THE SPIRIT OF CONVICTION

JOHN 16:5–11

“And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment”

(John 16:8).

The departure of Jesus would not be a tragedy (as the disciples thought), but a triumph because only then would the Spirit come. Only then would He “convict the world” of sin, righteousness, and judgment.

The Spirit, through preaching of the Word, would expose the world’s guilt and call it to repentance. It is the work of the Spirit to awaken consciences to the sin of unbelief and to the righteousness of Christ. By the Spirit, the “world” would be convicted that Jesus Christ was who He claimed to be, and that He would judge all men according to His righteous standard. The world does not recognize its unbelief as sin. It does not regard Christ as righteous or as Judge. But with the coming of the Spirit, the world would be convinced and held accountable for that knowledge.

It is not we who can convict the world of such things. Only the Spirit can bring light to men’s minds and conviction to their hearts. Rely, then, on the Spirit as you proclaim Christ and Him crucified to a blind and hostile world. Trust in Him to open the hearts of unbelieving friends and neighbors. He will work through you as you speak to those who continue in their unbelief.

Notice that it is the duty of Gospel ministers to proclaim the truth concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. Preachers are to warn, to instruct, and to declare the judgment of Christ (and note that this truth would be preached not only to the Jews but to the Gentiles as well). Then, through the words of God’s people, the Spirit would convict sinners of unbelief.

The conscience, while it informs unbelievers of various sins such as murder and theft, does not inform them of unbelief in Jesus Christ. This only is a work of the Spirit. He only makes them sensible of this sin through the preaching of the Word. It is the Spirit’s work to convince men that they are condemned because they are not united to Jesus Christ, who alone is Savior of the world and supreme Judge. He will call all men to account. This is the great work of His Spirit. When men are thus convinced of the truth, we should give God the glory, for He alone brings light to men’s hearts and shows them the truth about Jesus Christ.

CORAM DEO

Proverbs 17–18

2 Corinthians 2

In the Old Testament the Spirit applied the benefits of redemption through the promise of a coming Savior. But today, that promise has been realized and the gift is given in greater abundance. If you believe in Christ, you have the Spirit dwelling in you! Thank God today for the gift of His Spirit in your life.

For further study: Joel 2:28–32 • Matt. 3:11–12 • Acts 1:8; 2:32–39

thursday

september