THE WORK OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IS INDISPENSABLE

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?