By: Kenneth Morse

Those who have not been converted cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, according to Christ's words to his disciples: "Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" [Matthew 18:3]. To be converted means to be changed. Only converted people are really Christians. Conversion is also called "regeneration" or the "new birth". Jesus told Nicodemus: "Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" [John 3:3]. There is no conversion without repentance. Jesus said: "except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish" [Luke 13:3]. It is very important to recognise that That within thee which shows thee thy sins is the Spirit of Christ. He it is who urges thy soul to repent and obey God. If thou obeyest, this same Light and Spirit of Christ will become thy Teacher and thy Guide to lead thee in the way of holiness [2 Cor. 13:5, John 1:9,10 and 16:13].

The angel told Joseph: "Thou shalt call his name JESUS, for he shall save his people from their sins" [Matt 1:21]. He saves from sin by giving power to resist temptation and to keep from sinning. His blood was shed to atone for the past sins of those who repent ["In whom we have redemption though his blood, even the forgiveness of sins" Col 1:14]. What are converted people  like? They are, though the Lord's power, victorious over sin, they do not yield  to temptation. They have given their all to Jesus. He is to them more than a Teacher, he is their Lord and their God. They have enlisted in his service, and are willing to obey all his commands, whatever it may cost, even to life itself. They love Jesus and are filled with his love, so that they desire that all the world may repent and be saved. They are true friends of mankind; they love and pity the fallen, they love one another, and they love those who slight and evilly treat them. Their thoughts and words keep turning to the things of God, and they live a life of prayer: they pray with the heart as well as the lips, they are living for Christ.

Hast thou been converted? Art thou one of the ransomed ones? If so, abide in him who alone can keep thee from falling. If not, NOW is the accepted time; delay not longer, but REPENT, put thy trust in Christ's Holy Light within thee, and OBEY that Light. Take thy burden to the Lord in prayer. "Him that cometh to me, I will in no wise cast out."

The writer invites thee to the instruction of the Holy Spirit, and to an acquaintance with the Bible, also to read the Journal of George Fox and the writings of William Penn.