The Condition for Drawing to Salvation

The Condition That Makes God Begin to Draw Any Man to Salvation. The process of God drawing a person to salvation begins with gaining access to the heart of the individual. Without this access, the transformative work of salvation cannot begin. Revelation 3:20 illustrates God’s approach: “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.” Here, we see God patiently knocking at the door of each heart, but it is up to the individual to open that door by showing an honest and willing heart. 

The unsaved person must first hear the voice of God, which is life and spirit. Jesus emphasized this in John 6:63: “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” It is through the Word of God that the heart is awakened to its true condition. The Word of God has a unique ability to penetrate the deepest parts of a person’s being, revealing their need for salvation. Hebrews 4:12 captures this truth: “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Only God’s Word can uncover the hidden motives and expose the spiritual emptiness within the heart of the unsaved. 

It is God who grants access to the hearts of the unsaved, using the power of His Word to convict them of their need for salvation. Without this divine intervention, no person can come to Christ. Conviction of sin—the first work of the Holy Spirit—requires an honest heart. This means the individual must be willing to acknowledge their sin and open their heart to God. An honest heart is the key that allows God’s Word to take root, enabling the Spirit to begin the drawing process. 

However, no unsaved person can open their heart to God unless God first penetrates it with His Word, which is both spirit and life. The words of Jesus are not just information; they are transformative. They carry divine power to awaken the soul, stir the conscience, and reveal the need for repentance. When a person hears the Word in their hearts and respond by opening their heart, the Spirit of God begins the process of drawing them to Christ. 

The importance of preachers sent by God cannot be overstated here. Such preachers are vessels through whom God delivers His Word, which is life and spirit. Their messages carry divine authority and are able to pierce the hearts of unbelievers, Hebrews 4:12. The preachers speak the voice of God, delivering messages that are not merely human ideas but Spirit-inspired truths. Without such Spirit-filled preaching, many hearts would remain untouched and unaware of their need for salvation. 

A clear example of this can be seen in the early church. On the Day of Pentecost, Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, preached a powerful message about Christ. Acts 2:37 records the response of the crowd: “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?” This conviction of sin was the work of the Spirit through Peter’s preaching, leading many to repentance and faith in Christ. 

The condition for God to begin drawing a person to salvation lies in the state of their heart. An honest heart, accessed by the penetrating power of God’s Word, is the doorway to this divine process. God uses His Word, which is spirit and life, to convict and reveal the truth. Spirit-filled preachers play a vital role in delivering this life-giving Word to the unsaved. Only when the individual hears the Word and open their heart can God begin to draw them toward salvation. Thus, the process is entirely initiated and sustained by God’s grace, but it requires a heart willing to receive His truth.

Following Jesus for Recognition will make your love grow COLD

Matthew 24:12(NLT) Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold. Mark 10:43-45: But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

I have often seen, experienced and heard about situations where people may appear to be interested in following God and in doing the work of God, but yet their ulterior motive is to gain various positions of power and influence within the church so that they may fulfill their own personal agenda and not God’s work. AND WHEN THEIR DESIRE IS NOT MET, THEIR LOVE GROWS COLD.

The Pharisees sought the adoration and admiration of men. The Pharisees sought power and influence, and therefore when they discovered that the power and influence that they once had over the people was now shifting to Jesus, the Pharisees connived to kill Jesus (Matthew 23-26:1-3).

Jesus Himself did not come to be served, but He came to serve and fulfill the plan of the Father. Therefore when we go to church or when we decide to follow Jesus, we must be prepared to give ALL the glory to God. We cannot claim to follow God but yet seek our own glory in the process, and not the Glory of God. And also seek the praise of men and not of God. 

Even if you do not have a position or recognition in church, you are still a vessel of God whose function is to glorify God all the time (Colossians 3:17 – And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.)

Our duty as Christians is not to seek self-glory or the admiration of others, but whatever we do must give glory and praise to God whom we serve and live for.

I came that they may have life

John 10:10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

The Grace of God works for us to give us life to save us, and works in us to give us life abundantly.

