Conversion the Great Change
E.A. Johnston teaches that true conversion is a distinct and memorable transformation from spiritual death to life, evidenced by a clear awareness of forgiveness and salvation.
In this evangelistic sermon, E.A. Johnston emphasizes the profound and unmistakable nature of true conversion as a pivotal spiritual transformation. Drawing on biblical examples like the apostle Paul and historical figures such as John Wesley, Johnston encourages listeners to seek assurance of salvation through faith in Christ. The sermon challenges those uncertain about their spiritual state to come to Christ and experience the life-changing power of forgiveness and new birth.
Full Transcript
Through the years, I've had some church folk share with me that they were not sure if they were saved. They had some doubts. If you're not sure you're safe, friend, then you're sure not saved.
Conversion is a great change. It's a change from darkness to light and death to life. And that's the title of my message this evening, friends.
Conversion, the great change. A woman knows when she has just given birth. A prisoner knows when he is released from prison.
A person near death who is restored to health is acutely aware of it. Conversion is the greatest change that a person can experience in this world. Surely it falls under observation.
It is bad teaching to say men are ignorant of the time of their conversion. The apostle Paul knew it. John Wesley knew it.
Paul knew the time of his conversion. At midday, O King, I saw light from heaven above the brightness of the sun. John Wesley was at a Bible reading in London at Aldersgate Street while a man read Luther's preface to the Book of Romans.
And John Wesley wrote in his diary, about a quarter to nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ. I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation.
And an assurance was given me that he had taken away my sins, even mine, and saved me from the law of sin and death. I have a good friend who is a pastor in Glasgow, Scotland. And the very first thing he asks a person who claims they are a Christian when he meets them is this, do you recall the time when your sins were forgiven? John Wesley could sure recall it, friend.
So could the apostle Paul. So can I. Conversion is a great change, friend. You will know it if it happens to you.
Those of you who are married, do you know it? Of course you do. The prodigal son knew full well the time of his return to his father's house. And if you, friend, are not sure that you were saved, then begin to prepare your heart before God and become a seeker of God and a beggar of mercy for the grace to come to Christ and get under his blood to receive pardon for sin.
The duty required is to come to Christ, and he has a pure gospel promise to all who come. And him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The certainty of knowing one's salvation
- Common doubts among believers
- The importance of assurance
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II
- Conversion as a great and observable change
- Examples of conversion from scripture and history
- Personal awareness of conversion
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III
- The testimony of Paul and John Wesley
- The significance of recalling the moment of salvation
- Encouragement to seek God for conversion
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IV
- The call to come to Christ
- The gospel promise of acceptance
- Invitation to receive pardon and new life
Key Quotes
“Conversion is a great change. It's a change from darkness to light and death to life.” — E.A. Johnston
“If you're not sure you're safe, friend, then you're sure not saved.” — E.A. Johnston
“I felt my heart strangely warmed. I felt I did trust in Christ, Christ alone for salvation.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Examine your heart to confirm whether you have experienced true conversion.
- Seek God earnestly if you are uncertain about your salvation and ask for His grace.
- Trust fully in Christ alone for forgiveness and the assurance of eternal life.