And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

John 16:8-11

While driving across Kansas earlier today I listened to a podcast from Alistair Begg on the subject of the Holy Spirit. Part of today’s sermon discussed the idea of the Holy Spirit’s role in conviction.

In the passage above, Jesus reinforces God’s work in the lives of those we encounter. We may proclaim the truth or tell of our own experience, but Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit will convict the world. Another way of translating the same word is to convince the world of their need of the Savior and so it is essential that the Holy Spirit convince the unbeliever of these clear truths of Scripture-

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 6:23

For those who don’t respond to the Holy Spirit, eventually there is judgement just as the “ruler of this world is judged.” Many appear to have hardened their hearts and that is what concerns me. More tomorrow.