HOLY SPIRIT INFLUENCES on the lost that leaves them lost.

from: The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
by Ron Crisp

Chapter 9 - The Work of the Holy Spirit in Common Grace – Part II

INTRODUCTION

One danger that faces Bible students is that of developing a one-sided view of doctrine. The person who rejects either common or efficacious grace is always going to misunderstand not only the Bible but much of what he sees going on around him. One pastor of days-gone-by attributed the delusion of many "nominal Christians" to preachers who could not discern between common grace and saving grace, or to those who taught that common grace was sufficient grace. How many today mistake every religious flurry for regeneration? Let us then proceed to examine some of the Spirit's workings that come short of regeneration.

I. CONVICTI0N.

In Genesis 6:3, we find that God's Spirit had striven with men before the Flood. Doubtless His power caused Enoch's preaching to sting many. Since that day multitudes like Felix (Acts 24:25) have trembled under God's Word, while others like Herod have received it with attention and gladness (Mark 6:20). Our Lord promised that the Spirit would convict the world of sin, righteousness, and of judgment to come (John 16:8-11). Both in the Bible and in our experience we must confess that there are many who are never saved, yet they know what it is to be dealt with by God.

II. SPIRITUAL INFLUENCES.

A. In regeneration permanent work is done in the spirit of man. His heart is made to love God and his eyes are opened to see spiritual truths. That faith which is a fruit of regeneration can never be overthrown (I John 5:4-5). All this is to be attributed to the power of the Holy Spirit (John 3:5).

B. While nothing short of the new birth can save a sinner, yet there are lesser works of the Spirit that many mistake for regeneration. Only God knows how close some come in appearance who are never saved. Have we not known men who seemed to love God and truth, yet fell away?

Perseverance seems to be the main mark that distinguishes regeneration from the passing effects of common grace. This is so evident that former theologians spoke of the spiritual influences of common grace as temporary grace. We want to notice just three of the many Scriptures that prove this.

C. In Matthew 13:1-24, we have both the parable of the sower and Christ's inspired exposition of the same. This parable taught the disciples what to expect in their preaching ministries and has often given light to preachers since that time.

Perhaps the most important lesson of the parable is that many would receive God's Word and profess Christ whose lives later would prove them to be Christless. While man by nature hates God, yet some because of the Spirit's influence receive His Word with joy (v. 20), but the change is not lasting. True faith is victorious, but temporary faith can be overcome by trials (v. 21), temptations (v. 22), and heresies (II Timothy 2: 1.8). The parable of the sower is everywhere illustrated in gospel-preaching churches today.

D. In II Peter 2:20-22, we have another case of those who are influenced by the gospel, yet later reveal their unregenerate state. The author has often found it helpful to compare this Scripture with II Peter, 1:3-4 to bring out the difference between common and saving grace.

1. Let us first notice the characteristics of those in II Peter 2:20-22 who experienced only a temporary change.
a. They escaped for a while certain of the more gross sins. (v. 20).
b. They received a degree of enlightenment (v. 20). This reminds us of Balaam who received such a view of divine things as to cause him to say, "Let me die the death of the righteous" (Numbers 23: 10) yet he died without Christ.
c. They fell away (verses 20-22). Peter compares them to hogs and dogs who have been cleaned up for a while, but eventually, their true natures are revealed as they return to their old habits.

2. Let us note the characteristics of the regenerated man in II Peter 1:3-4.
a. They not only escaped the more gross sins but had their lusts subdued.
b. They were "called" to glory and virtue.
c. They were "partakers of the divine nature."
d. They were given "all things that pertain to life and godliness," rather than just certain influences.
e. There is no mention of their falling away.

E. The last Scripture we will notice is Hebrews 6:4-6. Some of the Jews who professed Christ were in danger of falling away. The author of the Epistle to the Hebrews warns them that those who deny Christ after having experienced such gracious influences of God's Spirit are in a hopeless condition.

We think of men like Balaam, Judas, Saul, Demas, or the Israelites who died in the wilderness. They experienced the breath of heaven, yet died lost and undone. (4)