It is our purpose in this study to show the present work of the Holy Spirit in His dealings with unbelievers - especially the ones who are brought to faith in Christ. God the Father has made a plan. He has sent forth His Son to fulfill that plan. The Father and the Son have delegated the Holy Spirit to influence and empower people, bringing the work of the Son of God to completion. Though the Spirit works invisibly, His effects are noticeable when the Scriptures are used to identify them.

The Holy Spirit at work in the world - John 16:7-15

• He convicts or convinces men about sin, righteousness, and judgement.
  See Acts 2:4,36-37; 7:51-52; 24:24-25.

  As we noted back in Genesis 6:3,5-6, God's Spirit contends with the consciences of sinful men. God's Spirit grieves - feels pain when those who are created in the likeness of God live wickedly and rebelliously.

• He witnesses to men about the worth and work of Jesus Christ.
  See John 15:26; Acts 5:30-32 cp. I Timothy 3:16.

The Holy Spirit giving new birth to men - John 3:1-8

• Prior to salvation, man operates in the strength of the flesh. Spiritually dead to God, man cannot know, desire, seek, love, or please God
  (John 3:6-7; Romans 8:5-9).


• A new birth is necessary for someone to see their sin the way God does and to desire Christ for cleansing (John 3:3; Ephesians 2:1-5).


• Invisibly, but powerfully, the Holy Spirit gives new life and washes us by His work through the use of the Scriptures (John 3:5,8; Titus 3:3-6; Ephesians 5:25-26; I Peter 1:22-23).

The Holy Spirit uniting people by faith in Christ - Ephesians 2:1-22 The Spirit of God takes us from the realms of living in the world, which is controlled by Satan, and putting us in a new realm. Though physically in the same body and the same earthly location, our new position enables us to be in union with the heavenly realm and to be also united with other believers (Ephesians 2:1-7; I Corinthians 12:12-13 cp. John 1:32-34 - Spiritual baptism). Whether they are Jew or Gentile, all those who receive Christ are born again and are united by the indwelling of His Spirit (Ephesians 2:11-22; II Corinthians 13:14).