Tags
conversion, faith, false false false, gospel, law, Paul Helm, repentance, the beginnings, true repentance
Helm Paul, The beginnings; Word and Spirit in conversion, Edinburgh: The Banner of Truth Trust, 1986
Observations
In this relatively short book (141pages), Paul Helm packs a wealth of gems on the topic of Christian conversion. He takes on the difficult challenge of outlining what true Christian conversion is and the role of the Spirit and the Word in the conversion experience. He systematically discusses the place of three elements i.e. conviction, faith, and repentance in the conversion experience and argues that all these three elements belong together in true conversion. He argues that it would be wrong to think of the three elements as distinctly recognizable stages or steps that must be passed separately in conversion. Rather, he says they are strands and that they all belong together and are all crucial for true conversion.
In the first chapter he discusses two case studies from scripture in an attempt to show that there can be conviction without confession of sins or a conviction that does not lead to true repentance of sin. He then goes on to ask and tries to answer the question, ”does this then mean that God toys with the hearts of men?’
In the second chapter he makes an attempt to define true repentance. He makes a distinction between repentance and mere sorrow for sin or moral failure. He argues that the latter can be present without leading one to conversion since it does not spring from the Spirit’s conviction or Faith in the Savior. He again discusses two case studies from the scriptures to show how there could be sorrow for sin without faith in the Savior.
In the third chapter he defines saving faith and goes on to show how true repentance is inseparable from faith in Christ. He makes the claim that saving faith cannot exist without the awareness of what God has done, and so faith is the reliance upon the word of God, (what He has revealed of Himself). He warns his readers not to confuse repentance with faith or to see it as a merit that earns one’s salvation and thus making salvation dependent on a ‘work’ of repentance.
In the fourth chapter he discusses some common objections to the doctrine of soteriology that he presents in the first three chapters. He ends the book in the fifth chapter by looking at some practical aspects of the doctrines he has been outlining.
Interpretation
Helm offers brilliant arguments throughout this book. It is a joy to follow him through point by point as he makes his case. He treats words very carefully and labors to expound on words that may be passed over as obvious in common Christian speak.
He stimulates the reader to deep thoughts on the whole topic of conversion as he asks enlightening questions such as; what is faith? What is repentance? Is there a difference between faith and assurance of salvation? Between repentance and faith, which comes first? If there could be conviction without repentance does that mean that God toys with men? Etc. He also raises questions of practice such as, ‘in a bid to be relevant and contextualize the gospel, could we lose something of importance if we do not use biblical language?’
I foresee a problem though in the fourth chapter. In discussing some common objections under the sub topic ‘faith, assurance and the offer of the gospel’ he assumes that his readers are conversant with the doctrine of limited atonement. Readers will need a prior knowledge of the doctrine to enjoy the defenses presented here. The same goes for the defenses he presents under the sub-topic ‘is grace mechanical?’ Readers will need to be conversant with the doctrine of ‘Irresistible grace’ to better appreciate the arguments in this part of the book.
Conclusion
This book is worth the investment of time to peruse it. I have been pondering about many of the questions the author raises and I guess I will continue to investigate most of these issues.
I have learnt not to gloss over the law when doing evangelism because the law is useful in showing the character of Man in relation to God and is useful in leading to true repentance.
I have also learnt of the need to preserve biblical language in preaching and teaching to maintain the seriousness of the gospel and the issues being dealt with in the gospel.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone involved in evangelism and discipleship
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