made free in Christ Jesus, so that he becomes able and willing to do good works. His mind, which is at enmity with God, is thoroughly changed so that he becomes reconciled to God. In other words, in conversion the relation of the sinner to God is radically changed.

How did this change come about? Man is dead in sins and cannot in any way cooperate in his conversion, even as dead Lazarus could not cooperate in raising himself back to life. It is clear that if any change for the better is to take place in man, that change must be effected by God.

The work of conversion is of such a character that it can be performed by almighty power alone; it can therefore be ascribed only to God. No man can bring himself to life. Our Catechism, therefore, says: "I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to Him; but the Holy Ghost has called me by the Gospel, enlightened me with

His gifts.” Can there be a more wonderful work than the conversion of a sinner? Does it not seem to be an utterly impossible thing that man as he is by nature since the fall of Adam, born in sin, totally depraved, dead in sin, should become alive in Christ Jesus, that his very heart should be changed, that he should be made a new creature, seeking the things that are above, that his heart should be filled with heavenly thoughts and desires? Yet this is what the Holy Ghost can do, and He alone can do it. He makes the heart a fitting temple of God.

Prayer.

Come, Holy Spirit, Thou heavenly Dove of peace, enter our hearts and assure them of the sweet truth that the billows of our heavenly Father’s wrath have now been assuaged, that the kindness and love of our dear Savior has appeared, and that through God’s wonderful grace we have the opportunity of entering upon a new life in a redeemed world in which already now God is to live among us and in which we are to live and walk in the most blessed communion with God. We pray Thee, preserve us in this communion until we shall see our Savior face to face, never again to be separated from Him. Lead us from darkness to eternal light. Amen.

Holy Ghost, with light divine, Shine upon this heart of mine; Chase the shades of night away, Turn my darkness into day.