Re. How Did It Happen? In your answer, you say that the Holy Spirit comes after believing. I’ve believed for a long time that it is the Holy Spirit who draws us and that He woos us to Christ. Now after reading this answer I’m wondering if I’ve got this wrong. Would you please clarify?
The Holy Spirit does draw us before we’re saved. He does this by convicting us of our sins. Once we realize we’re sinners and come to believe that Jesus died for our sins to save us, God sends the Holy Spirit to dwell within us as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance (2 Cor. 1:21-22, Ephes. 1:13-14). He also helps us understand the things of God, and shows us how to live in a manner pleasing to Him. That’s what I was referring to by saying the Holy Spirit comes to us after believing.