“When he (Holy Spirit) comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin
and righteousness and judgment: in regard to sin, because men
do not believe in me; in regard to
righteousness, because I am going to the Father,
where you can see me no longer; and in regard to judgment, because the prince
of this world now stands condemned. (John 16:8-11, NIV)
At first glance this passage might seem to be harsh or difficult to
understand. Quite the opposite is the truth. First the word convict or conviction is directed toward the unbelieving world and simply
means they have yet to “become absolutely convinced by irrefutable argument” of
the finished redemptive work of Jesus.
And second this function of Holy Spirit’s work in all (unbelievers
and believers) is called ‘prevenient grace” or the grace that draws us to
saving faith in Jesus. And third, the best news for and of all is that the “prince
of this world” is already judged and condemned for all eternity.
Holy Spirit convicts
the world of where it is falling short; in “sin,” in needing Christ’s righteousness
and God’s total judgment of the prince of this world. Contrary
to popular religious thinking, the Holy Spirit "convinces" Believers of truth and reveals lies we
have believed. His primary ministry is not to convict us of sin but convince
us that Jesus has cleansed us of our sins and that we share in his righteousness.
This convincing of truth allows us to "change our minds" (repent) and
think differently. Every time we believe the truth it sets us free!
"True convincing (conviction) leads to a change
of thinking (repentance), and it happens in an atmosphere of love and acceptance
without the presence of condemnation."(Pg. 107 Pure Grace).
In the grip of Glorious Change, Ron Ross
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