In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve sinned against God and were driven out of the presence of God. Since then, the consequences of sin have been felt by all humanity. Jesus’ birth, death, resurrection and ascension has closed the deep void that was between humanity and God. Now, Jesus is the access to God and believing in Him leads to eternal life (John 3:16). Before we come to believe in Jesus, we need to identify our sinful state. Self righteousness does not lead to salvation but knowing our nothingness without God. Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin: “And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment” (John 16:8 NKJV).
When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37)
How does the Holy Spirit convict the world of sin? Naturally, without God, humanity is blinded by the devil: “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). No wonder people have become anti-God and nothing about God moves them. But, all hope is not lost. The Holy Spirit’s arrival caused a stir. When Peter preached on the day of Pentecost, the same people who mocked the disciples were cut to the heart by Peter’s message: “When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” (Acts 2:37).
Since conviction of sin is done by the Holy Spirit, it is important we speak with Him about souls before we speak to the souls. We have been tasked to rescue the perishing: “save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh” (Jude 1:23). If the Holy Spirit does not convict sinners of sin, no amount of words can save them. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit arrived on Pentecost day and has since dwelt with the church. He is the restrainer of the Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:6). Know that, without knowing our sinful states, no one will have the need of a Saviour. Therefore, only the Holy Spirit can bring people to total repentance.
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