"So being sent on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, describing the conversion of the Gentiles; and they caused great joy to all the brethren." Acts 15:3

As then, do we not rejoice when we hear of some one's conversion? And do not the heavenly host do the same? And so we should, for that person is no longer dead, but alive in Christ -- converted from death to life. Let's see what Scripture reveals to us in this matter of conversion.

The Greek word for conversion in our verse is EPISTROPHE. "Vine's Expository Dictionary" says, "The word implies a turning from and a turning to; corresponding to these are repentance and faith..." Could we say then it is a turning to God from sin? Since man is at enmity with God, how does it happen?

Conversion is produced --
By God:
In Acts 21:19 Paul has arrived in Jerusalem and is speaking to the brethren there, "When he had greeted them, he told in detail those things which God had done among the Gentiles through his ministry."

By Christ:
In Peter's second sermon, Acts 3:26,
"To you first, God having raised up His Servant Jesus, sent Him to bless you, in turning away everyone of you from your iniquities."

By the Holy Spirit:
Paul to the Corinthians,
"These things we also speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches." 1 Corinthians 2:13

By the Scriptures:
"The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul, The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." Psalm 19:7

By preaching:
Paul in Romans 10:14-15,
"How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard: and how shall they hear without a preacher?  And how shall they preach unless they are sent?
As it is written: 'How beautiful are the feet of those who bring glad tidings of good things.'"

Conversion results in--
Repentance:
Paul speaking before King Agrippa,
"Therefore, King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision, but declared first to those in Damascus and in Jerusalem, and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance." Acts 26:19-20

A new creation:
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." 2 Corinthians 5:17

A transformation:
"For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, who He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come." 1 Thessalonians 1:9-10

And what are the fruits of conversion?
Faithfulness:
Read the parable of the two servants (one faithful, one evil) Matthew 24:45-51.
"Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his maser, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over of all his goods." Vs. 45-47

Love:
"We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren..." 1 John 3:14

James 3:17-18 tells us of the fruit that comes from the wisdom from above.
Upon reading this anew, my heart was filled with such joy knowing this is what and who we are in Christ as we live out from Him. "But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. Now the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."

Thank you Lord God for Your mighty loving work in each Believer. We stand in awe of You and Your love that passes all understanding. We worship and adore You. Amen