CONVICTION AND PAIN

I consider it a good sign that some people are still asking questions like these in our churches: "What should happen in a genuine conversion to Christ?" and "What should a man or woman feel in the transaction of the new birth?" If I am asked, my answer is this: "There ought to be a real and genuine cry of pain!" That is why I am not impressed with the kind of evangelism that tries to invite people into the fellowship of God by signing a card. There should be a birth within, a birth from above. There should be the terror of seeing ourselves in violent contrast to the holy, holy God! Unless we come into this place of conviction and pain concerning our sin, I am not sure how deep and real our repentance will ever be. The man whom God will use must be undone, humble and pliable. He must be, like the astonished Isaiah, a man who has seen the King in His beauty!

Verse

Nicodemus answered and said unto him, How can these things be? John 3:9

Thought

There ought to be a real and genuine cry of pain!

Prayer

Lord, I am undone as I stand before you. I come boldly as you say I should, but I am truly humbled by your holiness. Help me to keep this perspective as I look up to you.