A study of John 16:8-15 reveals the Spirit will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment, and the reason for it as the Spirit leads into all truth.
A study of John 16:8-15 reveals the Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
And when he comes, he will convict the world of concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: (ESV, John 16:8)
During the last Passover meal with his disciples, Jesus describes what happens when he is gone and the Spirit arrives in his place. The Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Greek word for “convict” is elenchō, which means to convict, convince, demonstrate guilt, tell a fault, rebuke, and reprove. It is more than a feeling of regret or vague sense of moral brokenness. But the realization within each person of our immoral condition before a holy God.
“World” is the Greek word kosmos and represents humanity in rebellion against God and Christ. (John 3:19; 7:7; 15:18–19). And this moral rebellion separates us from God. The Holy Spirit is not simply a witness for Jesus, but works within the human conscience to convince us that Jesus is the Son of God who sacrificed his life for a very spefific purpose.
The Greek word for “sin” is hamartia and means sin, wrongdoing, offense, or rebellion against God. In scripture it means far more than making a mistake. Sin is intentionally breaking God’s law. And Jesus made it clear on other occasions it includes more than the Ten Commandments and the Jewish law. But flourishes within the human heart.
But what comes out of the mouth proceeds from the heart, and this defiles a person. For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander. (Matthew 15:18-19)
“Righteousness” is the Greek word dikaiosynē, which means righteousness, justice, and conformity to God’s righteous standard. And judgment is the Greek word krisis and refers to a judicial verdict or condemnation. Together, the three words outline the gospel.
A study of John 16:8-15 reveals the reason for the world’s conviction.
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. (ESV, John 16:9-11)
Concerning sin, because they do not believe in me
In V.9, Jesus identifies the fundamental source for sin. Unbelief in him. The Greek word for “believe” is pisteuō, which means to believe, trust, rely upon, entrust oneself to. Specifically, it is believing In Jesus for salvation. And sin rebels against God’s self-revelation in Jesus Christ who is his provision.
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. Jesus said he was sent from the father and was the It is personal trust in Christ alone for righteousness and salvation. (ESV, John 14:6)
Concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer
The Jewish religious leaders claimed Jesus broke the law. And he was crucified by the Romans as a common criminal. But as Jesus returns to the father he is vindicated. Because the resurrection and ascension proves that the Father received, approved, and exalted His Son. Jesus was not a sinner who deserved death, but the perfectly righteous One. And it is his righteousness, credited to us, that presents us righteous before God.
Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged
The ruler of this world is Satan (John 12:31; 14:30). Through His death and resurrection, Christ defeated and judged Satan. Initially, the cross appeared to be Christ’s defeat. But it was his triumph over Satan, sin, and death (Colossians 2:13–15; Hebrews 2:14–15).
The verb “has been judged” is the Greek word kekritai that indicates an accomplished verdict with a final decision. Satan’s condemnation is certain and irreversible will go into effect after the final judgment. But the judicial sentence was rendered at Calvary. Those who follow in Satan’s rebellion will face the same sentence unless they turn to Christ.
A study of John 16:8-15 reveals the Spirit guides into all truth.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. (ESV, John 16:13)
Jesus told them in V.12 he had many things to say, “but you cannot bear them now.”
The Greek word for “bear” is bastazō, which means to carry, bear a burden, or endure. The disciples still did not fully grasp what Jesus was telling them about his death, resurrection, ascension, the new-covenant era, and the worldwide mission of the church. But they would grow in this understanding after his completed work and under the illuminating ministry of the Spirit. The Greek word used for “the Spirit of truth” is hodēgeō, which means to lead or guide along a way. They would need his guidance as they began sharing the gospel, forming churches, and writing the New Testament.
Today we have the entire Bible as the complete revelation of God’s word. So it is the primary guidance for faithful living through which the Spirit illuminates our understanding. Any spiritual revelation beyond God’s written word must align with it first to even be considered from the Spirit.
He will not speak on His own authority.
This doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit is less than God or lacks divine authority. He is fully God as the third person of the trinity and equal in power and glory to the father and son. But that he works in perfect harmony with them. Therefore, he does not bring an independent or competing message but declares the same truth as the father and son.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is a Christian author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview. This blog is originally published here.
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