A MISUNDERSTOOD TERM
‘Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.’
When we speak of being converted or a conversion we are using a word which creates a difficulty, and that it does so is largely due to the fact that it has been used in a loose and unguarded way.
I. Conversion of two kinds.—There are two kinds of conversion. One sudden, striking, memorable, and all over in a few hours: such was the conversion of St. Paul. Doubtless many other men and women have had this experience of a sudden conversion. Many a man has been startled by some sudden and vehement call from God to forsake his sins. But we must not forget there is another kind of conversion which is equally conversion—the gradual, slow, almost imperceptible turning to Christ which goes on all through life. Such was the conversion of Timothy. It is to such conversions as these that the words of Scripture may apply, ‘The Kingdom of God cometh not with observation, for the Kingdom of God is within you.’
II. Doubt and assurance.—There still remains the practical danger that good people are distressed upon looking back and reviewing their past lives if they cannot discover the exact moment when they turned to Christ. On the other hand, those who have had the happy experience of a sudden conversion are frequently content to rest in that experience, without making the life-long effort which conversion demands in the future.
III. Fruits of conversion.—It would therefore be more profitable to consider the fruits of a converted life, rather than conversion itself. Take the case of St. Paul as an example. The fruits of his conversion were—
(a) Prayer. ‘Behold he prayeth.’
(b) Love to Christ. ‘The love of Christ constraineth us.’
(c) A life of service. ‘To me to live is Christ.’
The Rev. E. L. Metcalf.
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‘Every one must be converted. A Christian who, having been baptized has grown up and lived a tolerably consistent Christian life, needs conversion. If we ask why, the answer seems to come in this way. We have to consider what holy baptism did for us. In the words of our Church Catechism we are taught that in holy baptism we are made members of Christ, children of God, and inheritors of the Kingdom of Heaven. In regard to each of these privileges you can think for yourselves. Made a member of Christ; a member of a body may become diseased. Made a child of God; a child may turn out a prodigal. Made an inheritor of the Kingdom of Heaven; any citizen may any day become a rebel. In regard to our spiritual life this is too often the case, and thus there comes in that great need of which Christ speaks so solemnly, the need of conversion. Except such an one turns right back to God, Christ says there is no hope for his salvation.’
(SECOND OUTLINE)
THE DISCIPLES REBUKED
The disciples asked the old old question, ‘Who shall be the greatest?’ What a rebuke is conveyed in Matthew 18:2! It seemed to be a question whether they would be there at all. Certainly not unless they are—
I. Converted or changed.—What a lesson for us! We are occupied with our services, meetings, and organisations, but have we been ‘converted’? This much-abused word means a turning round (from Satan to God). The idea is in (a) the Bible, and (b) the Prayer Book; it is (c) a real thing, and (d) is necessary.
II. Characteristics of conversion.—It is to become as ‘little children.’ Children (a) shrink from evil; (b) are reverent; (c) have confidence and trust and love; and (d) true humility.
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‘The disciples, we know, were good men, with one exception, but imperfect men. They loved their Divine Master; they were drawn to Him by cords of affection and loyalty, which grew stronger every day of their association with Him; but, in some respects, they were spiritually dull, and ignorant, and full of prejudice; and it cost the Lord no slight trouble, and no trifling anxiety, to educate them into fitness to be the propagators of His doctrine, and the first founders of the great Society which He had come to establish upon earth.’