Often the term conversion is used simultaneously with regeneration.  However, the two are not one in the same experience.  Conversion is on the human side of salvation dealing with mans experiences with feelings, while regeneration is on the Divine side of salvation based on the Spiritual.   Conversion simply means turn about or change the direction of your life.

To simplify, conversion may be viewed in three steps:

Conviction is the first step or element in the conversion.  Commentators and theologians sometimes overlook this step. 

The salvation experience starts with conviction, which is awareness of one’s sinful condition.  It is not a good feeling.  It is where one becomes very remorseful (Acts 2:37 Now when they heard [this], they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Men [and] brethren, what shall we do?). 

Conviction is brought about by the agency of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8 and when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment).  A person can remain under conviction for long periods of time.

Repentance basically means to change one’s mind.  Involves sorrow for one’s sinful condition (Psalm 38:17-18 For I [am] ready to halt, and my sorrow [is] continually before me.  For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin.). It must be the exercise of one’s free will. 

Repentance can be expressed verbally, emotionally, with tears of sorrow, discountenance (look with disfavor on), etc.  The requirement for repentance is seen in Acts 2:38 “Then Peter said unto them, repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”

Faith is trust.  It is not synonymous with belief.  Faith precedes belief; faith allows one to grow into the belief stage.  At this step, a person trusts in Christ that He can save him/her.  We cannot minimize the absolute necessity of faith. 

The scripture says in Hebrews 11:6 “But without faith [it is] impossible to please [him].”  Our faith is not of ourselves.  This is not self-produced as said in Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  [it is] the gift of God.”

The three elements of conversion were presented in sequence; however, they can occur simultaneously.

As previously stated, regeneration is on the Divine side of salvation. 

Belief is the bridge between conversion and regeneration.  When a person reaches the point of belief, God regenerates him/her (saves that person).  God does not save at the point of repentance, as many may think. 

God does not save at the point of faith.  God saves at the point of belief as stated in Acts 8:37 “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest …And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.  Acts 16:31 says “And they said believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house.” 

At belief salvation becomes our personal possession.  See Romans 10:9 for more reference.

General belief will not save.  It must be “specific” belief as taught in Romans 10:9.  At no time during the salvation experience do we act independently of God. 

We do not convict ourselves, God does (John 8:16).  We do not have faith of ourselves; God gives us faith (Ephesians 2:8, Romans 10:17). 

We do not repent on our own; God gives us repentance (II Timothy 2:25).  We do not believe on our own; God gives us belief (Mark 9:24).  Salvation is truly a “gift of God”.

The Holy Spirit “Seals the contract” (Ephesians 1:13).  He does it the moment we believe.  He also dwells in us at the moment we believe (Galatians 3:2).  And he baptizes us the moment we believe (I Corinthians 2:13).