Ask Ligonier What Role Does the Holy Spirit Play in the Life of an Unbeliever?
Nov 27, 2025
In this discussion, Sinclair Ferguson, a noted Reformed theologian with a deep background in biblical teaching, explores the crucial role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of non-believers. He reveals how the Spirit convicts individuals of their need for salvation and illustrates this with a compelling aviation analogy. Ferguson also traces the Spirit's involvement from creation through to applying redemption, emphasizing the distinct roles of the Trinity throughout. His insights help shine a light on the transformative power of the Spirit even before belief.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trinitarian Cooperation Governs All Things
- Sinclair Ferguson explains the Trinity's unified action: Father plans, Son executes, Spirit brings plans to fruition across creation and providence.
- This means the Holy Spirit governs unseen activity in the world and the church to accomplish God's sovereign purposes.
Spirit's Conviction Precedes Conversion
- The Spirit applies Christ's work to individuals by convicting them of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8–11).
- This convicting work leads people to see their need for Jesus and the consequences of rejecting him.
Pilot Story Illustrates Unseen Guidance
- Ferguson shares an airport story about thinking of a pilot who turned out to have flown his flight, illustrating unnoticed guidance.
- He compares this to how believers later recognize the Spirit's prior work in bringing them to faith.