Reply To: Pneumatology 2024/25 Discussion Board 1

[Miriam IfeanyiChukwu]

Introduction
According to the Strong’s Bible Concordance, the word ‘convict’ is the Greek word elegcho, which means to confute, admonish, convince, rebuke, or reprove.
The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ‘convict’(v) as finding or proving guilty or being convinced of error or sinfulness.
This is a legal term used in a courtroom where a prosecuting lawyer presents evidence to prove a case. The ministry of the Holy Spirit is to reveal the truth, which brings awareness and leads to repentance.
An instance of the conviction of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is seen in John 16:8-11.
8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
This scripture refers to the ministry of the Holy Spirit to the world and proves that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of:
1. Sin
The Greek word for ‘sin’ is harmartia meaning to miss the mark or fall short of God’s standard. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin. Notice that it is sin and not sins. The sin the Holy Spirit convicts the world of is the sin of unbelief (John 16:8). The Holy Spirit convicts men of sin because they do not believe in Jesus, He shows the world that unbelief, which is the rejection of Jesus and His message is sin and the root of all sin, and it is this sin that condemns people to spend eternity in hell (John 3:18). The work of the Holy Spirit is not to accuse men of the sin they are already aware of rather He brings them to a position where they are convinced of sin and seek repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.
2. Righteousness
The Greek word for righteousness is dikaiosune which means being right with God. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of righteousness because Jesus has gone to the Father (John 16:10). The Holy Spirit shows the world its unrighteousness and the righteousness of Jesus, that their righteousness is not dependent on any work they have done but upon the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth to the world that Jesus is the standard for righteousness. And that also, through His death, burial, and resurrection, He has demonstrated perfect obedience to the Father thereby convincing them to seek righteousness through Jesus alone.

3. Judgment
The Greek word for ‘judgment’ is krisis meaning a decision or verdict. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of judgment because the devil is judged (John 16:11). The Holy Spirit reveals God’s imminent judgment on the devil, this serves as a warning calling the world to repentance and the urgency of salvation.

Conclusion
The ministry of convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment is beyond any human ability, it is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is only the power of the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of men that can bring the world to the saving grace of Christ and repentance leading to salvation.