Conviction and Pain
A genuine conversion to Christ requires a real and genuine cry of pain, a deep sense of conviction and repentance.
A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of experiencing genuine conviction and pain during the process of conversion to Christ. He argues that true repentance involves a profound awareness of our sinfulness in contrast to God's holiness, which leads to a heartfelt cry for transformation. Tozer critiques superficial evangelism that lacks this depth of experience, asserting that a true new birth must occur within. He highlights that those whom God uses must be humble and pliable, akin to Isaiah who beheld the beauty of the Lord. This sermon calls for a deeper understanding of repentance and the transformative power of encountering God.
Text
I consider it a good sign that some people are still asking questions like these in our churches: "What should happen in a genuine conversion to Christ?" and "What should a man or woman feel in the transaction of the new birth?" If I am asked, my answer is this: "There ought to be a real and genuine cry of pain!" That is why I am not impressed with the kind of evangelism that tries to invite people into the fellowship of God by signing a card. There should be a birth within, a birth from above. There should be the terror of seeing ourselves in violent contrast to the holy, holy God! Unless we come into this place of conviction and pain concerning our sin, I am not sure how deep and real our repentance will ever be.
The man whom God will use must be undone, humble and pliable.
He must be, like the astonished Isaiah, a man who has seen the King in His beauty!
Sermon Outline
- Conviction and Pain
- The Need for Conviction
- A Genuine Conversion to Christ
- The Role of Pain in Repentance
Key Quotes
“There ought to be a real and genuine cry of pain!” — A.W. Tozer
“There should be the terror of seeing ourselves in violent contrast to the holy, holy God!” — A.W. Tozer
“Unless we come into this place of conviction and pain concerning our sin, I am not sure how deep and real our repentance will ever be.” — A.W. Tozer
Application Points
- We must be willing to experience pain and conviction in order to undergo a genuine conversion to Christ.
- Shallow evangelism that focuses on signing a card is not sufficient for a deep and real repentance.
- Humility and pliability are essential qualities for those who wish to serve God and experience a new birth.