THE WORK OF CALLING
No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up on the last day.
John 6:44 (CSB)
God calls unbelievers to himself. The apostle John states that no one comes to the Father unless they are drawn to Him. This calling, or being drawn, occurs as the Holy Spirit works in the life of an unbeliever. The Holy Spirit is constantly at work to bring the unbeliever to the place of responding to Jesus in faith. When we consider the work of God’s call to salvation through the work of the Holy Spirit, we should rejoice in recognizing that the Father pursues a relationship with us.
THE HOLY SPIRIT REVEALS CONDITION
The Holy Spirit works in the life of the unbeliever by revealing their sinful state. They possess an understanding of right and wrong and experience feelings associated with sinfulness, such as guilt. At the same time, the unbeliever senses the truth that they are missing something in their lives and are living in an incomplete state. In these moments, the Holy Spirit is working in their lives to guide them toward recognizing their condition of separation from the Lord, their state of waywardness, and their need for Him.
THE HOLY SPIRIT OFFERS REDEMPTION
The Holy Spirit uses conviction to call unbelievers to the Lord and believers to repentance. As the Holy Spirit reveals the spiritual condition of the unbeliever, He also works to bring them to the crossroads of decision. He lets them receive the offer of redemption. He works through individuals, events, and circumstances to help people see their need for redemption that comes through Christ. The Holy Spirit offers redemption by bringing people to the point of decision and making the hope of salvation known.
THE HOLY SPIRIT CALLS THE CALLED TO PARTICIPATE
The Holy Spirit also calls believers to a life of faithfulness. Part of this faithfulness comes as the Holy Spirit calls us to participate in the work of bringing unbelievers to the Lord. We must recognize that the Spirit works in our lives to prepare us to be Christ’s witnesses. He calls us to trust His work in our lives so that we can engage in the work of God’s kingdom. When we acknowledge God’s calling in our lives, we must accept the invitation to work alongside the Holy Spirit in calling others to Christ.
QUESTIONS
Can you reflect on the work of the Holy Spirit in your life as you were being drawn to the Lord?
How is the Holy Spirit calling you to participate in the work of calling people to faith?
