The Holy Spirit opens our eyes so we can confess our sins and ask Jesus into our hearts. The Hymn “Amazing Grace” was written by John Newton, who described himself as blind but then could see. John Newton was not blind physically but spiritually until the Holy Spirit opened his eyes.
When we come to faith, we go from the Kingdom of Darkness to the Kingdom of Light. As we think of darkness, we think of being unable to see, yet light enables us to see. When the religious leaders arrested the Apostles, they told them to stop preaching the message of Jesus. Acts 5:29 But Peter and the apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than any human authority.[1] Peter and the Apostles knew they needed to continue proclaiming Jesus’s message. Through the Word and the work of the Holy Spirit, people came to faith.
God Gave The Holy Spirit to the Obedient
As Peter and the Apostles answered the religious leaders, they explained that the God of our ancestors raised Jesus from the dead after the leaders had crucified Him. Peter was explaining their shared heritage. Acts 5: heritage. 31 Then God put him in the place of honor at his right hand as Prince and Savior. He did this so the people of Israel would repent of their sins and be forgiven. 32 We are witnesses of these things, and so is the Holy Spirit, who is given by God to those who obey him.” [2]
With these words, Peter offered salvation to the people who crucified Jesus; what amazing grace. The work of the Holy Spirit leads people to the truth that Jesus is their Savior. Jesus described this work of the Holy Spirit before Pentecost.
John 15:26 “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me.[3] When we obey the Holy Spirit’s leading, God reveals the truth of the Gospel to us. As people come to faith, the Holy Spirit comes to live in them.
Let the Holy Spirit Open Your Eyes
As we obey the Holy Spirit, the first part of our transformation process is coming to faith, but God has not yet done with us. Throughout our lifetime, the Holy Spirit continues to transform us and open our eyes to God’s words and more profound things of faith. What part do we play in the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives? We need to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit instead of resisting.
As you are open to the work of the Spirit, don’t be surprised when a verse of Scripture suddenly takes on a deeper meaning. The Spirit helps you better hear God’s voice and to be prompted to pray for someone. Take time today and pray that you will obey the Holy Spirit. To learn how the Holy Spirit opens our eyes, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/apostles-persecuted
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation. Tyndale House Publishers.