The Holy Spirit In Conversion

Introduction Almost all religious people will agree that the Holy Spirit has a part in our conversion HOW He works is where the confusion begins

Does the Holy Spirit operate directly – without a medium? Does the Holy Spirit operate in some mysterious manner?

Because our society is so highly emotional – many think the Holy Spirit works in some dramatic way in conversion Some “pray through” for salvation then wait for a sign that they are saved

“Conversion is not a convulsion; it is a rational process that is sensible and uniform” It is based on the inspired word of God and we receive it by exercising our common sense in obeying the commands of God

I. Conversion Defined Conversion is a turning or changing

1 Thess. 1:9-10 For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God…

And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.

Acts 11:19-21 Now they which were scattered abroad upon the persecution that arose about Stephen travelled as far as Phenice, and Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word to none but unto the Jews only…

And some of them were men of Cyprus and Cyrene, which, when they were come to Antioch, spake unto the Grecians, preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord

Acts 3:19 Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

There is a 3-fold change in conversion 1. Change of heart or purification of heart Hearts are purified by faith or obedience to the truth

Acts 15:9 And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

1 Pet. 1:22 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit…

2. Change of life Lives are changed by repentance

Acts 11:18 When they heard these things, they held their peace, and glorified God, saying, Then hath God also to the Gentiles granted repentance unto life.

3. Change of state or change of relationship One’s state or relationship is changed in baptism

Rom. 6:3-4 – baptism into Christ Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Before baptism one is outside of Christ After baptism we are in Christ

2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.

II. How the Holy Spirit converts Does He have a part in our conversion? YES!

Ps. 19:7 – Through the word The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

Jn. 6:44-45 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day…

It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me.

Rom. 1:16 – By the gospel For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

1 Cor. 4:14-15 I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.

“I have begotten you through the gospel” = They were his children in the faith – he had taught them the gospel

Js. 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

“Of his own will begat he us” = It was God’s will to give us life by means of the truth

“The gospel is planted into our minds by teaching; when it germinates, faith is produced; faith leads us to obedience; when we obey, salvation is granted.” (Winton)

1 Pet. 1:22-23 Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently…

Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

Luke 8:5, 11 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed …Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Jn. 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Titus 3:5 Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

III. Examples of conversion Those on Pentecost – Acts 2 The Samaritans – Acts 8 The eunuch – Acts 8 Saul of Tarsus – Acts 9

Cornelius – Acts 10 The Jailer – Acts 16 The Corinthians – Acts 18