Conviction and the Holy Spirit

“when he comes he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgement” John 16:8

As I meditated on John 16, today I was once again impressed on the role the Holy Spirit plays in salvation. Jesus says that no man comes to me except the father draws him. If that is the case, then why do we try so hard to convert people? Could it be that our role is just simply to be a vessel, and that he does all the work?

Here are some thoughts on John 16:8ff, as Jesus promises the Holy Spirit after his return to heaven.

A. “in regard to sin because men do not believe me” John 16:9

I believe this indicates that ordinarily speaking men will not listen to the truth. In fact in our world today there is a self serving, self righteousness that pervades the modern mind. It reassures them of the reality on an amoral world. Sense, rationalism and the tangible, are what matters. We are truly incapacitated in our preaching against this philosophy......except for the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is able to bring holy conviction upon men, where we see in Acts, as the Apostles were preaching, people running up to them inquiring about salvation. When was the last time in our services that people asked to be saved? We practically have to beg them to “consider Christ” as if he were just another recommended item. Our words betray our belief that the Holy Spirit is impotent against the forces of unbelief in the godless in this world.

Jesus rears us in, reminding us that He alone is able to penetrate deep into humanity’s soul, and bring them to a genuine repentance and acknowledgement of their sin.


B. “in regard to righteousness”

Who model Christ? If we were to judge the authenticity of the Christian faith by the life of the Christians, we will be very disappointed. Statistics are clear. There is truly no difference in life praxis between Christians and non- Christians. Whether it be divorce rates, phobia stats or depression cases. Studies have shown that Christians largely are plagued with the same problems of non-believers. The sad part about this is they often choose to react to these circumstances similar to the world, devoid of God. Thus the world is confused if it simply looks at Christians for the standard of righteousness.

Again, I ask who models Christ? Jesus knowing that his absence will create a void in representing his image to the world, sends the Holy Spirit. Only a believer imbued with the presence of the Holy Spirit can truly communicate the gospel in such a way that the recipient acknowledges their unrighteous condition in the face of Christ. The Holy spirit reveals Christ’s true righteousness and offers it freely and unconditionally to the depraved soul.

C. “in regards to judgement”

The Holy Spirit convicts the world of judgement because of its tendency to be blinded to such harsh truths. Ask many today if they believe in an eternal judgement. Though answers may vary, many will tell you they doubt such a thing exists. Jesus cites the judgement of Satan as an indication that the world will be judged. While we don’t want to preach “gloom and doom”, as we witness to unbelievers we need the Holy Spirit to reveal to them the reality of judgement. There is a consequence for the life they lived on earth, and whether they received the saviour or not. They need to know that just as much as heaven is a reality, so hell is also. Who reveals this to them? Is it you and I with our fiery words and bold preaching? No! It is the Holy Spirit.

This year as you endeavour to share your faith, don’t stop. But do it with a renewed dependence and hunger for the power of the Holy Spirit. May your words not be wasted, and your deeds not be in vain. Let the Spirit guide you and lead you as you co-labour with Christ in reaching a lost and dying world.