The articles, which this is the fourth, is where we are pre-supposing that the Holy Spirit is a mystery. This is not to say that it is true! It is in fact, an accommodating term, as so many believe it to be true! In the last article, “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” was set forth in one example. It was also pointed out, that once a truth is obtained, it is always true as it relates to the same subject.
It is necessary, at least in the mind of some, to prove a truth more than once; therefore, in the case of the so-called “mystery of the Holy Spirit” we are more than glad to accommodate. In the third article, it was pointed out that the Holy Spirit came upon the apostles in Acts chapter two, verses one through four. In so doing, he started his role of guiding them into “all truth” (John 16:13). The Holy Spirit acted upon the lost, but he did so through the words spoken by the apostles; as the conclusion is reached in the first part of Peter’s sermon, Luke wrote that Peter said: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (Acts 2:36). It is the next words of Luke that he gives us “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” as he works through the apostles of Christ: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (verse 37). Let us here notice the words, ‘pricked in their heart.” The Greek word is “katanussō” and it means: “to pierce thoroughly,” and “metaphorically to pain the mind sharply.” Now, just what was it that “pained their minds sharply?” It was the words spoken by the apostles, given to them by the Holy Spirit! Therefore, the Holy Spirit worked through the words preached by the apostles! It was the words, “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart.” Here is “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” in conversion!
It would be a total mistake to think, or to conclude, that the Holy Spirit was not at work in the above case of conversion! The Holy Spirit was doing just as Jesus said he would do: “And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin” (John 16:8). Remember from article number three, the word “reprove” is the Greek “elegchō” and means: “to convict,” and “generally with a suggestion of shame of the person convicted,” then, “by conviction to bring to the light, to expose.” Therefore, Luke recorded their reaction: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (verse 37). There is “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit” and the so-called “mystery of the Holy Spirit” is removed!
But, let us take up another case of “conviction” – conversion! When Peter reached the conclusion of what is called his second sermon; he said: “And now, brethren, I wot that through ignorance ye did it, as did also your rulers” (Acts 3:17). These words are very much like those of Act 2:36; but there is no cry from those who heard here. Therefore, Peter continued: “But those things, which God before had shewed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled” (verse 18). It is important to notice what we have here. We have the gospel preacher, we have the gospel being preached; therefore, we have the Holy Spirit guiding the preacher (Peter) into truth! Thus, we are witnessing “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” but, do we have “conviction?” Peter followed with these words: “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;” (verse 19). Luke does not report any “convictions;” therefore, no conversion! However, the Holy Spirit was at work, but he was working through preached gospel; which is God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16).
There is no direct operation upon the heart of the sinner by the Holy Spirit, as this is not “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit!” Is there a “THE MYSTERY OF THE HOLY SPIRIT” in these two cases? No, not at all. To have the power of salvation in the Holy Spirit directly, would make the words of Paul to the Romans worthless: “So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Rom. 1:15-16).
Friends, it is a reproach upon the gospel of Christ, to teach that one must have a direct action of the Holy Spirit upon the heart of the sinner in conversion! It is to say the gospel is powerless, where the Holy Spirit through Paul said, “the gospel is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” It was the Holy Spirit who guided Paul as he wrote these words; so, why stand ye against the Holy Spirit?
Frank R. Williams