How The Holy Spirit Works in Conversion

Introduction.

Tonight...we want to note some features of the Spirit’s work in the plan of salvation. We also want to describe the manner in which He accomplishes His mission.

I. The Holy Spirit is the Author of the Bible.
   A. 2 Pet. 2:20-21 – Bible from the Holy Spirit & not men! Words must be heeded/applied.
    B. 1 Cor. 2:9-13 – mind of God revealed to Paul through the Holy Spirit.
        1. Eph. 3:3-5 – very words that Paul used selected by the Holy Spirit.
    C.. The Holy Spirit’s work is to reveal the Mind of God to man – through the word!

II. The Holy Spirit, with God & Christ, made baptism necessary for salvation.
   A. Observe Mt. 28:18-20.
        1. Holy Spirit on par w/God & Christ.
        2. Holy Spirit at work when we respond to gospel via baptism.
    B. In order to become a disciple of Jesus...one must respond to the preached word.

III. The Holy Spirit begets Spiritual life.
   A. Mt. 28:19-20 – importance of water baptism. Also expressed in Jhn. 3:3-5. One must be born again! This is done in 2 aspects:
        1. Being born of water. What does that mean?
            a. Rom. 6:4; Gal. 3:26-27 – to be baptized...which results in new life.
            b. Not talking about waters inside mother’s womb.
        2. Being born of spirit. What does that mean?
            a. Spirit begets through the word! Lk. 8:11 – Word = the seed of God.
            b. 1 Pet. 1;23 – born through incorruptible seed – the Word of God.
            c. Js. 1:18 – brought into kingdom through response to Word.
    B. To be born of the spirit refers to one’s responding to the gospel of Christ found in the WORD of God!

IV. Romans 8 lists three things the Spirit does.
   A. 8:14 – led by the Spirit. Led by Spirit – through obedience to Word!
    B. 8:16 – bears witness that we are children of God. – our testimony agrees with the Spirit.
    C. 8:26 – intercedes for the children of God. Helps/aids us in prayer.

V. The Holy Spirit Convicts the World.
   A. Jhn. 16:8-11
        1. Concerning sin…exposes, brings to light, proves to be wrong those who disbelieve
        2. See Acts 2:36-38… prosecutes those in sin.
    B. Concerning righteousness…
        1. Psa. 119:17; Rom. 1:16-17; 1 Jhn. 3:7 – to do righteous is to do right!
        2. Right ways of God revealed in the Word of God!
    C. Concerning judgment
        1. Acts 17:31; 1 Cor. 5:9-10; 2 Pet. 3:9-11; Heb. 9:27 – should motivate to do good
        2. Acts 24:25 – Spirit – through word – reasons with us on these matters.