3 Sermon Illustrations on Early Conversion

3 illustrations

Early conversion in Christian preaching highlights the significance and possibility of genuine faith arising in childhood or youth, emphasizing the formative impact of early spiritual experiences. Illustrations often use the imagery of seed-sowing or youthful beginnings to depict how early piety shapes lifelong faith (2 Timothy 3:15). This theme underscores the rarity yet profound importance of early spiritual awakening (Psalm 119:9).

Early Conversions, Possible

Early seed-sowing in children can lead to genuine conversion later in life.

A girl thirteen years of age found her Saviour. When she acquainted her mother with the fact, the tearful reply was, "God has heard my prayers. I expected that you would be converted when you was thirteen."—"But, mother, I often felt like submitting to Christ when I was only four or five."—Did you, dear child?" said her mother; "but I did not expect it then. I was only sowing the seed. I did not expect you would be a Christian until you were thirteen."

Early Piety, Importance of

Most genuine conversions occur before age twenty; late conversions are rare.

The most important ten years of human life are from five to fifteen years of age. The vast majority of those who pass twenty irreligious are never converted at all. Dr. Spencer tells us, that, out of two hundred and thirty-five hopeful converts in his church, one hundred and thirty-eight were under twenty years, and only four had passed their fiftieth year. I have been permitted, during my ministry, to receive nearly one thousand persons into the church on confession of their faith; and not one dozen of these had outgrown their fiftieth year. I did, indeed, once baptize a veteran of eighty-five; but the case was so remarkable, that it excited the talk and wonder of the town. Such late repentances are too much like what the blunt dying soldier called "flinging the fag-end of one's life into the face of the Almighty." Rec. T. L. Cuyler.

Early Piety, Possibility of

A child's early spiritual experience can profoundly influence others' faith journeys.

President Edwards gives a narrative of Phoebe Bartlett, a child only five years old. Her religious experience was wonderful. For seventy years, she testified to the gracious love of God in revealing himself to her when she was yet a child. In the memoirs of Dr. Justin Edwards, it is stated, that the heavenly conversation and Christian spirit manifested in her last sickness were the means of bringing him to the enjoyment of spiritual life. So that, although she was not permitted to preach the gospel in public, she was made instrumental in leading another person to do so with eminent success.

An Early Interest in Gods Mercy Essential to a Happy Life.

by Edward Payson

Seeking God's mercy early in life is essential for happiness, freedom from fears, guilt, care, and anxiety, and the mastery of appetites and passions.