Most would probably agree that one must be converted before he can be saved. However, Let us consider – when is it that one actually converted or turned to Christ?

 One is not  converted at the point of belief, or at the point of repentance. Acts 11:21 reads “…a great number believed and turned to the Lord.”  Acts 3:19 reads “Repent …and be converted (turn again ASV, ESV; return NASB) that your sins may be blotted out.” Watch the fact that the word “turned”  or “converted” (same original term) occurs after both belief and repentance in these passages.

One is converted at baptism. Consider the similar instructions given in the first two recorded sermons in the book of Acts:

Acts 2:38      |   Repent  |  Be baptized                   |  Remission of sins                                        Acts  3:19      |  Repent   |  Be converted (turn)    |   Sins blotted out

James Coffman commented,  “As De Welt expressed it: The thought behind ‘turn again’ was nothing short of baptism.  The Jews no doubt had witnessed the baptism of persons everyday (Acts 2:47); and thus when Peter called upon them to ‘repent and turn again’ they  knew exactly what he inferred (implied, meant – B.H.) Boles also agreed, declaring  that  ‘the blotting out of sins is equivalent to remission of sins; and being baptized is tantamount to turning again.'” (comments on Acts 3:19).  Conversion does not occur before one is baptized into Christ.