God places two considerations before men. First, He presents eternal life to sinners; second, He presents the Cross to those who already have eternal life. For a true Christian, having eternal life is already a settled matter, but having it abundantly (the kingdom) depends on how well he does the will of God by denying himself and carrying his cross. 

All believers have the life of Christ in them, but only a few are willing to go deeper and experience the life of Jesus manifested in their mortar flesh. The difference is immense.

The Grace of God who begins His good work in us continues it through our lives and will finish it when we meet Him face to face. 

God's work for man began when Christ died on the Cross to forgive our sins so that we might have Life.

His work in us begins when the Holy Spirit comes into our hearts so that we might have life abundantly, enabling us to be more like Christ every day. 

Christian growth and maturity begin when we accept Jesus Christ and continues until Christ returns. (Philippians 1:6).

Christ is the Sum of All Spiritual Things.

1 Corinthians 1:29-31 That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.

Why Brokenness is Necessary for Preachers Sent by God

Brokenness is an essential quality for preachers sent by God because it allows them to be vessels through which God’s Spirit can work effectively. True spiritual work is not accomplished through human strength, wisdom, or talent but through the surrender and brokenness of the preacher’s heart. It is through brokenness that God’s power and life are revealed, making the preacher a channel of His eternal life. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.”Brokenness is the process through which the outward man—the self—is dealt with and transformed. The outward man represents our self-will, self-reliance, and self-centeredness, which often hinder the work of the Spirit. When we are broken, these barriers are shattered, allowing God to work through us. As 2 Timothy 2:21 says, “If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.” Brokenness prepares the preacher to be a vessel fit for God’s use.

This process is not easy. Brokenness requires the death of self—our self-strength, self-government, and self-sufficiency. These must be dealt a fatal blow by the cross of Christ. Galatians 2:20 captures this truth beautifully: “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” Only when the self is crucified can Christ fully live and work through us.

An example of this can be seen in the life of the Apostle Peter. Before Jesus’ crucifixion, Peter was self-confident and relied on his own strength. He boasted that he would never deny Christ, but when tested, he failed miserably (Matthew 26:33-35, 69-75). However, after experiencing the brokenness of his failure and being restored by Jesus, Peter became a powerful vessel for God’s work. On the day of Pentecost, it was through this broken and humbled Peter that God preached a sermon that brought 3,000 souls to salvation (Acts 2:14-41).

Brokenness also allows the Spirit of God to flow freely through the preacher. God communicates His eternal life through the Spirit, and when a preacher is broken, the Spirit is not hindered by self. In John 7:38, Jesus said, “Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” This flow of living water—the life and power of the Spirit—is only possible when the preacher is broken and yielded to God. Through this brokenness, the spirits of those who hear the message are quickened, and they can receive the eternal life of God.

Moreover, brokenness is necessary because it keeps the preacher dependent on God. A preacher who relies on their own abilities will often fail to deliver the message of salvation with the power and anointing it requires. Paul recognized this truth and wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” God’s power is most evident in our weakness and brokenness.

As preachers embrace brokenness, they reflect the heart of Christ, whose ultimate brokenness on the cross brought salvation to the world. Let us remember the words of Jesus in John 12:24: “Unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.” Through brokenness, God’s purpose is fulfilled.

True Salvation Cannot Be Lost

The doctrine of eternal security, also known as the assurance of salvation, is a foundational truth that highlights the permanence of God’s saving work in the life of a believer. True salvation, once granted by God, cannot be lost or revoked because it is initiated, accomplished, and sustained by God Himself. The Bible repeatedly affirms that those who are truly born again are eternally secure in Christ. This is not based on human effort but on the unchanging promises of God and the finished work of Christ.
God initiates Salvation. Salvation begins with God, not man. Jesus said in John 6:44, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them.” This divine calling ensures that those whom God draws will be brought into His kingdom. God’s work in salvation is not arbitrary or temporary; it is eternal. Philippians 1:6 declares, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

God’s sovereign choice and initiation of salvation mean that it is not dependent on human effort or merit. If salvation depended on our ability to maintain it, we would all fail. Instead, it is entirely dependent on God’s grace, which is unchanging and irrevocable (Romans 11:29).

