theology

The Work of the Spirit in the Unbeliever

The Work of the Spirit in the Unbeliever

In John 16:8-9 Jesus spoke of the coming of the Holy Spirit and he said, “when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me.” So even before someone has the indwelling of the Spirit, the Spirit is already working in their life. The first thing the Spirit does is convict someone of their sin.

The Baptism of the Spirit

The Baptism of the Spirit

As people in the New Testament (prior to the ministry of Jesus) came to John the Baptist they heard his message of repentance and participated in baptism. This single immersion into the water represented their repentance from their old life and their desire to follow after God. John, speaking of Jesus said in Matthew 3:11, “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.”