Yesterday 11:55 PM
Verses on the conviction of the Holy Spirit
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit convicts people of sin, righteousness, and judgment, revealing their need for Christ and drawing them to salvation.
Primary Passage on Conviction
John 16:8–11
“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:
of sin, because they do not believe in Me;
of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more;
of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”
This is the clearest passage describing the convicting work of the Holy Spirit.
Conviction of Sin
Acts 2:37
“Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, ‘Men and brethren, what shall we do?'”
The Holy Spirit used Peter’s preaching to bring deep conviction of sin.
John 16:9
“Of sin, because they do not believe in Me.”
The Spirit exposes unbelief and rebellion against God.
Romans 3:20
“For by the law is the knowledge of sin.”
The Spirit often uses God’s Word to reveal sin.
Conviction Through God’s Word
Hebrews 4:12
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
The Holy Spirit uses Scripture to convict, reprove, and correct.
Conviction Leading to Repentance
Acts 24:25
“Now as he reasoned about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, ‘Go away for now…'”
Felix experienced conviction as Paul preached.
2 Corinthians 7:10
“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”
Holy Spirit conviction produces godly sorrow that leads to repentance.
The Spirit Reveals Truth
John 16:13
“However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.”
1 Corinthians 2:14
“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God… because they are spiritually discerned.”
The Spirit opens hearts and minds to understand spiritual truth.
Conviction Before Salvation
John 6:44
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.”
John 6:63
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing.”
The Holy Spirit works in the heart before conversion, drawing sinners to Christ.
A Concise Summary
The Holy Spirit convicts people by:
- Revealing their sin (John 16:8–9).
- Showing God’s standard of righteousness (John 16:10).
- Warning of coming judgment (John 16:11).
- Using God’s Word to expose the heart (Hebrews 4:12).
- Producing godly sorrow that leads to repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10).
- Drawing sinners to Christ and enabling saving faith (John 6:44, 63).
A simple statement often used in gospel presentations is:
“The Holy Spirit does what only He can do—He convicts the sinner of sin, righteousness, and judgment, draws them to Christ, and grants repentance and faith.” (John 16:8–11; John 6:44; 2 Timothy 2:25)
Today 3:10 PM
Explain this commentary from Matthew 6:36-46 The discovery of their guilt, danger, and remedy, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, makes men willing and glad to come, and to give up every thing which hinders applying to him for salvation. The Father’s will is, that not one of those who were given to the Son, should be rejected or lost by him. No one will come, till Divine grace has subdued, and in part changed his heart; therefore no one who comes will ever be cast out. The gospel finds none willing to be saved in the humbling, holy manner, made known therein; but God draws with his word and the Holy Ghost; and man’s duty is to hear and learn; that is to say, to receive the grace offered, and consent to the promise. None had seen the Father but his beloved Son; and the Jews must expect to be taught by his inward power upon their minds, and by his word, and the ministers whom he sent among them.
This commentary is actually explaining John 6:36–46, not Matthew 6. The passage deals with why some people believe in Christ and others do not, and it emphasizes both God’s sovereign grace and man’s responsibility to respond to the gospel.
Let’s break it down phrase by phrase.
1. “The discovery of their guilt, danger, and remedy, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit…”
This refers to the Holy Spirit opening a person’s eyes to three realities:
- Their guilt before a holy God because of sin.
- Their danger of coming judgment and eternal separation from God.
- God’s remedy, which is salvation through Jesus Christ.
This is the convicting work Jesus described in John 16:8–11.
Supporting verses:
- John 16:8–11
- Romans 3:23
- Romans 6:23
- Acts 4:12
2. “…makes men willing and glad to come, and to give up every thing which hinders applying to him for salvation.”
Before the Spirit works, sinners naturally resist God.
When the Spirit opens the heart, a person becomes willing to:
- Repent of sin.
- Trust Christ.
- Abandon self-righteousness.
- Forsake anything that stands between them and Christ.
This does not mean salvation is forced upon them. Rather, God changes their desires so that they willingly come to Christ.
Supporting verses:
- Psalm 110:3
- Acts 16:14
- Philippians 2:13
3. “The Father’s will is, that not one of those who were given to the Son, should be rejected or lost by him.”
This comes directly from John 6:37–39.
Jesus teaches that all whom the Father gives Him will come to Him and will be kept by Him forever.
John 6:37
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”
John 6:39
“This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing.”
The emphasis is on the security of the believer.
4. “No one will come, till Divine grace has subdued, and in part changed his heart…”
This explains John 6:44:
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.”
