What does the Bible say about Christian conversion?

Christian conversion is fundamentally about a turning to the Lord, both outwardly and inwardly. It signifies a change in a person's heart and mind that leads to a new direction in life—a turning away from sin and towards God. This is not an act achievable by human effort; instead, it is notably dependent on God's initiative in regeneration, the new birth. In Matthew 18:3, Jesus clearly states that without conversion, one cannot enter the kingdom of heaven, emphasizing that conversion is a divine work that produces a felt need for salvation in the believer. Furthermore, genuine conversion is evidenced by a deep awareness of one's sinnership and a sincere cry for help to God for salvation.