I. Christianity changes lives
II. Testimonies of conversion
I. Christianity changes lives
Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 18:3
Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. Acts 3:19
Some persons wonder that those whom they had known to be unsteady, worthless, or wicked before they bore this name have suddenly been converted to virtuous courses. Yet, unfortunately, they are better at wondering at it than at attaining it. Tertullian (c. 197, W), 3.112
In Greek, the word for repentance is formed—not from the confession of a sin—but from a change of mind. Tertullian (c. 207, W), 3.316
The Logos of instruction takes hold of those who are most intemperate and savage and brings about a transformation, so that the alteration and change for the better is most extensive. Origen (c. 225, E), 4.304
The multitude of the church is astonished at beholding transformations that have taken place from very great evils to that which is better. Origen (c. 245, E), 9.447
No improvement ever takes place among men without divine help. How much more confidently will a person make the same assertion regarding Jesus, when he compares the former lives of many converts to His doctrine with their later conduct. This is especially so if he reflects on what acts of licentiousness, injustice, and covetousness they formerly indulged in. . . . Yet, these same persons, from the time that they adopted [Christianity], have become in some way meeker, more religious, and more consistent. Origen (c. 248, E), 4.407
The name of Jesus . . . produces a marvelous meekness of spirit and a complete change of character. Origen (c. 248, E), 4.427
Observe whether the principles of our faith, harmonizing with the general ideas implanted in our minds at birth, do not produce a change upon those who listen candidly to its statements. Origen (c. 248, E), 4.480
II. Testimonies of conversion
When I was delighting in the doctrines of Plato, I heard Christians being slandered. Yet, I saw that they were fearless in death and unafraid of all other things that are considered fearful. And I realized that it was impossible that they could be living in wickedness and pleasure. For what sensual or intemperate person . . . could welcome death, which would deprive him of his enjoyments? Such a person would prefer to continue always in the present life. Justin Martyr (c. 160, E), 1.192
When this Christian had spoken these and many other things (which there is no time for mentioning at present) he went away, exhorting me to attend to them. And I have not seen him since. But immediately a flame was kindled in my soul—and I was possessed by a love of the prophets and of those men who are friends of Christ. Justin Martyr (c. 165, E), 1.198
Retiring by myself, I sought how I might be able to discover the truth. And, while I was giving my most earnest attention to the matter, I happened to meet with certain barbaric writings, too old to be compared with the opinions of the Greeks—yet too divine to be compared with their errors. And I was led to put faith in them by the unpretentious nature of the language, the candid character of the writers, the foreknowledge displayed of future events, the excellent quality of the teachings, and the declaration that the government of the universe is centered in one Being. Tatian (c. 160, E), 2.77
I myself also used to disbelieve that this would take place. However, now, having taken these things into consideration, I believe. At the same time, I met with the sacred Scriptures of the holy prophets. By the Spirit of God, they foretold the things that have already happened, just as they came to pass. [They also predicted] the things now occurring . . . and future things in the order in which they will be accomplished. Acknowledging this proof of events happening just as they were predicted, I no longer disbelieve, but believe. Theophilus (c. 180, E), 2.9
I used to indulge my sins as if they were actually parts of me and native to me. But after that, by the help of the water of new birth, the stain of former years had been washed away, and a light from above—serene and pure—had been infused into my reconciled heart. Then, by the agency of the Spirit breathed from heaven, a second birth had restored me to a new man. . . . I was enabled to acknowledge that what had been previously living in the practice of sins (being born of the flesh) was of the earth and was earthly. But now it had begun to be of God and was enlivened by the Spirit of holiness. Cyprian (c. 250, W), 5.275, 276
Like some spark lighting upon our inmost soul, love was kindled and burst into flame with us—a love for the holy Word, the most lovely object of all, who attracts everyone irresistibly toward Himself. Gregory Thaumaturgus (c. 255, E), 6.28