Jesus Secures and Protects the Saved
Jesus is the one who saves and secures those who come to Him. In John 10:28-29, Jesus said, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” These words provide profound assurance that those who are truly saved are eternally safe in the hands of Christ and the Father.

The permanence of salvation is rooted in the sufficiency of Christ’s sacrifice. On the cross, Jesus declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30), signifying that the work of redemption was complete. His atoning death and resurrection secured eternal life for all who believe in Him. Nothing can undo what Christ has accomplished.

The Misunderstanding of Salvation
Many who argue that salvation can be lost often lack a full understanding of what salvation entails. Salvation is not merely a decision or an emotional experience; it is a complete transformation, a rebirth into the family of God (John 3:3). Those who are truly saved know what they have become—a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)—and are continually being transformed into His likeness.

On the other hand, those who believe salvation can be lost may not have truly experienced it. They may view salvation as something that depends on their own works or ability to remain faithful. However, Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, so no one can boast. A proper understanding of salvation brings confidence in God’s ability to preserve His people.

God’s discipline maintains His children. Even when believers stray, God remains faithful. Hebrews 12:6 says, “The Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son.” This discipline is not a punishment that removes salvation but a loving correction that brings His children back to Him. God’s chastisement ensures that believers do not enjoy practicing sin. Instead, they are convicted by the Holy Spirit and drawn to repentance.

Ultimately, the security of salvation rests on God’s unchanging character and promises. Jesus promised eternal life to those who believe in Him, and eternal life, by definition, cannot be temporary. Romans 8:38-39 reassures us that nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus—not sin, not failure, not even death.

True salvation is a work of God from beginning to end. He initiates it, Christ secures it, and the Holy Spirit seals it (Ephesians 1:13-14). This divine work cannot be undone by human failure. Those who are truly saved have a deep assurance that they are held securely by God’s grace.

As believers, we can rest in the promise that “He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). Salvation is God’s work, and He never fails.

How So Important Is True Salvation?

True salvation is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Without it, all religious activity, moral living, and church attendance are meaningless. It is the very reason Jesus Christ came into the world—to save sinners and restore them to a right relationship with God. True salvation is not just a theological concept; it is the lifeline for every human soul, offering eternal life, freedom from sin, and reconciliation with God. 

The Bible makes it clear that all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). Sin separates humanity from God, and the penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23). Without salvation, every person is destined for eternal separation from God. This is why salvation is not optional—it is essential for anyone who desires to escape judgment and experience eternal life. 

Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” There is no other way to be reconciled to God except through Jesus Christ. True salvation is not found in good works, religious rituals, or human efforts; it is a gift from God that must be received by faith. 

One of the most powerful aspects of true salvation is the freedom it brings from the bondage of sin. Before salvation, we are slaves to sin, unable to live righteously or please God. But when we are truly saved, we are set free from the power of sin and given the ability to live a holy life. 

In John 8:36, Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” This freedom is not just theoretical; it is practical and transformative. True salvation results in a changed life. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” 

True Salvation Guarantees Eternal Life. Eternal life is the ultimate promise of salvation. Jesus declared in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.” 

Without true salvation, eternal separation from God awaits. This reality should compel every person to examine their spiritual condition. Matthew 7:13-14 warns, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.” 

True Salvation Transforms Lives. A person who is truly saved experiences a profound transformation in their priorities, desires, and actions. Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven; it is the beginning of a lifelong journey of becoming more like Christ. Paul’s own life illustrates this transformation. Once a persecutor of Christians, Paul encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus and was radically changed. He became one of the greatest apostles, dedicating his life to spreading the gospel. His salvation was not just an inward experience; it was evident in his words, deeds, and devotion to Christ. 

Many people today mistakenly believe they are saved because they have been baptized, attend church, or perform good deeds. However, Jesus warns in Matthew 7:21-23, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” False salvation offers a false sense of security, leaving people unprepared for eternity. 

True salvation is more than a religious label; it is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It begins with conviction of sin, leads to repentance, and results in a transformed life. Philippians 2:12 urges believers to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling,” emphasizing the importance of taking salvation seriously. 

