We have seen how receiving the grace of God transforms a person’s life in an amazing way, bringing them from lonely exile into the palace of the King. This initial type of grace, the grace that brings salvation, is known as “convicting grace.” This is where it all begins: each of us starts our new life in Christ by receiving convicting grace.

We find a concise description of the convicting grace of God in Titus 2:

For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldy lusts, we should live soberly righteously, and godly, in this present world.  Titus 2:11,12

First, notice that this grace appears to all men. That means everyone. However, this verse does not say, “All men will be saved.” Although convicting grace appears to each person, not everyone receives it.

Whenever you witness to people about Jesus, one of the questions you dread is, “What about the heathen in Africa? What about those in China who never heard the gospel of Jesus Christ?”

God answers this question in His Word: “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.”

This is one of those things that’s clearly stated in God’s Word, so we know it’s true, even if we can’t explain how it’s going to take place.

In Romans 1, we are told that everyone will be without excuse:

The wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.

Romans 1:18-20

No one will have an excuse. There will not be a single person who will stand before God and say, “I lived in Borneo and I didn’t hear.” Even if they never heard the gospel from a person’s lips, the Holy Spirit, the author of convicting grace, teaches them in so many other ways that they are going to be without excuse.

Conviction First, then Teaching

Notice it’s the Holy Spirit who convicts. All we do is present the gospel. We can’t convict people; only the Holy Spirit can do that.

Yet, how many Christians try to convict other people? They jump all over unsaved people for their sins, their bad habits, the obnoxious words they say, the bad things they do. Such believers are trying to do what only the Holy Spirit can do. Only He can convict people of rejecting Jesus. Only He can convict them of the life they’re living.

At the moment of salvation, a person moves from hearing about God’s grace to accepting it. Once a person accepts the convicting grace of God, they are born again, and a lifelong process begins. Titus 2:12 tells us the grace of God “teaches us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly and righteously in this present world.” Once we receive the convicting grace of God, grace becomes our teacher, showing us how to deny ungodliness and live righteously.