Chapter 15

The Holy Spirit

Convicts, Regenerates, Indwells

A misunderstanding of the work of the Holy Spirit has been a source of much heartache and division in both churches and families. It is very important not to go beyond what is written in the Bible: "Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God" (2 John 9). To rely on experience is dangerous because experience is subjective and an unreliable guide to doctrine.

In this chapter we will begin to study present-day activities of the Holy Spirit in the world. His activities can be divided into four general areas:

1. His work with the unsaved to bring them to Christ

2. His work of salvation in the life of a Christian

3. His work of perfecting the Christian

4. His work through the Christian.

GOD'S SPIRIT AND THE UNSAVED

The work of the Holy Spirit with regard to the unsaved falls into two parts. He causes them to realize they have sinned against God, and He points to Jesus as the solution to their sin problem.

The Holy Spirit Convicts

Jesus taught us how the Holy Spirit accomplishes His work with people of the world who have not trusted Him:

John 16:8-11

8 "And He [the Spirit], when He comes, will convict the world concerning sin, and righteousness, and judgment;

9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me;

10 and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you no longer behold Me;

11 and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.

Conviction Concerning Sin — Jesus said distinctly that the Spirit would convict the world of sin "because they do not believe in Me." When the word "sin" is used in the singular, it generally, though not in every case, refers to man's fallen nature. When it is used in the plural form, "sins," it refers to the acts of sin produced by the fallen nature. When the Gospel of Christ is preached and His own purity and holiness are emphasized, the Holy Spirit convicts men of their own innate sinfulness. But, unlike the feelings of guilt put on us by Satan, the Holy Spirit always points to Calvary as the way of forgiveness and freedom.

Conviction Concerning Righteousness — The Holy Spirit also convicts unsaved people about the need of being righteous. He points to Jesus Christ in all of His righteous perfection and purity. God cannot excuse sin. Only those who have had their sin removed will be permitted to live in His presence throughout eternity. The very fact that Jesus has gone into heaven to the Father and is seated at His right hand proves His complete sinlessness and utter righteousness. The Holy Spirit uses this to show a sinner his own sinfulness when he hears the Gospel. Then, Jesus Christ's righteousness stands out in bold contrast to his or her own unrighteousness. Jesus, who was sinless, died for our sin. He has been received into heaven itself, proving that God accepted both Him and His sacrificial work.

Conviction Concerning Judgment — Finally, Jesus said that the Spirit would convict the world concerning judgment because the ruler of this world has been judged. Satan was judged and defeated at the Cross. Just as surely as Satan was defeated at the Cross of Jesus Christ, judgment will come upon all those who live in rebellion against the God of heaven. Again, the Holy Spirit always shows Jesus as the way to God when He brings conviction of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment to come. Only the Holy Spirit can convict men that they really need a Savior and Jesus is the Savior sent from God. This is the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit Calls the Unsaved to Christ

The Holy Spirit works with the unsaved to bring them to faith in Christ. Hebrews 6:4 speaks "of those who have once been enlightened and have tasted of the heavenly gift and have been made partakers of the Holy Spirit." The Holy Spirit reveals to sinners the reality and truth of the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ. He gives them a foretaste of what it is like to receive forgiveness of sins. In this way He creates in them a desire to come to Jesus for forgiveness. Those who respond are often referred to as "the called" (Romans 1:6, 1 Corinthians 1:2, Galatians 1:6, and Jude 1).

GOD'S SPIRIT AND THE SAVED

He Regenerates – Imparts New Life

Another work of the Holy Spirit is with those who come to salvation. After He has convicted and called men to Christ, He gives them new life when they turn to Him. Jesus says, "It is the Spirit who gives life" (John 6:63). In talking with Nicodemus, He made it clear that the Spirit is the one who gives spiritual life:

John 3:4-7

4 Nicodemus said to Him, "How can a man be born when he is old? He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?"

5 Jesus answered, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

6 "That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

7 "Do not marvel that I said to you, 'You must be born again.'"

There has been much controversy about Jesus' statement "unless one is born of water and the Spirit." Some people believe that "water" means water baptism; in that case it means unless one is baptized and born of the Spirit he cannot enter the kingdom of God. Others say that "water" is a symbol of regeneration and means, "unless you are regenerated and born of the Spirit, you cannot enter the kingdom of God." While that is true, I do not believe that is what Jesus means here. His meaning is very simple. A parallel helps explain:

	born of water		=		born of the flesh is flesh
	[born] of the Spirit		=		born of the Spirit is spirit

When a woman has a baby, the water around the fetus breaks before it is delivered. Human beings are born of water, that is, physical, natural birth. Once you have been born physically of water, then you can be born spiritually of the Spirit. Unless you have been born of the Spirit after your physical birth, you cannot see the kingdom of God. That is why you must be born again!

The Spirit gives life to those who trust in Jesus. This life-giving process is sometimes called "regeneration." Paul wrote of this: "He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5). Thus, the job of the Holy Spirit is to give new life to the one who believes in Jesus.

He Seals Believers in Christ

When the Holy Spirit puts the mark of God's ownership on believers, He seals them in Christ. Paul wrote to the Ephesians:

Ephesians 1:13-14

13 In Him, you also, after listening to the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation — having also believed, you were sealed in Him with the Holy Spirit of promise,

14 who is given as a pledge of our inheritance, with a view to the redemption of God's own possession, to the praise of His glory.

Eternal Security — Above, each believer is sealed as God's own property. Ephesians 4:30 likewise speaks of His sealing work. It exhorts us, "do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption." The sealing of the Holy Spirit guarantees our ultimate salvation. We are sealed "for the day of redemption" when Jesus comes again to resurrect the bodies of those who die in Him. We are marked as God's own people from the time we trust Jesus until He comes. This is a strong argument for the absolute security of those who have put their faith in Him. Believers should not fear losing their salvation because the mark of God's ownership rests on them until Jesus comes again.

He Indwells Every Believer

The Holy Spirit takes up permanent residence in every believer. Several verses clearly state this understanding. Paul wrote, "if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him" (Romans 8:9). In this verse the term "Spirit of Christ" refers to the Holy Spirit. Other verses support the truth that He indwells every believer. For example: "Do you not know that you are a temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?" (1Corinthians 3:16). You do not have to be fearful that you may not have received the Spirit of God. If you have trusted Jesus you already have the Spirit of God dwelling in you. It's simply a matter of stepping out by faith on what is written and conducting your life based on it.

Make It Personal

Let us continually praise the Lord for having brought us to salvation in Christ. He is now our constant companion and helper in the person of the Holy Spirit.

If you do not know Jesus as your own personal Savior and Lord, trust Him today for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will be sure of heaven and have the abiding peace and presence of God that only He can give you through the Holy Spirit.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own?

20 For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body.

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