Conviction

And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: of sin, because they do not believe in Me; of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged. – John 16.8-11

Here is a minsitry of the Holy Spirit that we don’t think about. In theology it is referred to as the restraining power of the Holy Spirit. When He came we read that He ‘convicts the world of sin and  righteousness and judgement.’ He convicts the world of sin because they do not believe in Him.

If the convicting power of the Holy Spirit were not with mankind they would sin without restraint. Men and women would do what ever crossed their minds with no sense of right and wrong. If we think things are bad now imagine a day with no restraint.

But the Holy Spirit still works in the world to convince it of sin. It protects us from ourselves and it shows man his need of salvation. If not for His convicting Spirit no one would ever come to Christ. The Holy Spirit’s impact convinces men of sin and makes them aware that judgement is coming.

I think that why the world fights so hard. They are like Paul kicking against to goads. Instead of acknowledging sin and judgement they fight against and harden their hearts.

Sadly, far too many fight His convicting power until it is too late.