The work of the Holy Spirit in conversion
“We believe and teach, that in conversion and sanctification [being made holy GCH] there is an influence of the Spirit in addition to that of the Word, and distinct from it an influence, without which the arguments and motives of the gospel would never convert and sanctify one of Adam’s ruined race." So said N. L. Rice in his debate with Alexander Campbell in Lexington, Kentucky in December of 1843 (p. 628). Though 150 years have gone by since Rice made his statement, large numbers of people still believe the Holy Spirit must work directly on the heart of a sinner to convert him.
Sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden. Man violated God’s law and was cast out of the garden. Since that time, all men, who have reached an age of knowing the difference between right and wrong and have sinned (Romans 3:10, 23). God will not hear us because our sins, like those of Israel, have separated between us and him (Isaiah 59:1-2). Further, those sins condemn us to eternal death (Romans 6:23).
Men and women wanting to avoid the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14) will have to change, or be converted. "And Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven’" (Matthew 18:2-3).
Conversion requires turning from the path of sin to begin walking in God’s way. Paul was thankful for the brethren of Thessalonica, in part, because the Lord’s word had sounded out from them to everyone who heard of their faith. "For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God" (1 Thessalonians 1:9).
Purification of the heart by faith is necessary for conversion (Acts 15:). Peter explained that heart purification comes through obedience to the truth (1 Peter 1:22). That obedience involves changing one’s direction by repentance. "Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent" (Acts 17:30). It also involves a change of state or kingdoms when one puts on Christ in baptism and God translates him into the kingdom of his dear Son (Romans 6:3-4; Colossians 1:13-14; Galatians 3:27).
Jesus promised to send the Helper, who would "convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment; of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged" (John 16:5-11). One wonders how the Spirit was to convict those of the world. The means inevitably used in Acts is the preaching of the word of God. That is consistent with the Lord’s prayer (John 17:17). His explanation of the parable of the sower describes the word of God as the seed (Luke 8:11). James said, "Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls" (1:21).
God chose preaching as the means of saving the lost (1 Corinthians 1:21). A preacher has to be sent out to preach (Romans 10:13-14). Thus, Jesus sent forth his followers to preach, or tell the good news (Mark 16:15-16).
Many believe the Holy Spirit must exert some force upon the sinner separate from God’s word in order to convict him of sin. Clearly, man needs to be both convicted of and converted from the ways of sin. Sin yields the second death as a reward. Conversion involves purifying the heart, changing direction in repentance and putting on Christ in baptism. The Holy Spirit uses the Bible to show men their sinfulness and convert them to God’s way.
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