The Highway Forums General Discussion Theology Discussion Forum conviction / repentance

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When the Holy Spirit regenerates the soul of a dead, depraved sinner, a new disposition is created; a new nature. There is a radical change that takes place where the person once naturally hated God and all that is good, a genuine love for God proceeds from the heart. Likewise, where the sinner once loved sin . . . after regeneration, there is a recognition of one's sinfulness, sin, helplessness, unworthiness, etc. and a conviction of it springs to life. In conjunction with this conviction of sin there is also a recognition of the loveliness of Christ and a heart-felt need of His atoning work. The Holy Spirit is the originator of all these things and the consequence of this regenerating work is a moving of a person's will toward God and Christ. So as a sinner most naturally loved sin before regeneration, he/she loves God and righteousness after regeneration.

Since all men do that which is most desirable to them in any given set of circumstances, i.e., they choose (exercise their will) to do that which they want most, after regeneration, the will is "moved" toward God and thus results in repentance and a believing upon Christ.

For a much more indepth study of repentance, see:

1) Regeneration, or the New Birth, by A.W. Pink.
2) Repentance, by A.W. Pink
3) The Difference Between True and Counterfeit Repentance, by John Colquhoun
4) Conviction for Sin, by Gardiner Spring

In His grace,