Conversion to Christianity is one of the most profound life-changes that someone can have. It is one of those dates in life often remembered like that of a birth, a marriage, or a death.
Even for people from Christian families and who don’t have a big “conversion story”, their commitment to Christ is still one of the most significant things to shape who they are.
Christianity is about Jesus Christ. Christians are people who have believed the message about Jesus, made appropriate changes to their life and committed themselves to following him. This leads to big changes about who they are, where they belong, and what they live for.
Here’s how Christian conversion transforms:
- We Adopt a New Identity. Christians are known by their identification with Christ: it’s in the name! Whatever else defines who we are, by taking on this name we have aligned ourselves with Jesus. This will be really awkward for some people. Maybe religion is a completely new thing. Or it might invite accusations of disloyalty, if they have forsaken a different religious or ideological identity. Challenges like this are helped by broadening and deepening our appreciation of who we are in Christ. Spending time with others who have committed their identity to Christ helps too—this is why Christian community is so important. On that…
- We Join a New Community. Christianity is not a solo journey. If we love Jesus, we should love others who love him. If we belong to Jesus, we also belong among his people too. Joining a new group of people can be daunting, but churches are normally quite welcoming to visitors turning up for the first time. Finding commonality in our common identity as followers of Jesus Christ a strong point of what brings Christians together as strong and healthy church communities. Christian community helps us establish and grow in our Christian identities, but it can come with challenges. This is because Christians often differ from each other—read the letters to churches in the Bible to see! Difficulties in church community can be opportunities to love and forgive others as Jesus has done for them.
- We Turn to a New Purpose. Jesus has not redeemed people so that they can carry on doing life for themselves. Conversion brings with it a change of focus. People with true spiritual life are enamoured with God and eager to serve his interests. Christians wish to see God known and loved by others, and to see his ways acknowledged as the best way. Whatever else makes us get out of bed in the morning, our life’s orientation is turned Godward. This can express itself in care for others—for their wellbeing spiritually, socially, and physically. Part of the summons to Christian faith is a call to live life for Jesus. Real faith answers that call.
You might be someone who has answered the call to Christian faith and seen these transformations in your own life. If that’s you, you should share your story in the comments section below.
You might be someone who hasn’t answered that call to conversion to Christ, or you might be someone who has found it really hard. If that’s you, I’m happy to chat to see if I can help you out. I’m a West Aucklander, connected to a local church in Henderson. Click the link to my website below to find out a bit more and to get in touch if you would like to chat.
Blessings,
Chris Northcott.
Lincoln Rd Bible Chapel
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