39. What is meant by imagination?
Imagination is that faculty which interprets and construes reality, and enables us to understand both what is seen and unseen.
40. How are we to behold God in His revealed and reflected presence?
We are to gaze persistently (Lk 11:5-13, 18:1-8) and deliberately upon His Word and works, diligently seeking His Person (Prov 2:1-5), as our ultimate delight and dependence.
41. What are the responses of a new nature to illumination?
Beholding the glory of God leads to blessing and beautifying God in admiring adoration (Ex 33:13-18; Ps 27:4) and desiring a deeper union and conformity to such beauty (1 John 3:2).
42. What is meant by conviction?
Conviction is the work of the Spirit upon our renewed consciences, alerting us to ways we fall short of the glory of God (Jo 16:8-11, Heb 4:12)
43. How does conviction take place?
First, the conscience, being stirred by the Spirit’s work, warns us before we sin, and accuses us after we sin (Jo 8:9; Ro 2:15). Second, the sheer contrast felt between God and ourselves, when we encounter Him, convicts us of change that is necessary (Is 6:5; Job 42:5-6; Lk 5:8).
44. Of what does the Spirit convict us?
The Spirit convicts us of sin and needed change to a degree appropriate to our relative maturity in Christ (1 Cor 2:11, Prov 20:27, Heb 5:14).
45. How should we respond to conviction?
Regular acts of confession and consecration are truthful and loving responses to the Spirit’s conviction (1 Jo 1:9, Ro 12:1).
About David de Bruyn
David de Bruyn pastors New Covenant Baptist Church in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a graduate of Central Baptist Theological Seminary in Minnesota and the University of South Africa (D.Th.). Since 1999, he has presented a weekly radio program that is heard throughout much of central South Africa. He also blogs at Churches Without Chests.
