“Without question, one of the most important and largest areas of the Spirit’s work today is in relation to salvation. Indeed, it is primarily His work from the beginning of conviction to the final delivery of that person in heaven. CONVICTING (JN 16:8-11) The idea of “conviction” is complex. It involves the conceptions of authoritative examination, of unquestionable proof, of decisive judgment, of punitive power. Whatever the final issue may be, he who “convicts” another places the truth of the case in dispute in a clear light before him, so that it must be seen and acknowledged as truth. He who then rejects the conclusion which the exposition involves, rejects it with his eyes open and at his peril. Truth seen as truth carries with it condemnation to all who refuse to welcome it.4.1 Thus the convicting work of the Spirit is the placing of the truth of the gospel in a clear light before the unsaved person so he acknowledges it as truth whether or not he receives Christ as personal Saviour. Conviction is making the message clear, not the saving of the soul—that’s regeneration. In other words, the one who testifies about the saving grace of God must depend on the Spirit even to make that testimony understood clearly.”
A Survey of Bible Doctrine
Charles C. Ryrie
Moody Publishers
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Chicago, IL 60610
Cross Mission Media 