Understanding Gospel Conversion

1.  Not all who are initially excited about the Gospel are genuinely      . (v. 42-44)

• There is often an       (“begged & gathered”) when the Gospel is first heard, accompanied by a persistent investigation & even an initial willingness to follow.
•  A profession of faith & the evidence of true conversion is found to be true only when someone       in the grace of God.

 
2.  Every profession of faith will be      as to its genuineness. (v. 45, 48, Matt 13:18-23)

• The Jew’s negative response: Their hearts were filled with      , anger & even blasphemies. (v. 45)
• The Gentile’s positive response: They responded with rejoicing, glorifying &       the word of the Lord. (v. 48-49)

 
3.  Every person is      to believe in Jesus, while at the same time it is God who is      over salvation. (45-49)

• Human responsibility: Every person has a responsibility to       & not repudiate or thrust the Gospel aside & judge themselves unworthy of eternal life. (Jn 3:18, 5:40, 8:24)
•  Sovereign election: And yet, all who are       unto eternal life will believe. (Jn 6:65, Col 3:12, 2 Thess 2:13, 1 Pt 1:1, Eph 1:4, Matt 24:22, 24, 31, Rom 8:33)
• Importance of the Word: Because we know that the Holy Spirit uses the Word of God to bring about salvation, we must also be       to teach & preach it. (44b, 46a, 47)

 
4.  Remember not to get discouraged knowing that conversion is the Lord’s work & continue making      with joy & the power of the Holy Spirit. (v. 50-52)