James 5:20 (KJV) Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.
There is a sense in which we can "convert" others to the Lord. There is also a sense in which men must "turn (convert) themselves. " And there is a yet different, third, sense in which only God can convert men. These are not contradictory ideas when seen in the light of other Scriptures, but it is important not to confuse the preacher's role in presenting the truth, the sinner's role in responding to it, and God's providential and gracious overruling of the whole conversion event.
Lord, let us seek to lead others to know you. We cannot force them to turn to you in repentance and faith. We know they must turn willingly. And we know that it is you who sends preachers out to preach your Word to the lost, and that it is you who brings men dead in trespasses and sins to life that they might convert to you. Let us seek to be used of you to turn many to Christ, knowing that "he who wins souls is wise. " (Proverbs 11:30) Amen.
There is a sense in which we can "convert" others to the Lord. There is also a sense in which men must "turn (convert) themselves. " And there is a yet different, third, sense in which only God can convert men. These are not contradictory ideas when seen in the light of other Scriptures, but it is important not to confuse the preacher's role in presenting the truth, the sinner's role in responding to it, and God's providential and gracious overruling of the whole conversion event.
Lord, let us seek to lead others to know you. We cannot force them to turn to you in repentance and faith. We know they must turn willingly. And we know that it is you who sends preachers out to preach your Word to the lost, and that it is you who brings men dead in trespasses and sins to life that they might convert to you. Let us seek to be used of you to turn many to Christ, knowing that "he who wins souls is wise. " (Proverbs 11:30) Amen.