September 7, 2003
THE CONVICTING WORK
OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
A careful study of the New Testament will reveal that the Holy Spirit has ministries which He performs in the life of a believer (1) in bringing him to salvation, (2) at the time of his salvation and (3) following his salvation. We will call these ministries (1) the convicting work of the Spirit, (2) the securing work of the Spirit and (3) the continuing work of the Spirit.
This week we will look at the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing an individual to salvation or the convicting work of the Spirit (John 16:7-11; I Peter 1:2).
At this point it is necessary to have some understanding of the two aspects of the Grace of God. These aspects are known as common grace and efficacious grace.
Common grace is the unmerited favor of God toward all men as shown in His general, overall care for them. The nature of common grace has special application to the problem of the inability of man to receive and understand the things of God. In this sense it is a ministry of the Holy Spirit which reveals the truth of God to man through whatever channel that truth is proclaimed (reading and hearing of God’s Word, creation, etc.) Common grace is limited in that, although it provides good gifts to all men, it does not, however, provide a direct basis for salvation.
1. The Meaning of Conviction
Conviction, when applied to salvation, is the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing a person to an awareness of his sinful condition as God sees him/her and to a deep sense of need for salvation. It is the work of God impressing upon the heart of an individual the reality of his guilt and just condemnation before a holy and righteous God. Conviction brings heaven’s perspective of sin and its inevitable consequences to the human heart and understanding.
2. The Source of Conviction
Conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7-11). He will convict you of sin, of righteousness and of judgment.
3. The Agency of Conviction
Conviction is a work of the Holy Spirit through the instrumentality of believers “I will send Him unto you (believers) and when He is come He will convict the world” – John 16:7, 8. How? “Through you believers” (II Corinthians 2:16).
4. The
Basis of Conviction
The basis of the convicting work of the Holy Spirit is the gospel message –
(I Corinthians15:1-4, Acts 2:22-41 especially verses.23, 24 and 32.) In the sermon Peter preached, the clear facts of the gospel are proclaimed. Then note the response of the people in verses 37-41!
5. The Nature of Conviction
Of sin - of sin because “they believe not on me.” This is a state of sin in which men exist and which holds them in stark and utter unbelief (John 3:18).
Of righteousness – of righteousness because “I go to the Father and you see me no more.” Jesus Christ is the only righteous person who ever lived, and who alone has entered the presence of God in His own righteousness which is contrasted with all false concepts of righteousness that the world has devised. This sets Him apart as being unique above all men. God has evidenced this uniqueness to all men by the resurrection of Christ from the dead (Acts 17:31; Romans 1:3, 4) and by its practical demonstration in the visible lives of His followers. He will provide righteousness to all who believe in Him as their Savior.
Of judgment – of judgment because “the prince of this world is judged.” The Holy Spirit persuades men that the same judgment with which Satan is judged will come upon them if they persist in rejecting Christ.
So you see beloved, you and I are the fingers of God, the Holy Spirit. He uses our testimony to bring conviction to our unbelieving friends. Let’s make sure that we are in fellowship with Him each day of our lives. God bless.
Love to each one of you,