1 Thess. 1:9,10

There are passages in the New Testament that vividly describe conversion. When Paul wrote to the Thessalonians he brought up how those people received the gospel. He calls it (ESV), “the kind of reception we had among you.” They had “turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.”

Conversion is like what we may call a “180” or U-turn. Because of what Christ did on the cross and where He is now, sinners can turn from sin to God. But observe how specific this is. “You turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” It is more than just getting away from sin (idols specified here). The responsive sinner turns from sin to God, to serve Him – the true and living God. Turning from sin must wholly embrace the new direction. Serving the true and living God.

With a view toward what? “…to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” Conversion isn’t complete without all of this: Turning, Serving and Waiting.

Have you turned? Are you serving? Are you patiently waiting for the good outcome?