The Role Of The Holy Spirit In The Redemption

THE ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE REDEMPTION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Titus 3:5-6

"Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; which He shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour."

Supporting Texts: John 16:7-14, Romans 8:1-16, Ephesians 1:13-14, 1 Corinthians 6:11, Acts 1:8

INTRODUCTION:

Redemption is the perfect work of the Triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. While the Father planned our redemption, and the Son accomplished it through His death and resurrection, it is the Holy Spirit who applies the benefits of that redemption to the life of the believer. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, the finished work of Christ would remain distant and ineffective in our personal experience.

The Holy Spirit is not a passive observer in the plan of redemption. He is the divine agent who makes salvation real in the heart of every believer. He convicts the world of sin, reveals Christ to sinners, regenerates those who believe, and empowers the redeemed to live a victorious life. His ministry ensures that redemption is not just a past event but a present reality.

In this message, we shall examine how the Holy Spirit plays a vital role in every stage of the believer's redemptive journey—from conviction to transformation, from sealing to sanctification, and from empowerment to glorification.

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT CONVICTS AND DRAWS SINNERS TO CHRIST

Redemption begins with the convicting work of the Holy Spirit in the heart of the unbeliever.

a) He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment

John 16:8 – The Spirit reveals the truth about sin and the need for a Saviour.

b) He opens the heart to receive the gospel

Acts 16:14 – The Lord opened Lydia's heart to respond to Paul's message.

c) He enables the sinner to recognise their need for salvation

1 Corinthians 2:14 – The natural man cannot receive the things of the Spirit without help.

d) He reveals Christ as the only means of salvation

John 15:26 – The Spirit testifies of Christ.

Biblical Example: The Day of Pentecost (Acts 2:37)

After Peter preached, the people were “pricked in their hearts” and cried out, “What shall we do?” This was the Spirit’s convicting power in action.

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT REGENERATES AND INDWELLS THE BELIEVER

The new birth is made possible by the regenerating work of the Spirit.

a) He washes and renews the heart

Titus 3:5 – Salvation comes through the washing and renewal of the Holy Ghost.

b) He makes the believer a new creature

2 Corinthians 5:17 – Old things pass away as all things become new.

c) He takes up residence within us

Romans 8:9 – Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to Him.

d) He bears witness that we are children of God

Romans 8:16 – The Spirit bears witness with our spirit.

Biblical Example: Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:3-6)

Jesus taught that being born again—born of the Spirit—is necessary to enter the kingdom of God.

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT SANCTIFIES AND TRANSFORMS BELIEVERS

Redemption is not just about deliverance from sin, but also about transformation into Christlikeness.

a) He produces the fruit of the Spirit in us

Galatians 5:22-23 – Love, joy, peace, and more are marks of His presence.

b) He enables victory over the flesh

Romans 8:13 – By the Spirit, we put to death the deeds of the body.

c) He teaches and reminds us of God’s Word

John 14:26 – The Spirit teaches all things and brings Christ’s words to remembrance.

d) He leads us in godly living

Galatians 5:16 – Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.

Biblical Example: The transformation of Saul to Paul (Acts 9)

Paul was radically changed by the Spirit and became a mighty instrument in God's hands.

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT SEALS AND SECURES THE BELIEVER

The Spirit guarantees that redemption is secure until its final fulfilment.

a) He is the seal of our salvation

Ephesians 1:13 – We are sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.

b) He is the guarantee of our inheritance

2 Corinthians 1:22 – A down payment of what is to come.

c) He preserves us for the day of redemption

Ephesians 4:30 – Grieve not the Spirit by whom you are sealed.

d) He assures us of eternal life

1 John 5:10-12 – The witness of the Spirit confirms our life in Christ.

Biblical Example: Cornelius’ household (Acts 10:44-48)

The Holy Spirit fell on them as a sign of God’s acceptance and sealing upon salvation.

5. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS FOR WITNESS AND SERVICE

Redemption equips us to serve others and glorify God.