When God Awakens the Soul

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1 (KJV)

“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins.”

Personal Reflection

True salvation begins with God. The sinner does not naturally awaken himself to his spiritual condition. Scripture describes him as dead in trespasses and sins. Something supernatural must happen. God must awaken the soul.

When the Holy Spirit begins His saving work, He does more than make us uncomfortable about a few bad decisions. He exposes our true condition before a holy God. We begin to see that our problem is not merely that we have committed sins—we are sinners by nature. We have rebelled against our Creator and cannot rescue ourselves.

This awakening can be painful. The excuses that once comforted us begin to collapse. Comparing ourselves with others no longer brings peace. Religious activity cannot hide our guilt. We find ourselves standing spiritually naked before the God who knows everything about us.

Yet this conviction is an act of mercy.

God wounds before He heals. He exposes our disease so that we will seek the only Physician who can cure us. He shows us our poverty so that we will treasure the riches of Christ.

Modern religion often tries to make people feel better about themselves. The Holy Spirit does something infinitely better: He shows sinners the truth about themselves so that they will flee to Christ.

If God has shown you the seriousness of your sin, do not run from that conviction. Run with it to the cross.

The God who awakens sinners does so that they might behold the Savior.

Contemplation

Have I merely admitted that I have made mistakes, or has God shown me my desperate need of Christ?

Puritan Quote

Thomas Watson wrote:

“Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.”

Prayer

Holy Spirit, search my heart. Strip away every excuse and false confidence. Show me my sin clearly and lead me continually to Christ, my only hope. Amen.

Application

Read Psalm 51 slowly and ask God to give you a deeper hatred of sin and greater appreciation for His saving grace.