If you are unsure about your salvation, seek God earnestly. Pray like the psalmist in Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” True salvation is available to all who genuinely seek it. Do not delay—your eternal destiny depends on it.

True Salvation Transforms Lives.

The hallmark of true salvation is a transformed life. When a person genuinely encounters Christ and accepts Him as Lord and Savior, they experience a deep, lasting change that goes beyond mere outward behavior. True salvation is not just about saying a prayer or attending church; it is about a new identity, a renewed heart, and a reoriented life that reflects the work of God’s Spirit within. This transformation is evidence of being “born again” (John 3:3), a spiritual rebirth that changes every aspect of a believer’s life. When someone is saved, they become a new creation. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has gone, the new is here!” This means that salvation is not merely a patch-up job on an old life but a complete renewal. The old sinful nature is replaced with a new nature that desires to please God. True salvation breaks the power of sin. Romans 6:6 declares, “For we know that our old self was crucified with Him so that the body ruled by sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” While believers may still struggle with sin, they are no longer enslaved by it. The Holy Spirit empowers them to live in victory over sin, guiding them toward righteousness. One of the clearest signs of true salvation is a heart that longs for God. Salvation awakens a deep desire to know God, obey His Word, and live according to His will. Psalm 42:1 captures this beautifully: “As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, my God.” This desire is not forced or artificial; it is a natural response to the love and grace of God. True salvation creates a hunger for the things of God, such as prayer, worship, and studying Scripture. This transformation is evident in the early disciples, who devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer after experiencing salvation through Christ (Acts 2:42). Another transformative aspect of salvation is the newfound love for others. Jesus taught that love for one another is a defining mark of His disciples (John 13:35). Salvation softens hearts, replacing bitterness, hatred, and selfishness with compassion, forgiveness, and generosity. Those who have experienced true salvation are compelled to love others selflessly, reflecting the love they have received from Christ. True salvation inevitably leads to a life that bears spiritual fruit. Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.” The fruit of salvation includes qualities such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). This transformation is the evidence of being born again and reflects the power of God’s grace and Spirit working in a believer’s life. As Jesus said in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” True salvation is life-changing, bringing believers into the fullness of God’s purpose and glory.

Do not allow your love to grow cold.

Matthew 24:12(KJV) And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. Many people are affected by their surroundings whether good or bad. Iniquity means a state of lawlessness, and because this condition will be prevalent a great number of disciples were going to become cold in their love for God.  

The basic condition for a sinner's salvation

The basic condition for a sinner's salvation is not only belief and repentance, but also simply presenting an honest heart toward God. Luke 8:15 Whatever is in his heart, he must be prepared to come to God frankly and openly with it. God is ready to meet him at this point.

Why Is It Difficult to Recognize the Preachers Sent by God?

Recognizing preachers sent by God can often be challenging, as their lives and ministries do not always fit human expectations. While false preachers might appear polished and appealing, true preachers often face rejection, misunderstanding, and underestimation. Their preparation, trials, and Christlike humility make them easy to overlook in a world that values success, recognition, and power.  

They are overlooked due to their preparation process. Preachers sent by God go through a period of preparation that involves pruning, trials, and personal crucifixion of their desires. This refining process shapes their character, aligns them with God’s will, and teaches them humility. However, during this period, they may appear weak, broken, or unsuccessful in the eyes of others. People tend to judge outward appearances, dismissing these preachers because they do not conform to worldly standards of charisma, confidence, or material success.  

Consider the example of Moses. Before leading Israel out of Egypt, Moses spent 40 years in the wilderness, tending sheep and being humbled (Exodus 3:1-12). During his preparation, he would have been easily overlooked as a leader, yet God was shaping him for a divine mission. Similarly, true preachers today may be overlooked during their preparation, as God’s refining process often takes them through seasons of obscurity and hardship.  

They are undervalued for their sacrifices. True preachers are often criticized and ridiculed for the sacrifices they make in obedience to God. They endure loss, rejection, and humiliation as they prioritize their calling over personal comfort or worldly gain. Matthew 5:38-44 highlights the attitude of humility and forgiveness required of God’s servants: turning the other cheek, going the extra mile, and loving their enemies. These qualities are countercultural and may make preachers appear weak or foolish to the world.  

