May 26

On Conversion

If the Saviour has not sanctified you, renewed you, given you a hatred of sin and a love of holiness, He has nothing in you of a saving character. ME79

“True religion is something more than correct opinions. A man may as well descend to hell being orthodox as heterodox.” (827.474)

“Conversion is the mysterious work of the Spirit upon the soul. That great change could not be produced by the fear of imprisonment, the authority of law, the charms of bribery, the clamour of excitement, or the glitter of eloquence.” (1147.703)

“We have all heard of the minister who visited a dying woman, and was the means of bringing her to a joyful faith in Christ, but before he had left the house she was dead: he was wont to say that he found her in a state of nature, saw her in a state of grace, and left her in a state of glory, and all within an hour. So that we do make much of the power of God to accomplish wonders in a brief space.” (1607.385)

“To convince men of the truth of a statement is one thing, to convince them of personal sin is another thing, and to convert them is a step higher still.” (1774.197)

“Though no man is free from the commission of sin, yet every converted man is free from the love of sin.” (2073.125)

“That conversion which is all joy and lacks sorrow for sin, is very questionable.” (2073.131)

“The vital spark that regenerates a soul is kindled in an instant. Instantaneous conversion is not the exception, it is the rule; there cannot be any conversion but that which is instantaneous.” (3298.185)

“It not only changes my outward actions, but it renews my mind, it alters the whole bent and purpose of my life, in David’s phrase it converts my soul.” (3314.379)