Bible Study: Why Be Converted to Christianity?
Introduction:
The call to conversion is central to the Christian faith. This study will explore the essential nature of conversion for salvation, what it means to turn to God, and specifically why conversion to Jesus Christ is necessary and transformative.
A. Conversion is Essential to Salvation (Matthew 18:3):
• "and said, ‘Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.’"
• Jesus clearly states that a turning, a fundamental change in direction and nature (becoming like children in humility and dependence), is a prerequisite for entering God's kingdom.
• Discussion: What aspects of "becoming like children" do you think are essential for entering God's kingdom? Why is a simple, trusting faith so important?
B. Conversion Involves Turning to God (Acts 14:15; 1 Thessalonians 1:9):
• Acts 14:15: "We are bringing you good news, that you should turn from these worthless things to the living God, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them."
• 1 Thessalonians 1:9: "For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God..."
• These verses illustrate that conversion is a deliberate turning away from false gods, idols, and a life apart from the true God, and a turning towards Him.
• Discussion: What "worthless things" or "idols" might people be turning away from in order to turn to God today ? What does it mean to "serve the living and true God"?
C. Why Should We Be Converted to Jesus?
The focus now shifts to the specific necessity of conversion to Jesus Christ.
I. We Must Be Converted to Jesus Because of Who He Is:
Jesus' identity and the roles He fulfills demonstrate our need for Him.
• A. He is our Provider (John 6:35, 51; 4:14):
◦ John 6:35: "Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.’"
◦ John 6:51: "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.’"
◦ John 4:14: "but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
◦ Jesus provides spiritual sustenance and eternal satisfaction that the world cannot offer.
◦ Discussion: In what ways do people try to satisfy their spiritual hunger and thirst apart from Jesus? How does Jesus offer a lasting solution?
• B. He is our Guide (John 10:11; 1 Peter 5:4; Hebrews 13:20; Psalm 23:1-3):
◦ John 10:11: "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."
◦ 1 Peter 5:4: "And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory."
◦ Hebrews 13:20: "Now may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant..."
◦ Psalm 23:1-3: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul. He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
◦ Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, leads, protects, and cares for His followers, guiding them in the right paths.
◦ Discussion: What are some of the dangers and pitfalls we face in life that necessitate a trustworthy guide? How does Jesus' guidance differ from worldly advice?
• C. He is our Door (John 10:9-10; 11:25; 14:6):
◦ John 10:9-10: "I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it abundantly."
◦ John 11:25: "Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live...'"
◦ John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’"
◦ Jesus is the sole access point to salvation, eternal life, and a relationship with the Father.
◦ Discussion: Why is it significant that Jesus declares Himself to be the door, the way, the truth, and the life, rather than a door, a way, etc.?
• D. Who is Jesus? (1 Timothy 2:5; Matthew 9:12; Hebrews 7:25; 4:14; 1 John 2:2; John 3:2; Deuteronomy 18:15; 1 Timothy 2:6; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Romans 11:26; Hebrews 6:20; 5:8-9; 2:10):
◦ This collection of verses reveals various facets of Jesus' identity and work:
▪ 1 Timothy 2:5: The one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
▪ Matthew 9:12: The physician for the sick (spiritually).
▪ Hebrews 7:25: Able to save completely those who come to God through Him.
▪ Hebrews 4:14: The great high priest who has passed through the heavens.
▪ 1 John 2:2: The atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
▪ John 3:2: A teacher come from God.
▪ Deuteronomy 18:15: The prophet like Moses whom we must listen to.
▪ 1 Timothy 2:6: Who gave himself as a ransom for all.
▪ 1 Corinthians 1:30: Our wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and redemption.
▪ Romans 11:26: The deliverer who will remove ungodliness from Jacob.
▪ Hebrews 6:20: The forerunner entered for us, having become a high priest forever.
▪ Hebrews 5:8-9: Learned obedience through suffering and became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.
▪ Hebrews 2:10: The pioneer of our salvation.
◦ Discussion: Reflect on this list. Which of these roles of Jesus resonates most with your current needs or understanding? Why is it crucial to understand the multifaceted nature of Jesus' identity?
II. We Must Be Converted to Jesus Because of the Appellations Assigned to Him:
The titles given to Jesus reveal His unique status and authority.
• A. Jesus is the Christ (Matthew 16:16; John 1:41):
◦ Matthew 16:16: "Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’"
◦ John 1:41: "He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ)."
◦ "Christ" is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew "Messiah," meaning "anointed one," signifying God's chosen king and deliverer.
◦ Discussion: What were the Jewish expectations of the Messiah? How did Jesus both fulfill and redefine those expectations?
• B. Jesus is the Son of God (Matthew 16:16; Romans 1:4; Acts 8:37; John 10:30-36; 1:1; 10:30):
◦ These verses affirm Jesus' unique relationship with God, indicating His divine nature and authority.