For instance, Paul the Apostle was often seen as a fool for Christ. In 1 Corinthians 4:10, he writes, “We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong.” Paul endured shipwrecks, beatings, imprisonment, and hunger, yet his faithfulness to God’s mission remained unwavering. Preachers sent by God often face similar challenges, and their willingness to suffer for Christ can lead others to misunderstand or undervalue them.  

Preachers sent by God do not seek fame, wealth, or recognition. Instead, they focus on serving others, spreading the gospel, and glorifying Christ. This humility often makes them less visible in a world that celebrates self-promotion and success. True preachers point people to Christ, not themselves, as John the Baptist demonstrated when he said, “He must become greater; I must become less” (John 3:30).  

Because they reject worldly ambitions, true preachers may not stand out or attract large crowds. Their ministries may seem small or insignificant compared to the flashy presentations of false preachers. However, their faithfulness to God’s Word and their genuine love for others reveal their true calling.  

They are misunderstood for their unconventional approach. God’s ways are often different from human expectations, and this extends to how He works through His preachers. True preachers may have an unconventional approach to ministry that challenges traditions or cultural norms. They might emphasize repentance and holiness rather than comfort and entertainment, which can make them unpopular.  

For example, Jesus Himself was rejected by many because He did not meet their expectations of the Messiah. The religious leaders expected a political savior, but Jesus came to serve and save through humility and sacrifice (Isaiah 53:3). In the same way, preachers sent by God may be misunderstood because their mission does not align with worldly or religious expectations.  

  

Preachers sent by God often face significant opposition, both from the world and from within the church. Their messages of repentance and truth can be uncomfortable and convicting, leading to resistance and rejection. Jesus warned His disciples, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first” (John 15:18).  

This opposition can make it difficult to recognize true preachers, as their struggles and conflicts may be misinterpreted as signs of failure or weakness. However, these trials are often evidence of their authenticity, as they remain faithful despite the challenges they face. 

As Jesus said in Matthew 7:16, “By their fruit you will recognize them.” To truly see them, we must look beyond appearances and seek God’s guidance in discerning His chosen servants.  

Why the Majority of Today’s Christians Are Not Truly Saved.

The sad reality of our time is that many people who call themselves Christians are not truly saved. This is not because God’s salvation is insufficient but because many fail to experience the true work of God’s conviction and repentance in their lives. They have embraced religion without understanding their true need for salvation. As a result, they remain spiritually lost while believing they are saved.

One of the main reasons why many are not truly saved is that they are never convicted by God. True salvation begins with the conviction of sin by the Holy Spirit. In John 16:8, Jesus says, “When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment.” Without this conviction, people cannot understand the depth of their sinfulness before a holy God. Many Christians today lack this critical experience. Instead, they may feel guilt or shame for certain actions, but they are never brought to the deep realization of their need for forgiveness and reconciliation with God.

Because they are not convicted by God, they never truly know why they need to be saved. Many people today see Christianity as a means to solve their earthly problems rather than as the only way to escape eternal judgment. They do not understand that salvation is about being saved from the penalty of sin, which is eternal separation from God. Romans 6:23 clearly states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Without a clear understanding of their lost condition, they cannot grasp the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross.

Another reason is that many seek God for the wrong reasons. Instead of seeking God out of a genuine desire for forgiveness and a relationship with Him, they come to Him for material blessings, personal success, or emotional comfort. They view God as a means to an end, rather than as their Creator and Savior. This mindset reflects the warning in James 4:3: “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.” Such people may join churches and engage in religious activities, but their hearts remain far from God.

Many of today’s Christians also listen to preachers who are not sent by God. These preachers often preach messages that appeal to the desires of the flesh rather than addressing the need for repentance and holiness. In 2 Timothy 4:3-4, Paul warns, “For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” When people listen to such preachers, they are not led to salvation but to a false sense of security in their religiosity.

