Conversion To Christianity - Conversion Through Salvation

Conversion Through Salvation

See also: Born again Christianity: Christian concepts

Conversion through salvation is predominantly a Protestant Christian position. It is variously called being saved, born again, and converted. It holds that conversion to Christianity begins with salvation. A major tenet of the Protestant Reformation was that justification, i.e., salvation, is attained by faith alone (Sola Fide). The exact understanding of what it means to attain salvation varies somewhat among denominations. It primarily involves belief (faith) in God, repentance of sin, and confession of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. In some denominations, these are all accomplished through the sinner's prayer.

The Protestant position further asserts that (1) all things necessary for salvation and concerning faith and life are taught in the Bible clearly enough for the ordinary believer to find it there and understand; and (2) scripture alone (Sola Scriptura) is their authority.

Protestants typically view profession of faith in Christ as savior (salvation) as the only step of conversion to Christianity. To them, baptism has more to do with public confession of faith in Christ than with salvation. They consider being baptized as identifying the individual with Christ through Christ's death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, and being obedient to Christ's command, but as having nothing to do with one's eternal salvation. Proponents find biblical support for this understanding the account of the "penitent" thief also hanging on another cross asking Jesus to "...remember me when You come in Your kingdom!" Jesus' straightforward reply was "Today, you will be with me in paradise." They point out that Jesus offered him unconditional salvation, apparently without necessity for baptism or any other prerequisite, based solely on the man's belief and confession. Further evidence is taken from the biblical implication that Jesus never personally baptized anyone: "In fact it was not Jesus who baptized, but his disciples." That interpretation, taken together with the New Testament's consistent representation of Jesus as "savior," leads them to their conclusion that baptism is not necessary for salvation.

Evangelical, fundamentalist, and Pentecostal Christians emphasize the need for a conversion experience that involves a personal, and sometimes intense, encounter of the individual with the power of God. Generally, these denominations teach that those without such a conversion experience are not saved and therefore are not true Christians. These groups frequently refer to personal salvation as being born again. This term comes from Jesus' conversation with a Pharisee named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. Jesus told him, "no one can see the kingdom of God without being born again."

Some other Protestant denominations place less emphasis on a conversion experience, and rely mostly on the individual's personal statement of belief in and commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. They would expect the convert to receive believer's baptism to join the church.