Conversion: Definitions and Scripture

To be converted is to undergo a change of direction. This is the essential core of the imagery surrounding conversion in the Bible. While the term itself is rarely used in the Bible, stories of conversion are prominent, chiefly in the NT. OT counterparts are heathens who reject their own traditions in order to embrace the Jewish faith and God. The common denominator in all of the biblical references to conversion is that the individual recognizes his or her need for the one true God and rejects all other alternatives. Typically this action is referred to as "having faith." Biblical synonyms for conversion include repentance, receiving salvation and believing. The biblical imagery accompanying conversion is consistently one of dramatic change; thus those who always believed or always knew of God are not referred to as converts. The children of Israel and Jesus' disciples in his lifetime never had clear moments of conversion recorded in the Bible, although clearly the same faith was necessary. . .

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