As a result, many remain unrepentant and spiritually dead in their sins and trespasses. True salvation requires repentance — a turning away from sin and a surrender to God’s will. Acts 3:19 says, “Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord.” However, without conviction and true teaching, repentance is absent. These individuals continue living in sin while outwardly participating in religious activities.

Despite their spiritual condition, many of these people are very active in church and religious programs. They sing in choirs, attend services, give offerings, and even serve in leadership roles. Yet their hearts remain unchanged, and they are deceived into thinking that their activities make them right with God. Jesus warned about this deception in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

True salvation comes only when a person is convicted by the Holy Spirit, repents of their sins, and places their faith in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Anything less is a deception that leads to spiritual death.

God's Conviction Leads to Godly Sorrow.

The Bible highlights a powerful truth in 2 Corinthians 7:10: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” This verse captures the essence of what happens when God convicts a person of their sin. Conviction by the Holy Spirit doesn’t just expose wrongdoing; it produces a sorrow that is transformative, leading to repentance and reconciliation with God. Unlike worldly sorrow, which leads to despair, regret, and ultimately death, godly sorrow brings life and salvation.

Godly sorrow begins when the Holy Spirit reveals the seriousness of sin. It is not simply feeling bad about getting caught or suffering the consequences of sin; rather, it is a deep realization of how our sins grieve God. David expressed this kind of sorrow in Psalm 51:4 after he sinned with Bathsheba: “Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight.” David’s confession shows his awareness that sin is ultimately an offense against a holy God. This recognition leads to genuine repentance, which is a heartfelt turning away from sin and toward God.

Godly sorrow also involves understanding the destructive nature of sin. Sin separates us from God and destroys the relationship He desires to have with us. When the Holy Spirit convicts us, He opens our eyes to see sin for what it truly is. For example, in Acts 2:37, after Peter preached about Jesus’ crucifixion, the crowd was “cut to the heart” and asked, “What shall we do?” Their sorrow over their sin wasn’t merely emotional—it was the beginning of repentance. Peter responded by telling them to repent and be baptized for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:38). This godly sorrow led them to salvation and a new relationship with God.

In contrast, worldly sorrow is rooted in pride or self-pity. It often stems from feeling embarrassed, losing something valuable, or facing negative consequences. Judas Iscariot is a tragic example of worldly sorrow. After betraying our Lord Jesus, Judas felt remorse but did not turn to God for forgiveness. Instead, overwhelmed by guilt and despair, he took his own life (Matthew 27:3–5). Worldly sorrow does not lead to repentance because it focuses on the self rather than on God. It leaves the person trapped in regret, shame, and hopelessness, unable to experience the freedom that comes through Christ.

Godly sorrow, on the other hand, brings a profound change in a person’s heart and life. True repentance, born out of godly sorrow, produces fruit. In Luke 19:8–9, Zacchaeus demonstrated this when he repented of his greed. Convicted of his sins, Zacchaeus declared that he would give half his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he had cheated fourfold. Jesus affirmed his repentance by saying, “Today salvation has come to this house” (Luke 19:9). Godly sorrow not only leads to forgiveness but also transforms the way we live.

Furthermore, godly sorrow leaves no regret. When we truly repent and receive God’s forgiveness, we experience His peace and joy. The weight of guilt is lifted, and we are reconciled with God. Isaiah 1:18 reminds us of God’s promise: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” In Christ, we are made new, and we can move forward without being burdened by our past sins.

The Apostle Paul commended the Corinthians for responding to godly sorrow in 2 Corinthians 7:11, noting the earnestness, eagerness, and zeal it produced in them. This shows that godly sorrow doesn’t paralyze us; instead, it motivates us to pursue righteousness and repair what sin has broken. It is a sorrow that leads to life, a life restored to God and lived for His glory.

God’s conviction leads to godly sorrow, which is an essential part of salvation. It brings repentance that transforms the heart and draws us closer to God. Unlike worldly sorrow, which leads to despair, godly sorrow leads to forgiveness, healing, and newness of life. As we respond to the Holy Spirit’s conviction, we experience the grace and love of God, finding freedom from sin and the joy of walking in His ways.