Read John 15 – 16
And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. John 16:8-11 KJV
In John chapters 14-16, Jesus taught His disciples what to expect once He was gone. In His place, He promised to send the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit would have a comforting ministry with believers and a convicting ministry with unbelievers (the world). Here we are taught the three-fold ministry of conviction among unbelievers. First, the Spirit convinces people of their sinfulness apart from Christ. Without Christ we are left in our sins, guilty before God. Second, the Spirit convinces people of the righteousness of Christ, illustrated through His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Since we have no righteousness of our own we need His righteousness. Third, the Spirit convinces people of the judgment of sin and their need to escape it in Christ. Satan, the father of sin, has already been judged, so are those under his influence unless they turn to Jesus Christ.
Lord, I personally am grateful for this three-fold ministry of the Holy Spirit in my life. It was the convicting work of the Spirit that brought me to faith in You. Now, rather than the convicting work of the Spirit I get to enjoy His ministry of comfort.
A question to ponder: How did the Holy Spirit convince you of sin, righteousness, and judgment, causing you to turn to Jesus in faith?
