ARTICLE XV.
CONVERSION AND REGENERATION

§ 59. “Conversion” is the translation of the Greek New Testament words strepho and epistrepho that mean “to turn around.” When we are going the wrong way, we must turn around in order to travel the right course. Religious conversion follows repentance (Acts 3:19). When we are conscious that we are not obeying the truth and not doing our duty and feel regret over this (= repentance), we need to turn around and to enter at once upon a new path (= conversion). This act may become necessary many times in the course of our life.

§ 60. The scriptural word palingenesia, translated “regeneration,” “rebirth,” or “re-creation,” is used to signify the new life which has its source not only in the sight of God's law, but also in that of God's love (Titus 3:5). Then, when we come to see the love of God in all things, we are born again and become new creatures. We can turn away from our sins, but we cannot create for ourselves the new heavens and the new earth of spiritual joy and love. They are revealed to us by holy spirit.

§ 61. A converted man is one who has determined to do right and has begun to do right. The regenerate man is one in whom the custom of right-doing is established, one who has come to love it, and to whom it has become a habit.