conversion

A concept whose basic meaning is that of “turning,” “turning to,” or “returning.” In the Bible, this can be applied either to God or to human beings in relation to God (e.g., Deut 13:17; Josh 24:20; Ps 51:13; Ps 85:3; Isa 6:10—note Mark 4:12 and parallels; John 12:40; Acts 28:27—Isa 44:22; Isa 51:11; Isa 55:7; Jer 3:14; Jer 8:4-6; Ezek 33:10-16; Acts 9:35; Acts 15:3, Acts 19; Jas 5:19-20). Implied in these passages is a change of course or direction, not merely an attitudinal change or altering of one’s opinion.