Titus 1:11-12; John 16:8-11

We have noted that God’s grace is at work before a person even begins to consider the gospel.  It is a gift of grace given before time began (1 Tim. 1:9), a choice made by God before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4).  Let us consider some others ways God helps the unbeliever become a believer.

o   Matt. 28:19-20; Rom. 1:5; 1 Cor. 3:5, etc.: God commands and commissions the preaching of the gospel.  This may seem obvious, but it is where we start.  If, as we have noted, faith cannot be exercised apart from the gospel, then the gospel must be preached.  This provision of God begins with the Apostles, witnesses of the resurrected Lord, who travelled far and wide with their message.  It involves God’s use of things like persecution (Ac. 8:1-4), the leading of the Spirit (Ac. 16:6-10) and any number of divine coincidences to bring about this necessity.

o   John 16:8-11:  God reproves or convicts the world.  Specifically, God convinces men of their sin, of unbelief in Christ.  He convinces men of the perfect righteousness of Christ who is no longer on the earth, that Christ alone is righteous.  And He convinces them of judgment, that they are siding with the evil one and will be judged with him.

o   Titus 3:5-6; John 3:5-8: Regeneration (being born again) and renewal (being made a new creation) are said to be the work of the Holy Spirit.  While we are aware that there is disagreement in the ordo salutis (order of events involved in salvation) all must agree that it is a work God does that, as Paul indicated, accomplishes our salvation.

o   Gal. 1:15-16:  Again, recognizing different ways to understand this, nevertheless we acknowledge that God calls us through His grace.  That call results in the revealing of His Son in us.  That is God’s work.

o   2 Cor. 4:6; Acts 16:14; Luke 24:45: These passages tell us of the light that God shines in the heart to enable a person to know Christ, to be no longer spiritually blind but now ready to obey the gospel.  

More could be said but let us not miss this opportunity to talk about what people with varying understandings can do together in the service of Christ.

·        Matt. 9:37-38; Rom. 10:1; Eph. 6:19; Col. 4:2-4: They can pray together for more laborers, for people’s salvation, and for boldness in preaching.

·        Matt. 11:28-30; Rom. 10:11-13: They can serve together to make a genuine offer to all of the gospel of Christ.  Surely they can say that Christ said: Come unto me all you who labor and are burdened and I will give you rest.

·        2 Cor. 5:20; Acts 18:28; 19:8: They can be passionate about the gospel.  Whatever our views we can have the passion of God’s men in Scripture.

·        1 Cor. 3:5-7: They can trust God for the increase.  The thought that we cultivate and sow and water but that the response is God’s doing should relieve us of contention as we wait upon God for what only He can do.