John 16:8-11 (ESV)
8 “And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: 9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; 10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; 11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”
The “He” refers to the Holy Spirit.
Jesus is discussing with His disciples why He needs to leave them. But He reassures them that it is to their “advantage” as He will “send” the Holy Spirit in His place (John 16:7).
Why? Because the role of the Holy Spirit is to convict the world.
Of what? Our sin for one.
For “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23).
Except Jesus Christ.
For God “made Him to be sin who knew no sin so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
Wow. What a gift this is. To be made righteous before God through the deeds of Christ.
His birth. His life. His death & resurrection. And His ultimate ascension into heaven.
This is the gospel in a nutshell. Why is it so hard to understand? Why is it so hard to accept?
Let the Holy Spirit guide you if you don’t believe. For He can open the eyes of the blind (Matthew 11:5).
Kim+
prayer : thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit
action : help me to restore sight to the spiritually blind