We have come to the seventh article in a series on the conversion of a sinner. Space is limited and yet a review is vital at this point. We have discussed some basic principles of conversion. (article #1) We then began to examine the specific elements of conversion that require man's attention and obedience beginning with faith. Faith is necessary in order to be converted from the life of sin. (Heb.11:6; Jn.8:24) (article #2) We studied the element of repentance. Repentance is not simply feeling sorry for sins but that which proceeds from that sorrow. (2Cor.7:10; article #3) Confession is also a necessary element and falls naturally after a person's repentance. Before Philip would baptize the man from Ethiopia, he required this man to affirm his faith. Accordingly, he confessed with his mouth the Lord Jesus. (Rom.10:9-10; article #4) We last discussed the element of baptism. We showed in articles #5 and #6 that baptism is the point in which a person's sins are remitted. (Acts 2:38) It is the instant a person may go on his way rejoicing. (Acts 8:39) It marks the point of burial for the old man of sin. (Rom.6:3-4)

Sequence. Let's think for a moment about the sequence in which these elements work. There are many things around us that depend upon a particular order of operation. A drink machine is one such thing. For a soft drink machine to operate properly, it is understood that you must put your money in and push a button. Then a mechanism within the machine releases the chosen drink, and a track guides it eventually into your hands. If someone disrupts that system, the machine will fail to operate. Why? Because it operates according to a particular sequence. When something in that sequence is impeded, you'll notice they attach a sign to it that reads, "out of order". That means a link in its chain of operation has been broken or removed. Likewise, these commands of God to believe, repent, confess our faith, and be baptized in water for the remission of our sins must be observed in the proper sequence.

Conversion is the orderly change of the whole man. Faith involves a change in his intellect. Repentance involves a change in his will. Confession involves a change in his allegiance. And baptism marks a change in his relationship with God. These different changes must occur in this order and, therefore, these commands must be obeyed in this order. The order cannot be altered.

Doctrines that are "out of order". Just like the drink machine can fail, a doctrine that changes the order or system of conversion from that which God has ordained is "out of order". For example:

1. Baptism does not change one's intellect. Baptism is not the cure-all for sin. It is an element of salvation but by no means the most important element. It simply won't do for folks to be baptized because their family members were or because they have been coerced. This person is just as much an unbeliever after baptism as before. We must educate people about Jesus so that faith may result before baptism.
   

2. Faith does not change one's will. Some teach that repentance precedes faith. This doctrine is "out of order". It changes God's plan of converting man. Notice that the Jews in Jerusalem believed first (Acts 2:36-37), then were told to repent. (Acts 2:38) This is one proof among many that "faith only" doctrine does not have its origin with the Bible.
   

3. Repentance and confession alone do not change one's relationship with God. For the sinner seeking to be converted to Christ, water baptism serves as the bridge between being outside and inside Christ. (Gal. 3:26-27) As we noticed in the last two articles, omitting water baptism from God's system of salvation is to create a new plan that will be ruled "out of order" in the last day. (Matt.15:13)