The Ethiopian Eunuch—Marks Of A True Conversion

THE ETHIOPIAN EUNUCH—Marks of A True Conversion:

Acts 8:26-40

Up until this point the church is growing relatively slowly. This is the first time that someone outside Jerusalem finds salvation in Christ. The greatest tragedy is when a person believes himself saved when he is not. And it's the greatest disservice to tell a person he is saved when he is not. So let us assess ourselves against the truth of the Scripture—against the marks of true conversion as seen in the case of the Ethiopian eunuch.

1. INITIATED BY THE HOLY SPIRIT Acts 8:26-29. The Lord works providential circumstances (e.g. people, place, events etc.) to bring about conversion. It's always God who initiates and the people who respond. If we live our life believing that our salvation is initiated by man, imagine the burden that would bring—us being saved by our works, and us losing our salvation by our works! (Read Romans 8:29-30). The Ethiopian eunuch is foreloved -> predestined -> called -> justified -> glorified.

2. FOCUSED ON THE CHRIST OF SCRIPTURE Acts 8:30-35. Here is where we see the contrast between false and true conversion. Simon the Magician was focused on fame and fortune and self; the Ethiopian eunuch was focused on Scripture and seeking the Truth. One of the clearest marks of our conversion is not our profession, not being baptized, nor our seeking of miracles, but being utterly captivated by Christ.

3. RESULTING IN OBEDIENCE AND JOY Acts 8:36-40. There is no such thing as a true believer who does not instantly live a life of OBEDIENCE to Christ. Baptism is the eunuch's first act of obedience. Obedience is inevitable IF you are saved. (Fruit). Now, it is possible to do everything that God has commanded us to do but not do it out of obedience. So let us consider our motives. A saved person will inevitably seek discipleship and ways to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ. REJOICING is the other result we see. And why not, when God is now his Father, Jesus his Saviour, and heaven his home.

That GRACE so precious has saved us from the wages of sin which is death, and which is ever-increasing that it ever sanctifies us in this life. That amazing grace which made the "God who called us here below forever ours"!