DEEPER EXPERIENCES: CONVERSION BEYOND MERE INTELLECTUAL ASSENT. Denial Of Deeper Or More Enriching Subsequent Experiences Inhibits Spiritual Transformation In Those Claiming To Be Christians. This denial is mostly prominent among the proud and academically minded not those who seek truth.

Three Possibilities Behind the “Second Experience” Testimony

Many believers describe a moment when everything changed after an earlier confession of faith. This second moment is often framed as “making Jesus Lord,” “receiving the Spirit,” or “truly changing.” Theologically and experientially, this can be understood in three categories:

1. The First Was Mere Profession — The Second Was True Conversion

Explanation:
The individual “accepted Jesus” in childhood or at a youth rally, but it was not a regeneration event. There was no inward change, no fruit, no conviction of sin. Years later, they encountered Christ in power and truth, repented, and were truly born again.

Evidence:

• No spiritual growth between “first” and “second” experience
• No real hunger for the Word or fellowship
• The second experience brought immediate transformation (new heart, new habits, new direction)

Key Scriptures:

• Matthew 7:21–23 (Lord, Lord… I never knew you)
• Luke 8:13 (rocky soil—temporary belief without root)
• 2 Corinthians 5:17 (if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation)

Implication:
The first event was not salvation—only the second was. This is often the case for cultural Christians or those raised in church who later encounter the living Christ.

2. The First Was Real Salvation — The Second Was Consecration or Surrender

Explanation:
The person was truly saved earlier but resisted Lordship, yielded to the flesh, or lived in spiritual immaturity. Later, through a crisis or conviction, they fully surrendered to Christ’s Lordship and began walking in obedience, often for the first time with joy and boldness.

Evidence:

• Some signs of spiritual life between the two points (e.g., conviction, prayer, struggle with sin)
• The second experience brought freedom, empowerment, focus, and deeper intimacy with God
• Fruit increased but salvation was present beforehand

Key Scriptures:

• Romans 12:1–2 (present your bodies as a living sacrifice)
• Galatians 5:16–25 (walking by the Spirit vs. gratifying the flesh)
• 1 Corinthians 3:1–3 (carnal Christians—saved, yet immature)

Implication:
The person was saved but lacked discipleship or yieldedness. The second experience was a crisis of consecration, not regeneration.

3. The First Was Conversion — The Second Was Spirit Baptism (Empowerment)

Explanation:
The believer was saved and living for God, but had not yet received the baptism in the Holy Spirit as described in Acts. The second experience was a Pentecost-like infilling, often accompanied by tongues, prophecy, or new boldness in prayer, evangelism, or worship.

Evidence:

• Clear spiritual life and fruit before the second experience
• The second brought empowerment, gifts, supernatural boldness
• Often associated with Acts-like manifestations (tongues, prophecy, healing)

Key Scriptures:

• Acts 8:14–17 (Samaritan believers received the Spirit later)
• Acts 19:1–6 (disciples of John received the Holy Spirit after believing)
• Luke 24:49 / Acts 1:8 (wait for power from on high)

Implication:
The second experience was not for salvation but for power and service. The believer goes from “born of the Spirit” to “baptized in the Spirit.”

Summary Table

Category	Nature of First Experience	Nature of Second Experience	Result
1. False Conversion to True	Mere profession, no regeneration	True salvation	Born again, transformed
2. Real Salvation to Surrender	Genuine salvation	Full consecration, surrender	Fruitfulness, freedom, maturity
3. Salvation to Spirit Baptism	Regeneration and obedience	Empowerment, infilling, gifts	Power for witness, deeper intimacy