When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment. John 16:8 WEB
With these words, Jesus continues to explain the significance of the coming of the Holy Spirit. Several times in the gospel of John, Jesus speaks of the Holy Spirit and his role in helping mankind. Here, Christ adds to understanding of the purpose of the Spirit of God. Specifically, Jesus says he will convict the world of sin and the righteousness of Christ. Also, the Spirit will firmly convince the world of the judgment of Satan.
When the Holy Spirit deals with humanity, he convicts each individual of their sin. We read in Romans 3:23, “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God. WEB” The Holy Spirit counsels us to understand where we fall short, calling sinners to repentance.
The Righteousness of Christ
Although God counts faith as righteousness, as the Son of God, Jesus Chrsit is the only truly righteous man to live on this earth without sin. Referring to Ecclesiastes 7:20, Paul writes in Romans 3:10-12, “As it is written, ‘There is no one righteous; no, not one. There is no one who understands. There is no one who seeks after God. They have all turned away. They have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good, no, not so much as one. WEB”
Jesus teaches that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of the truth that he alone lived without sin. Christ displayed the righteousness of God in his life and ministry. He demonstrated obedience to the will of God even to the point of his own death. After his death and resurrection and return to our heavenly Father, Jesus promised the Holy Spirit, saying that he will convict the world of the righteousness of God.
Finally, Jesus teaches that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of judgment. The selfishness and sin of the world is condemned by the word of God. The Holy Spirit of God leads men and women to understand the wickedness of living by worldly wisdom. As Jesus said, he will convict the world of sin while leading us to conform to the righteousness of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for convicting me of my sin. Thank you for the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Lead me away from temptation and deliver me from evil. Help me to live my life in a way that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: That Which Is to Come
