0301. CONVERSION.

CONVERSION.

"Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of Heaven" (Mat_18:3).

I. The Privilege Offered. "The kingdom of Heaven." This kingdom of the heavenlies is not of this world. This fig cannot grow on a thistle. It is what the world cannot give-

1. Righteousness. "The kingdom of God is righteousness" (Rom_14:17). Put right in a righteous way and ruled in a righteous manner.

2. Peace. The kingdom of God is "peace" (Rom_14:17). In perfect harmony with God.

3. Joy in the Holy Ghost (Rom_14:17). The righteousness of God, the peace of Jesus Christ, and the "joy of the Holy Ghost."

II. The Change Needed. "Converted." The Greek word means to turn. The water of nature must be turned into the wine of grace. The only way a mineral can enter into the vegetable kingdom, or a vegetable into the animal kingdom, or the human animal into the spiritual kingdom, is by being radically changed. "Born again," made a new creation in Christ Jesus.

III. The Evidence of being Converted. "A little child." Not a little boy who thinks himself a man. It is a great step down (or up) into the honest simplicity of a trustful child. Look at some of the characteristics of a little child-

1. Unconscious Humility. Humble, but not aware of it. No duplicity. Instinctively choosing the low place.

2. Entire Dependence. Simple, not careful about the future. Like the fowls, taking no thought for their life. Clinging close to the parent, esteeming father the biggest and best man in the world.

3. Unquestioning Receptiveness. Teachable and obedient. A mother said not long ago: "When my children were young they believed me, but now—?" The evidence of conversion is seen in character, not in profession. It is not putting an old head on young shoulders, nor a young head on old shoulders, but becoming little children. "How can this be?" (Joh_3:3).

Autor: James Smith