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What Is Real Conversion? (Part Six)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughConversion is primarily a process, a transformation of a Christian's nature from human and carnal to godly and spiritual. Much of this transformation occurs in the mind, putting off selfish, sinful beliefs, inclinations, and approaches, and putting on their holy and righteous counterparts. However, conversion must also manifest in changed behavior, the fruit of God's Spirit accomplishing its miraculous work within us. Despite becoming Christians, some fail to progress in spiritual transformation, retaining pre-conversion natures evident in carnal behavior, acting like those who have not received God's grace. Conversion is the process of exercising mental and spiritual faculties of reason, understanding, and judgment. If we are not making judgments about events in our surroundings, determining right from wrong, and endeavoring to correct what is wrong, then we are failing in our conversion and risk neglecting our salvation. To advance in this spiritual transformation, diligence, earnestness, zeal, and deep commitment with eagerness are essential. Christians are advised to dedicate their lives to this process and stick with it to the end, as this is what those who will inherit the promises do. Christianity is not a path for the lazy; it requires striving to add to faith qualities such as virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love. If these attributes are instilled into our characters, we will produce the kind of fruit God desires to see in us. Spiritual growth and producing fruit make our calling sure. Our maturity as Christians depends on zealously and diligently working to move our conversion forward. Real conversion is the transformation of our characters, intellects, emotions, actions, words, and very thoughts, from the evil way inspired by satan and man's carnal nature into the divine nature, the very nature of God Himself. Though challenges with carnality exist, working to overcome them and growing in grace allows us to progress, becoming complete and living in peace, with the assurance that the God of love and peace will be with us.
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughConversion is not a one-time event but a lifelong process that begins with a single transformative moment. A person is initially converted upon repenting, accepting Jesus Christ as personal Savior, being baptized, and receiving the Holy Spirit through the laying on of hands. This initial step marks the beginning of a journey where one must continue to keep God's commandments, overcome sins, and bear the fruits of God's Spirit. However, many fail to persist in this transformation, falling back into old, sinful ways or reverting to carnality due to a lack of ongoing commitment to becoming more completely converted. The process of conversion mirrors the stages of salvation, involving past, present, and future aspects. God converts individuals upon the receipt of the Holy Spirit, yet the remainder of life is dedicated to living according to God's instructions and imitating the holy, righteous character of Jesus Christ. True and complete conversion to God's way of life will not be fully realized until the change to spirit in the resurrection from the dead. Those recently baptized and having received God's Spirit are like newborns in this lifelong transformation, needing to grow from carnal immaturity to Christ-like maturity. Conversion is described as spiritual development, akin to human growth from childhood to adulthood. As babies mature through various stages of life, Christians are to develop spiritually, moving from being unskilled in righteousness to attaining the full measure of the stature of Christ. The goal is to grow up in all things into Him who is the head, Christ, through a process of spiritual transformation of character. This ongoing conversion ensures readiness to fulfill the destiny and office God has prepared, a process that aligns with the natural growth of living organisms from a state of carnality to spirituality.
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Three)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSin plays a central role in the conversion process, as there would be no need for conversion without its destructive effects on humanity. Conversion involves turning from sin and the anti-God world it has spawned to follow God's way of life. God describes this process concisely, urging repentance and turning from transgressions to avoid ruin, casting away sins, and acquiring a new heart and spirit. Conversion is not an instantaneous event but a gradual process of turning toward righteousness and holiness over time. If a converted person sins, they do not automatically become unconverted, as it takes time and habitual sin to revert to an unconverted state. The battle against sin is ongoing, and walking in the light as He is in the light ensures fellowship with one another and cleansing from sin through the blood of Jesus Christ His Son. Confession of sins brings forgiveness and cleansing from all unrighteousness, as He is faithful and just. Even with the goal of living sinlessly, sinful human nature persists, and sins occur due to a deceitful and wicked heart. When sins are committed, admitting them, repenting, and seeking forgiveness allows Christ's blood to cover them, enabling continued striving against sin. Each step of overcoming sin and learning lessons contributes to character growth, transforming one into the image of Christ bit by bit. Conversion is not a solitary endeavor but a cooperative effort with God, who works through His Spirit to transform individuals into what He has purposed. This spiritual, creative process is God's workmanship, guiding individuals through every stage. The process remains incomplete in this life, as perfection cannot be fully achieved due to inherent human self-centeredness. Even with God's Spirit, occasional sins occur, but a converted person constantly works toward perfection under His guiding hand.
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Five)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughThe transformation that we are undergoing will take us from the self-absorbed, degenerate, sensual mentality to the outgoing, pure righteousness of God's mind.
