How Can A Dead Person Believe
Apple Podcasts Getting the Gospel Right: How Can a Dead Person Believe?
Relentless Truth with John Warren | Episode 258
Scripture establishes that we are dead in our trespasses and sins. Paul reminds us in Romans 3 that there is none righteous, no, not one. So how can a spiritually dead sinner come to faith in Jesus Christ?
In this episode, we examine a sometimes neglected truth concerning salvation: the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit.
In John 16:8, Jesus explains that the Holy Spirit will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. Through the ministry of the Word of God, by the power of the Holy Spirit, spiritually dead sinners are brought under conviction and confronted with the gospel.
We also examine the meaning of world in John's Gospel, God's desire that all people be saved, and the relationship between God's sovereignty and man's volition. Even John Calvin acknowledged that the Spirit's convicting ministry extends beyond those who ultimately receive salvation. Conviction and regeneration are not the same thing.
The offer of salvation is broad. It includes you and me and everyone. Scripture makes clear that we must respond to the gospel in repentance and faith. The new birth itself is entirely the work of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture References:
- John 16:4–11 — The convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit
- John 14 — Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit
- John 3:16 — God's love for the world
- Romans 3 — Man's sinfulness and justification by faith
- Romans 5:8 — Christ died for us while we were sinners
- Romans 6:23 — The wages of sin and the gift of eternal life
- Romans 1–2 — Man's accountability before God
- 1 Timothy 2:1–6 — God's desire that all people be saved
- 2 Peter 3:9 — God's patience and the call to repentance
The central question: What will you do with this Savior? What will you do with your sin and your guilt?
Jesus Christ lived a sinless life, died on the cross, rose on the third day, and now sits at the right hand of the Father making intercession for us. His finished work conquered sin and death and satisfied God's justice.
You are loved by God. You are not excluded, no matter the life you've lived, the frustration you've had, or the guilt you've felt. This offer of salvation is for you
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Next Episode: Justification, our right standing before God, and the instantaneous new birth.
Relentless Truth Ministries