◦ John 10:30: "I and the Father are one."
◦ John 1:1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
◦ Discussion: What does it mean for Jesus to be the Son of God? How does this distinguish Him from other religious leaders or figures?
• C. Jesus is the King (Matthew 2:2; 27:11; 1 Timothy 6:15; Colossians 1:13):
◦ These verses acknowledge Jesus' royal authority and His reign over God's kingdom.
◦ Colossians 1:13: "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son..."
◦ Discussion: How is Jesus' kingship different from earthly rulers? What are the characteristics of His kingdom? How does conversion involve allegiance to this King?
• D. Jesus is the Lord (Revelation 17:14; Romans 10:12; Philippians 2:10-11; Romans 14:11):
◦ "Lord" (Greek: kyrios) signifies supreme authority and ownership.
◦ Philippians 2:10-11: "...so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
◦ Discussion: What does it mean to confess Jesus as Lord of your life? How does this lordship impact your decisions and priorities?
• E. Jesus is the Savior (Matthew 1:21; John 1:29; 4:29, 42; 1 John 4:14; 1 Timothy 4:10; 2 Timothy 2:10; Ephesians 1:3, 7; Galatians 3:26-27; Acts 2:47; Ephesians 5:23):
◦ These verses proclaim Jesus as the one who rescues humanity from sin and its consequences.
◦ Matthew 1:21: "She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins."
◦ John 1:29: "The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’"
◦ Discussion: What are we being saved from through Jesus? What are we being saved to? Why is Jesus the only one capable of being our Savior?
III. We Must Be Converted to Jesus Because of His Perfect Blend of Deity and Character:
Jesus' divine nature and flawless character make Him the ultimate object of our conversion.
• A. His Deity (John 1:1, 14, 18; 14:9; 1 Corinthians 1:24; Revelation 1:8; Hebrews 1:3):
◦ These verses affirm Jesus' divine nature, equality with God, and role in creation and sustaining the universe.
◦ John 1:1: "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
◦ John 14:9: "Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”?’"
◦ Discussion: Why is Jesus' deity essential to His ability to save us and be the object of our worship?
• B. His Character (John 14:6; Revelation 19:11; Romans 3:4; 2 Timothy 2:12-13; Revelation 3:14; Proverbs 27:6; John 1:9; 15:1, 4; 1 John 5:20; John 12:48; Matthew 11:19; Hebrews 4:15-16; 1 Timothy 2:5):
◦ This collection reveals Jesus' perfect character: truth, faithfulness, righteousness, steadfastness, the true witness, loving, the true light, the true vine, the true God, just judge, wisdom, compassion, and the one mediator.
◦ John 14:6: "Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, and the truth, and the life...'"
◦ Hebrews 4:15: "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin."
◦ Discussion: Why is Jesus' perfect character essential for Him to be our Savior and role model? How does His sinless nature give us confidence in His ability to understand and help us?
• C. What Does It Really Mean to Be Converted to Jesus?
◦ Our lives will be centered around Him (Hebrews 12:1-2; Philippians 1:21; Galatians 2:20):
▪ Hebrews 12:1-2: "...let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith..."
▪ Philippians 1:21: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."
▪ Galatians 2:20: "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me."
▪ Conversion involves a shift in our life's focus from ourselves to Jesus Christ.
▪ Discussion: What does it look like for Jesus to be the center of your life in practical terms (your time, resources, relationships, decisions)?
◦ Our lives will match up with His desires (1 Peter 2:21; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15; Romans 12:1-2):
▪ 1 Peter 2:21: "For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps."
▪ 2 Corinthians 5:14-15: "For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised."
▪ Romans 12:1-2: "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
▪ True conversion leads to a desire to live in accordance with Jesus' teachings and the will of God.
▪ Discussion: What are some of Jesus' desires for His followers as revealed in Scripture? How are you striving to align your life with those desires?
◦ How will you show that you have been converted to Jesus? (Acts 4:12):
▪ Acts 4:12: "And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."
▪ Our lives will demonstrate a reliance on Jesus alone for salvation and a commitment to Him as Lord. This will be evident in our words, actions, and priorities.
▪ Discussion: What are some tangible ways a person demonstrates that they have been converted to Jesus in their daily life here in USA? How does our allegiance to Jesus impact our relationships with others, our involvement in the community, and our pursuit of justice and righteousness?
- If God is for us… Who is against us? (Romans 8:31-39)
- How to Walk According to the Holy Spirit
- What are the obligations of a Christian?
Conclusion:
Conversion to Christianity is fundamentally a conversion to Jesus Christ. Because of who He is, the titles He bears, and His perfect deity and character, He alone is worthy of our complete allegiance and trust. True conversion transforms our lives, centering them on Him and aligning our desires with His. May we all examine our hearts and ensure that we have truly turned to Jesus, demonstrating our conversion through a life lived in joyful submission to our Lord and Savior.