The commentary is teaching that fallen man does not naturally seek God or submit to Christ.
The Holy Spirit must:
- Convict.
- Enlighten.
- Draw.
- Change the heart.
This does not mean a person is fully sanctified before salvation, but that God’s grace overcomes the sinner’s resistance.
Supporting verses:
- Romans 3:10–11
- Ephesians 2:1–5
- Titus 3:5
5. “…therefore no one who comes will ever be cast out.”
This is one of the most comforting promises in Scripture.
John 6:37
“The one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”
Anyone who genuinely comes to Christ in repentance and faith will be received.
Never rejected.
Never turned away.
6. “The gospel finds none willing to be saved in the humbling, holy manner, made known therein…”
The gospel is offensive to human pride because it says:
- You are a sinner.
- You cannot save yourself.
- Your good works are insufficient.
- Christ alone can save.
Naturally, people prefer self-righteousness and self-rule.
Romans 8:7
“The carnal mind is enmity against God.”
7. “…but God draws with his word and the Holy Ghost…”
God ordinarily draws sinners through two means:
The Word of God
The gospel is preached.
The Holy Spirit
The Spirit applies that truth to the heart.
Romans 10:17
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
1 Thessalonians 1:5
“Our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit.”
This fits well with your often-used statement:
“A clear presentation of the gospel message precedes genuine repentance and saving faith. Trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do.”
8. “…and man’s duty is to hear and learn; that is to say, to receive the grace offered, and consent to the promise.”
The commentary is emphasizing human responsibility.
People must:
- Listen to God’s Word.
- Believe His promises.
- Repent.
- Trust Christ.
God draws, but man is still responsible for responding.
Acts 17:30
“God now commands all men everywhere to repent.”
Romans 10:9
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
9. “None had seen the Father but his beloved Son…”
This comes from John 6:46.
Jesus alone has perfectly seen and known the Father because He is the eternal Son of God.
John 1:18
“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son… He has declared Him.”
10. “…the Jews must expect to be taught by his inward power upon their minds, and by his word, and the ministers whom he sent among them.”
God teaches people through three primary means:
- The inward work of the Holy Spirit (conviction and illumination).
- The Word of God (the gospel message).
- Faithful messengers (preachers, teachers, evangelists).
The Spirit works internally while the Word and messengers work externally.
Summary
6:36-46 The discovery of their guilt, danger, and remedy, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit, makes men willing and glad to come, and to give up every thing which hinders applying to him for salvation. The Father’s will is, that not one of those who were given to the Son, should be rejected or lost by him. No one will come, till Divine grace has subdued, and in part changed his heart; therefore no one who comes will ever be cast out. The gospel finds none willing to be saved in the humbling, holy manner, made known therein; but God draws with his word and the Holy Ghost; and man’s duty is to hear and learn; that is to say, to receive the grace offered, and consent to the promise. None had seen the Father but his beloved Son; and the Jews must expect to be taught by his inward power upon their minds, and by his word, and the ministers whom he sent among them. Matthew Henry Commentary
The main point of John 6:36–46 is:
People do not naturally come to Christ because of their sinful hearts. Therefore, God the Father draws sinners through His Word and the Holy Spirit, convicting them of sin and opening their eyes to the truth. Those who respond in repentance and faith come willingly to Christ, and everyone who comes is received, saved, kept secure, and will be raised up on the last day.
This passage beautifully balances two truths:
- God is sovereign in salvation.
- Man is responsible to hear, learn, repent, and believe. (John 6:37, 44–45)
This commentary is actually explaining John 6:36–46, not Matthew 6. The passage deals with why some people believe in Christ and others do not, and it emphasizes both God’s sovereign grace and man’s responsibility to respond to the gospel.
Let’s break it down phrase by phrase.
1. “The discovery of their guilt, danger, and remedy, by the teaching of the Holy Spirit…”
This refers to the Holy Spirit opening a person’s eyes to three realities:
- Their guilt before a holy God because of sin.
- Their danger of coming judgment and eternal separation from God.
- God’s remedy, which is salvation through Jesus Christ.
This is the convicting work Jesus described in John 16:8–11.
Supporting verses:
- John 16:8–11
- Romans 3:23
- Romans 6:23
- Acts 4:12
2. “…makes men willing and glad to come, and to give up every thing which hinders applying to him for salvation.”
Before the Spirit works, sinners naturally resist God.
When the Spirit opens the heart, a person becomes willing to:
- Repent of sin.
- Trust Christ.
