Sin, Righteousness and Judgment

Lesson #261

In our last lesson we learned that when the Helper, the Holy Spirit, comes he will convict the world concerning sin, righteousness, and judgment. In this lesson we will look at some details of these three words. Let us begin with the word sin: “concerning sin, because they do not believe in me” (John 16:9 ESV). Paul describes our condition in pretty definite terms in Ephesians 2:1 – 3 (ESV): “And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” Without being born spiritually and having the Holy Spirit dwelling within, we have nothing in us but that which leads us to continue to sin. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6 ESV). As long as we do not believe in Jesus and surrender our will to him, we will continue to be children of wrath, will continue in our sin, and will continue to be separated from him and his many eternal benefits.

Then, “concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer” (John 16:10 ESV). The world must be convinced of their sin, because without they will see no need to be convinced of their need of righteousness. Without being convicted of their sin they will lack the humility needed to surrender to Jesus Christ. This righteousness does not result from our efforts, but is from Jesus Christ as a gift of grace. Paul expresses this in 2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV): “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” This is established because of the ascension of Jesus to heaven and his position at the right hand of the Father.

Then, “concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged” (John 16:11 ESV). “We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19 ESV). Through the death and resurrection of Jesus, the evil one was defeated, but left in power until God was through using him. When that time comes the evil one will be removed from power and Jesus Christ will restore all things to their original perfect state, free from the effects of sin.

Prayer

Father, we have a world system emerging where sin is perceived as righteousness and righteousness as sin. Terrorists believe they are righteousness and doing God’s will and they see the righteousness of Christians as sin. In order to turn this around, the Holy Spirit must convict them of sin as we witness to them, even in the face of death.