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				Letters to the Editor Who calls one to conversion? I was wondering if United has changed it views on only God the Father converting people. I quote from the article ["Held Together by a Spiritual Thread" in the February 2004 issue]: "They are to be loved and accepted, too, for who knows if they may not be converted by our example." Can't they only be converted if God is calling them? Thank you for your question regarding conversion. The United Church of God has not changed its understanding of John 6:44. We firmly believe that no man can come to Christ "unless the Father who sent Me [Jesus Christ] draws him." With that in mind, how can it be said, "They are to be loved and accepted, too, for who knows if they may not be converted by our example"? Perhaps the wording would have been more clear and accurate if "by our example" had been "through our example." God can use our example in calling others. In 1 Peter 3:1-2 it gives us some insight, "Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear." These verses are speaking of a married woman whose mate is not a part of the Church. They tell us that a wife can have a most positive impact upon a husband. Her conduct may win him over to the point where he is not hostile to her involvement in the Church. It may also be that her conduct may influence her husband to the point where he is open to God's calling. The wife does not call. God calls, but a wife or husband can impact his or her mate in a way that makes it easy for the mate to respond to God's calling. Notice also 1 Corinthians 9:19-22. In these passages Paul says in verse 19, "that I might win the more," and in verse 22, "that I might by all means save some." Is Paul saying that it is he, not God, who "wins" and "saves"? Or is he saying that he seeks to preach the gospel to the Jews, to those under the law, to those without the law, and to those who are weak from their particular vantage point in order that the Word of God might have its greatest impact? However, no matter how well Paul presented the gospel, it would be up to God to call. As Christians, we are to be lights shining in the world in order that people can observe our practicing God's way and come to glorify our heavenly Father (Matthew 5:15-16). Our example only serves to help a person whom God may call. I hope the explanation above serves to clarify the subject of God's central role in the conversion process. VCM online only I thank God for what a good job this network is doing. I am a regular subscriber to The Good News magazine. I would like to have the Virtual Christian Magazine regularly. I need it as I need the breath of my nostrils. I shall be in earnest expectation. We are sorry, but Virtual Christian Magazine is strictly an online resource at this time. Thank you so much for your wonderful comments, and we hope you will continue to visit our site. Some feedback messages are edited for space and/or clarity Copyright 2004 by United Church of God, an International Association All rights reserved.

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Origin of article "VCM Letters to the Editor: June 2004"
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