- Abandon self-righteousness.
- Forsake anything that stands between them and Christ.
This does not mean salvation is forced upon them. Rather, God changes their desires so that they willingly come to Christ.
Supporting verses:
- Psalm 110:3
- Acts 16:14
- Philippians 2:13
3. “The Father’s will is, that not one of those who were given to the Son, should be rejected or lost by him.”
This comes directly from John 6:37–39.
Jesus teaches that all whom the Father gives Him will come to Him and will be kept by Him forever.
John 6:37
“All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”
John 6:39
“This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing.”
The emphasis is on the security of the believer.
4. “No one will come, till Divine grace has subdued, and in part changed his heart…”
This explains John 6:44:
“No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him.”
The commentary is teaching that fallen man does not naturally seek God or submit to Christ.
The Holy Spirit must:
- Convict.
- Enlighten.
- Draw.
- Change the heart.
This does not mean a person is fully sanctified before salvation, but that God’s grace overcomes the sinner’s resistance.
Supporting verses:
- Romans 3:10–11
- Ephesians 2:1–5
- Titus 3:5
5. “…therefore no one who comes will ever be cast out.”
This is one of the most comforting promises in Scripture.
John 6:37
“The one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”
Anyone who genuinely comes to Christ in repentance and faith will be received.
Never rejected.
Never turned away.
6. “The gospel finds none willing to be saved in the humbling, holy manner, made known therein…”
The gospel is offensive to human pride because it says:
- You are a sinner.
- You cannot save yourself.
- Your good works are insufficient.
- Christ alone can save.
Naturally, people prefer self-righteousness and self-rule.
Romans 8:7
“The carnal mind is enmity against God.”
7. “…but God draws with his word and the Holy Ghost…”
God ordinarily draws sinners through two means:
The Word of God
The gospel is preached.
The Holy Spirit
The Spirit applies that truth to the heart.
Romans 10:17
“Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
1 Thessalonians 1:5
“Our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit.”
This fits well with your often-used statement:
“A clear presentation of the gospel message precedes genuine repentance and saving faith. Trust the Holy Spirit to do what only He can do.”
8. “…and man’s duty is to hear and learn; that is to say, to receive the grace offered, and consent to the promise.”
The commentary is emphasizing human responsibility.
People must:
- Listen to God’s Word.
- Believe His promises.
- Repent.
- Trust Christ.
God draws, but man is still responsible for responding.
Acts 17:30
“God now commands all men everywhere to repent.”
Romans 10:9
“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
9. “None had seen the Father but his beloved Son…”
This comes from John 6:46.
Jesus alone has perfectly seen and known the Father because He is the eternal Son of God.
John 1:18
“No one has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son… He has declared Him.”
10. “…the Jews must expect to be taught by his inward power upon their minds, and by his word, and the ministers whom he sent among them.”
God teaches people through three primary means:
- The inward work of the Holy Spirit (conviction and illumination).
- The Word of God (the gospel message).
- Faithful messengers (preachers, teachers, evangelists).
The Spirit works internally while the Word and messengers work externally.
Summary
The main point of John 6:36–46 is:
People do not naturally come to Christ because of their sinful hearts. Therefore, God the Father draws sinners through His Word and the Holy Spirit, convicting them of sin and opening their eyes to the truth. Those who respond in repentance and faith come willingly to Christ, and everyone who comes is received, saved, kept secure, and will be raised up on the last day.
This passage beautifully balances two truths:
- God is sovereign in salvation.
- Man is responsible to hear, learn, repent, and believe. (John 6:37, 44–45)
37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will never cast out.
A simple explanation would be:
God calls every person to hear the truth of the gospel, learn what it means, repent of sin, and place their faith in Jesus Christ for salvation.
Or even more simply:
Your responsibility is to listen to God’s Word, turn from your sin, and trust Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
From John 6:44–45, Jesus teaches that God draws people to Himself, but those who are drawn hear and learn from the Father:
“Everyone who has heard and learned from the Father comes to Me.” (John 6:45)
So the biblical pattern is:
Hear → Learn → Repent → Believe → Come to Christ → Be Saved
The Holy Spirit does the drawing, convicting, and enabling, but the sinner is responsible to respond in repentance and faith.
A concise statement for your Gospel Truth materials might be:
“The Holy Spirit does what only He can do—He convicts, draws, and enables. Your responsibility is to hear the gospel, repent of your sin, and trust Jesus Christ alone for salvation.” (John 6:44–45; Acts 20:21)
The Gospel Truth App 