Genuine Conversion, Part 2 – Luke 5:27-29

As we learned from last week’s message that man does not want to be converted if left to their own volition, but only by God’s grace and intervention can a sinner repent and turn to Christ through faith and be saved. Consequently, the converted transitions from embracing sin to embracing Christ. The stark contrast between pre-conversion and the converted life is obvious through the inner working of the Spirit of God.

Prior to our conversion, God regenerates the soul of the sinner. The quickening of the soul begins to awaken the dead spirit to seek God and eventually believe. Scripture likens regeneration as follows: “The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going so is everyone who is born of the Spirit” (Jn. 3:8).  Therefore, only God enables a dead man to become alive.  And when a sinner is made alive to God, He calls the converted to forsake all and follow Christ.

And he left everything behind, and got up and began to follow Him (v. 28).

Leaving everything behind implies both the spiritual and physical. Leaving means forsaking what is non-essential (Matt. 4:4). Matthew forsook his love for the world and the things in it (i.e., occupation and pursuit of wealth; 1 Jn. 2:15-17). In addition, by God’s effectual calling, Matthew was able to forsake all, follow Christ, and living in continual obedience.

Therefore, bearing fruit in repentance and sanctification in our love for the Lord Jesus Christ is inevitable. And in all things, the converted loves Jesus and only want to share Christ to others for the glory of God. This is the aim of the truly converted, the product of the triune God.