The Holy Spirit remains a pivotal entity in the lives of Christians. This is because individuals’ experiences with God’s spirit differ. The holy spirit moves uniquely according to the dictates of God.
The Holy Spirit convicts believers based on their actions. It convicts both your sin and righteousness to show you the true way of God. As can be seen in several biblical texts, the world will experience the Holy Spirit’s conviction.
How the Holy Spirit convicts the world and Christians will be highlighted in this article. You will also get to learn more about the Holy Spirit and its activities.
Does the Holy Spirit Convict?
The Holy Spirit was given to us to serve as our comforter and guide. One of its purposes is to serve as a conviction in all our doings. Let’s take a look at this Bible verse:
.”But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don’t, the advocate won’t come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.
And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment.”
John 16:7-8 (New Living Translation)
This statement by Jesus Christ was when he was with his disciples. He told his disciples that he would leave, but he wouldn’t let them be alone. Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit to us.
Everyone, whether born again or not, will be convicted of their sin. What this implies is that the Bible is clear about the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
Understanding the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the comforter sent to look after God’s people. There is only one God, but there are three entities: God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Anyone who wants to be a true Christian needs the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus said, Peace to his followers because the Father has sent him. After he had prayed for them, he prayed for the Holy Spirit for them. John 20:21:22
Just like all humans need oxygen to survive, all Christians need the Holy Spirit. It is the source of new life for born-again Christians. It allows God to easily transform you. Whatever you do, the Holy Spirit reacts. If we sin against them, the holy ghost grieves, but when we do what pleases God, it becomes happy.
This can be seen in Galatians 6:8 (NLT).
” Those who live only to satisfy their sinful nature will harvest decay and witness death from sinful nature. But those who live to please the spirit will have an everlasting life.
We can see that without the Holy Spirit, we can’t be saved. The only spirit helps us live according to what pleases God.
Who Are Convicted by the Holy Ghost?
Here are who the Spirit convicts:
The World
Convict means to bring to light or show an error. It’s more about prosecuting an individual during a trial. In John 3:20, we can see that God hates evil and exposes all dealings in darkness. In Acts 2:36, all the house was told that God had made Christ lord, and it cut their hearts because of what they had done.
Everybody, irrespective of religion, will be convicted by the Holy Spirit. It is his job to expose your acts to light. It doesn’t condemn people by showing the right way. John 15–16 shows that the world of sinners will be exposed by the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Christ says that the Holy Spirit’s convictions toward the world take place in these areas: judgment, sin, and righteousness. This can be seen in John 16:8–9, when he was talking to his disciples.
Convicts Sinners
Sinners are part of the people who are convicted by the Holy Spirit. John 16:9 says that because these people don’t believe in me or my world… Not believing in the word of God is a sin that this spirit will convict people of. Unbelievers will be shown the light and truth. Adam’s first sin was not believing God and going against the word of God.
In John 3:18, Jesus says that anyone who believes in him isn’t condemned, but unbelievers are already condemned.
Convicts of Righteousness
Aside from sinners, the righteous are also convicted by the Holy Spirit. John 16:10 states that because of righteousness, I go, tiny father, and you won’t see me again. When Jesus was taken by the religious leaders, claiming he had sinned, many people believed he had sinned.
He was crucified like a sinner but was resurrected to prove his righteousness. Due to Jesus’ vicarious sacrifice, everyone who accepts him accepts God. The Holy Spirit will stand as a witness on the last day for everyone righteous through Christ.
What the Bible Says About the Holy Spirit
Here are examples of verses where the Holy Spirit’s presence is shown:
The Holy Spirit Was With God at the Beginning of Time
When you look at Genesis 1:1–2, it says that in the beginning, when God created heaven and earth and it was without form, the Spirit of God was moving over the waters. What this shows is that the Holy Spirit was present at the beginning with God. It shows that it knows God’s mind and what His intentions are.
The Holy Spirit Was With Moses in the Old Testament
In Numbers 11:16–17, God instructed Moses to find seventy men from the tribes of Israel. They will be with Moses, and he will be leading them to the promised land. God promised to take a part of His Spirit that was with Moses and put in on the chosen men. With the multitude of people wandering for forty years, the burden was too heavy for Moses. That’s why God took some of His Spirit in him and gave it to the leaders.
The Holy Spirit Talked About the Coming of Christ in the Old Testament
In Isaiah 11:1-2, the spirit of God rested on the prophet Isaiah and told him that a child would come from the tribe of Jesse. This child will be full of wisdom, understanding, and fear of God.
This prophecy shows that Jesus will come and will be king of history. It shows that the Spirit knows the things of the past, present, and future. God’s decisions and intentions are fully known by the Holy spirit.
The Prophets Saw the Presence of the Holy Spirit
The Prophet in Ezekiel 2:2–3 said the Spirit of God visited him and raised him. This holy spirit told him that he was sending him to the Israelites.
Also, in Micah 3:8, the servant of God, Micah, was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. He was given directives to tell Jacob his sin and Israel their transgressions. This prophet showed how they were guided by the Holy Spirit in making a decision. With the help of the Holy Spirit, they were able to turn Israelites.
Final Thoughts
The Holy Spirit convicts the world, irrespective of our spiritual status. As a Christian, you should have the holy spirit in you to guide your ways. This entity remains vital for every Christian, and its presence is needed for salvation. Several Bible verses have shown who the Holy Spirit is and how he moves.
