Was the conviction, conversion, and sanctification of Cornelius-and those with him- the result of “the mystery of the Holy Spirit”: a direct action of the Holy Spirit upon the heart/mind? If so, the text is silent on the subject! Yet, to hear some talk, you would think the case of conviction, conversion, and sanctification of Cornelius and those with him is written all through the text!
As in the last article, it must be pointed out and understood, “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” which is the “method of procedure; especially: the distinct pattern or method of operation” of the Holy Spirit in the cases of conviction, conversion, and sanctification. Here let us recall the words of one writer: “The world is a sinful place, and one of the Holy Spirit’s tasks is to convict the world of its sin. No amount of preaching, pleading, or pointing of fingers will bring about the conviction of sin, unless the Holy Spirit is at work in the sinner’s heart. It is the Spirit’s job to convict.” However the angel who appeared to Cornelius, stands before this man and to his face says, send to Joppa for one Simon Peter: “Who shall tell thee words, whereby thou and all thy house shall be saved” (Acts 11:14). Does this not make preaching/teaching the word necessary to the conviction, conversion, and sanctification, of Cornelius and those with him dependent upon the gospel, God’s power unto salvation (Rom. 1:16)?
Turning our attention to the Holy Spirit coming upon Cornelius and those with him; we need to notice Peter’s report: “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning” (Acts 11:15). Yes, yes indeed, the Holy Spirit “fell on them,” but for what purpose? It was not for the purpose of conviction, conversion, and sanctification! The very thing the writer quoted above is looking for! No, the purpose of the Holy Spirit falling on them was to convince the six brethren who came with Peter that the gospel was for the Gentiles, as well as the Jews! Here is what Luke wrote: “And they of the circumcision (the six Hebrews, frw) which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 10:45). But, what were they convinced of? Hear Luke’s words: “For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God” (Acts 10:46). Here is God’s proof, to these Hebrew followers of Christ, that the gospel was to Gentles, also!
If there is any doubt as to the conclusion just reached; let Peter speak for himself: “Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? (Acts 10:46-47). Peter had absolutely no doubts in his mind, the coming of the Holy Spirit upon Cornelius and those at his house, were to hear and obey the gospel! Oh, did you see any “mystery of the Holy Spirit” in the conviction, conversion, and sanctification of these people? No, not one word! They were to hear the gospel, “worketh righteousness” and be saved in the same manner as the Hebrews! What is revealed here is the same as in the first, conviction, conversion, and sanctification; recall now what took place: “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? Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:37-38).
There you have “the modus operandi of the Holy Spirit,” and there is no “mystery of the Holy Spirit” in it at all. It is necessary that the student, who desires to know the truth, keeps in mind; once a truth is ascertained in one case of salvation, it is true is all cases of salvation! There is no need to repeat the same words over and over, as God expects us to have the ability to learn truth, for it shall make us free; once it is learned, believed, and obeyed! Hear Luke once more on the subject: “And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith” (Acts 6:7).
Therefore, we have reached the conclusion of the subject: “the method of procedure; especially: the distinct pattern or method of operation” of the Holy Spirit in the cases of conviction, conversion, and sanctification and it is through the word of truth. It is my plea, that all who may read these articles, will give themselves to the gospel of Christ, which is God’s power unto salvation and in so doing, will be working righteousness!
Frank R. Williams