What Can the Unconverted Do?
After twenty-nine years of ministry with an Arminian viewpoint, I underwent a theological transformation. Much of the change was the result of studying the first and second Great Awakenings in America. I am now “reforming,” and it has been quite a jolt to the church I pastor. Some have left the church, some have been converted, and yet others have come to the conclusion that they are unconverted, but they remain in the church fellowship. What these precious seekers can do to become converted is a critical issue for me right now.
What can they do?
I used to have an easy answer to this question. “Pray this sinner’s prayer,” was my usual response. Now I know that the result will probably be a false conversion, or, as I like to say, “Christianization,” rather than genuine conversion. But can I have any response at all and still be true to the Reformed tradition, which I believe more closely adheres to the biblical model? I believe so.
The unconverted may seek God, his kingdom, and his righteousness.
The Problems
Two problems must be addressed. First, the unconverted are dead in their trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) and thus have no will to do anything but continue in rebellion against God. Second, “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Between sin and Satan, the unconverted are in a desperate condition.
How can these problems be overcome? The Holy Spirit is the answer. When the gospel is preached, the Holy Spirit will convict of sin, reveal Jesus, and draw the unconverted to the cross. This is clear from John’s Gospel chapters 14, 15, and 16. In a way in which we do not fully understand, by the working of God’s Spirit, the unconverted are given the will and ability to come to Jesus. In fact, there is great responsibility laid upon the unconverted to trust in Jesus; they must repent of sin and believe in Jesus as Savior and Lord.
The Call to Preach
To those unconverted at my own and other churches, the Word of God says, “Blessed are they who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart.” “I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently find me.” “Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near.” “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.” “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” (Psalm 119:2; Proverbs 8:17; Isaiah 55:6; Matthew 6:33; 7:7; and Hebrews 11:6)
As the gospel is preached, a miraculous drawing occurs.
There is often a great hunger for forgiveness and a desire to be right with God. There may be a great dread of hell and a desire to be safe in Christ. This is the work of the Holy Spirit and a work we should expect when the gospel is preached. As Paul explained, “Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17).
Cornelius’ Prayer
When Cornelius, the Roman centurion, sought after the God of Israel, the angel of the Lord said to him: “Your prayers and your alms have ascended as a memorial before God” (Acts 10:4). Though he was yet unconverted, God heard his prayers. Based on this, I urge unconverted people who are seeking Jesus to pray for two things. First, pray that they would see their sin as it truly is; and second, pray that Jesus and his finished work might be clear to them. When a person wishes to pray such prayers, then that to me is evidence of the working of the Holy Spirit.
The Seeker and the seeker
God is the Seeker of those who seek him; it is God alone who initiates the process. He is the great and good Shepherd who seeks for the wandering sheep; he is the one who diligently sweeps the house until the lost coin is found. And, he will find those he is seeking.