Lesson 3 CONVERSION

Student Guide

OPENING PRAYER

HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT REVIEW

LESSON 3 Lecture

The Holy Spirit works conversion in the human heart. What three things does He do?

Step One

By the law God works the knowledge of sin and sorrow over sin in the human heart.

Mt 9:12

Rom 3:20

Gal 3:10

2 Cor 7:10

Rom 7:24,25

The Law can only cause a person to be sorrowful and to despair.

Step Two

The Holy Spirit calls people to faith by the Gospel.

Mk 16:15

Lk 14:17

Is 55:3

Is 44:22

Mt 11:28

This invitation is:

Free

Is 55:1
Universal

Mk 16:15

Lk 24:47

Rev 14:6
Sincere

Rom 10:21

Mt 23:37
Efficacious

Heb 4:12

Rom 1:16

2 Tim 3:15

When the Gospel is not effective it is not because of any lack of sincerity on God’s part or lack of power in the Gospel but only because people reject it.

Mt 23:37

Acts 7:51

Conversion can be frustrated by man’s self-righteousness, his love of sin, his pride, and his despair.

Lesson 3 Student Assignment (GSLTW pp. 317-322; Chinese 2 pp. 285-289)

Give some examples of what conversion is not.

a. 1 Sa 24:16-22

b. Mt 27:3-5
What is conversion? Ac 11:19-21, 16:30-34, Lk 18:9-14
When is a person unconverted? Mk 16:16b; cf. FC SD II: 83
When is a person converted? Mark 16:16a
What is the terminus a quo (point from which) of conversion? 1 Co 2:14, Eph 2:1, Ro 8:7. What is the terminus ad quem (point to which) of conversion? Ac 26:18, 1 Pe 2:25.
Why is conversion necessary?
What is the natural threefold spiritual condition of all people?

a. 1 Co 2:14; cf. AC XVIII: 1-3

b. Eph 2:1; cf FC SD II: 11

c. Ro 8:7,8; cf. FC SD I:1
How widespread is this threefold condition? Ps 14:2,3
What does the Formula of Concord have to say about the need for conversion?

Cf. FC SD II:20,21, 24
What did Luther mean by saying that in conversion, people are merely passive. Cf. FC SD II: 89.
Demonstrate that God alone is responsible for conversion.

a. Jn 6:44

b. Col 1:13

c. Php 1:29

d. 2 Co 4:6
What is meant by the term “divine monergism?”

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