It represents the incursion of divine grace into human life, the resurrection from spiritual death to eternal life. It is commonly said that we are active in conversion just as we are passive in regeneration, but this must not be understood synergistically. We are active only on the basis of grace, only through the power of grace. We do not procure salvation, but we decide for salvation once our inward eyes are opened to its reality. Conversion is the sign but not the condition of our justification, whose sole source is the free, unconditional grace of God.
Conversion is both an event and a process.
It signifies the action of the Holy Spirit upon us by which we are moved to respond to Jesus Christ in faith. It also includes the continuing work of the Holy Spirit within us purifying us of discord and contumacy, remolding us in the image of Christ. This work of purification is accomplished as we repent and cling to Christ anew. Again, conversion is both personal and social. While it basically connotes a change in our relationship with God, it indicates at the same time an alternation in our attitudes toward our fellow human beings.