What Is Real Conversion? (Part Four)
CGG Weekly by Richard T. RitenbaughSometimes we are so caught up in our activities that we forget the goal of the conversion process. Where do we want to end up when our lives are complete?
Spirituality and True Conversion
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsWe must guard against the fuzzy, emotional spirituality without a Deity, based upon a worldly syncretism of Eastern and Western philosophical thought.
Real Conversion
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe process of conversion is actually God's workmanship creating a new spiritual being with godly spiritual character- the image of Christ.
Values and Conversion
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughRepentance involves incorporating God's values, alien to our human nature—ones that will unify us with God and with others who accept His value system.
Am I on the True Path of Conversion?
Sermonette by Craig SablichObserving oneself in the mirror is useless unless one makes appropriate changes based on the observed image. We must do a thorough self-examination.
Journey of the Monarch Butterfly
Sermonette by Ryan McClureWe must undergo a metamorphosis from a carnal, fleshly (relatively worm-like) existence to a glorious, dazzling offspring of Almighty God.
Choosing the New Man (Part One)
Article by Charles WhitakerThe Bible describes many men, but one of the most important is the new man, a creative effort of renewing our minds in cooperation with God.
Basic Doctrines: Repentance
Bible Study by StaffRepentance is a condition for baptism, and ultimately of conversion and salvation. It is also a lifelong process—one never stops needing to repent.
The Spiritual Hard Hat Zone
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasChristian's lives are constantly under construction. It is this point of view that makes it easier for us to deal with both setbacks and progress.
Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe receiving of God's Spirit is for God's creative effort in our lives. God's Spirit transforms us from a state of destruction into a state of purity.
Handpicked By God
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Kim MyersGod handpicked us for a specific purpose, just as He did Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Noah. God also handpicked second-generation Church members.
The Covenants, Grace, and Law (Part Twelve)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe fault of the Old Covenant was with the hearts of the people. Christ took it upon Himself to amend the fault enabling us to keep the commandments.
God's Creation and Our Works
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughLike Joseph, we need to realize that God—not ourselves—is the Creator, engineering events that form us into what He wants us to become.

Our Uniqueness and Time
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughOur special position before God gives us an equally unique opportunity that we do not want to squander.
Righteousness from Inside-Out
'Ready Answer' by David F. MaasMany people fail to understand the kind of righteousness God is looking for. God wants it written on our hearts—not just a set of dos and don'ts.
Why Count Fifty Days?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Bible has much to say about the number fifty, such as counting 50 days to Pentecost, the measurements of the Tabernacle, and the 50 year Jubilee.
Uniqueness and Time
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur unique calling makes us a special possession of God. Sealed with a downpayment of God's Spirit, we have the obligation to glorify God by obedience.
What Does God Really Want? (Part 6)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod provides the gift before it is actually needed so that when it is needed, everything is prepared for the person to do as he has been commissioned to do.
Unleavened Bread and the Holy Spirit (2019)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Egypt is not directly a symbol of sin, but instead the world. The Days of Unleavened Bread symbolize what God did for us, not what we did by our own power.
Themes of Ruth (Part One): Naomi
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughNaomi's attractive personality, selflessness, godly conviction and common sense characterize her relationship with her Gentile daughters-in-law.
Human Nature: Good or Evil?
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughProgressives tend to believe that human nature is perfectible and evolving. Conservatives tend to believe that human nature is evil and must be controlled.
The Manifold Grace of God
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod's calling us is just our initial taste of His grace. Grace is unmerited, but it is not unconditional. We have an obligation to respond to God.
Born Again (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Baptism and being born again were already understood by the Jews, but the traditions had evidently blinded people to some additional spiritual nuances.
The Endurance of the Firstfruits (Part Two)
CGG Weekly by David C. GrabbeThe Parable of the Sower and the Seed exemplifies a number things that can happen to prevent us from having a place in God's spiritual harvest.
Leadership and Covenants (Part Sixteen)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)The Abrahamic Covenant was made with one man, but it impacts all of mankind to the New Heaven and New Earth and beyond, involving billions of people.
Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Two): The Parable of the Sower
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn the first parable of the sower, the quality of the various soils upon which the seed of the gospel falls determines whether or not there is growth.
Sanctification and Holiness (Part 1)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughAs God's priesthood, we must draw near to God, keep His commandments, and witness to the world that God is God. God is shaping and fashioning His new creation.
Truth (Part 4)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThrough the shaping power of God's Holy Spirit, He starts to fill the chasm that divides us so we can have fellowship with Him.
Government (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughOur attitude toward government must be one of submission. The church cannot perform its function without the cooperation of the carnal civil governments.