The Role of the Holy Spirit in Conversion -- By: Robert A. Pyne
Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 150:598 (Apr 1993)
Article: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Conversion
Author: Robert A. Pyne
BSac 150:598 (Apr 93) p. 203
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Conversion
[Robert A. Pyne is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, Dallas Theological Seminary, Dallas, Texas.]
The process of conversion is a familiar battleground in soteriology, particularly when theologians describe the nature of human ability and the necessity of divine initiative. Is mankind able to choose salvation apart from divine intervention? Does God extend the same gracious initiative to all persons? If not, what does He do differently with regard to the elect? Different positions relative to these issues have a profound effect on methods of evangelism and understanding the grace of God. Also the fact that differences over such issues divide the body of Christ serves as a constant challenge to consider the questions afresh in the hope that some measure of agreement might be attained.
The Need for the Spirit’s Work
One of the fundamental issues relative to conversion is the nature of human ability. To what extent are unregenerate individuals capable of apprehending the gospel? Are they able to understand it and respond to it affirmatively, or must God specifically enable them to do so?
According to Romans 1:18–21, unbelievers are capable of comprehending the truth of God’s existence. “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world
BSac 150:598 (Apr 93) p. 204
His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God, or give thanks; but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
By the common grace of natural revelation, unbelievers are said to be aware of the truth of God’s existence. This forms the basis for what Paul regarded as their just condemnation. They are without excuse because they have been exposed to the truth. What they should have comprehended they have instead suppressed. Cranfield summarizes this point appropriately.
A real self-disclosure of God has indeed taken place and is always occurring, and men ought to have recognized, but in fact have not recognized, Him. They have been constantly surrounded on all sides by, and have possessed within their own selves, the evidences of God’s eternal power and divinity, but they have not allowed themselves to be led by them to a recogn...
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