“But God, being rich in mercy . . . made us alive together with Christ.” Nothing is more essential to Christianity than this truth from Ephesians 2:4–5.
In this conversation recorded at TGC25, Ligon Duncan and Michael Lawrence explore the nature of Christian conversion, contrasting the biblical view with the historical trend in American Protestantism that reduced conversion to a personal decision. Scripture teaches that conversion is a divine work of God followed by human response through repentance and faith.
In This Episode
00:00 – Understanding Christian conversion: introduction and definitions
03:11 – Historical context and theological perspectives on conversion
06:06 – Biblical theology and the role of God’s work in conversion
10:01 – Old Testament background and the need for regeneration
21:00 – The role of the New Testament and the new covenant
42:13 – Implications for evangelism and church membership
45:34 – The role of the Spirit in the Christian life
45:52 – Conclusion and final thoughts
Resources Mentioned:
- Conversion: How God Creates a People by Michael Lawrence
- Finally Alive by John Piper
- Turning to God by David Wells
- Faith and Life by Benjamin B. Warfield
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