Biblical Conversion

Acts 2:36-39

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.”

This passage teaches us how God brings people to salvation in Christ. It shows us the order of conversion. In these lessons we will discuss each point in this conversion process in order to help the candidate for baptism, and the instructor, discern whether or not the candidate meets the conditions for baptism. There will also be a lesson discussing the practical issues related to baptism and a post-baptism lesson designed to help the disciple recognize the influence of the Holy Spirit in the life of a genuine believer. The 6 lesson topics are as follows:

1. Conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit
2. Repentance from rebellion against God
3. Saving faith in Jesus Christ
4. Baptism in water
5. Practical instruction about the baptism ceremony
6. Evidences of the Holy Spirit’s indwelling

How to Use These Lessons

Before each lesson the instructor should make sure he is familiar with every part of the lesson, paying special attention to the lesson goal and the instructor’s notes. After opening the study session in prayer the instructor and disciple should look up and read the Bible verses together, with the instructor taking time to draw the disciple’s attention to the relevant parts of each verse. The instructor should then read the section labeled “Teaching” aloud to the student. In order to make sure the disciple understands the content of the teaching the instructor would do well to summarize it in his own words after reading it aloud. Finally the instructor should ask the disciple the suggested discussion questions along with any other questions the instructor believes might help the disciple understand the teaching and apply it to their lives.