The work of the Holy Spirit in
a person's heart is just as essential to salvation as the work of Christ on the
cross. C. H. Spurgeon wrote, "Christ crucified is of no practical value to
us without the work of the Holy Spirit; and the atonement which Christ wrought
can never save a single soul unless the blessed Spirit of God shall apply it to
the heart and conscience. Jesus is never seen until the Holy Spirit opens the
eye: the water from the well of life is never received until the Holy Spirit
has drawn it from the depths." The Lord Jesus Christ cannot be known in
saving faith, until God the Holy Spirit reveals him in our hearts, applies his
blood to our consciences, and draws us effectually to him.
I know that the gospel of Christ lays down only one
condition for salvation, and that condition is very simple - "Believe on
the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved." But I also know that no
sinner can or will truly believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, until he first
experiences in his heart the convicting work of God the Holy Spirit. Where
there is no reproving by the Spirit there is no repentance toward Christ. Where
there is no conviction by the Spirit there is no calling upon the Lord in
faith. Where there is no convincing work of the Spirit there is no conversion
of the heart. Do you know what it is to be convicted by God the Holy Spirit of
your sin, of God's righteousness, and of God's judgment of sin in Christ, the
Substitute?