Izzy wrote: > David, I don't understand your meaning here. > Jn: 8 And when he is come, he will reprove the > world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: > 9 Of sin, because they believe not on me; > 10 Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, > and ye see me no more; 11 Of judgment, because > the prince of this world is judged. > Are you saying the Holy Spirit does not convict anyone > of sin, or just doesn't convict Believers of sin? > Sin is, in fact, unbelief-is it not? Or it could be > ignorance. If the Holy Spirit doesn't convict you of sin, > who does?
Faith in Christ removes the problem of sin. There is nothing for the Holy Spirit to do in the life of the believer, except reveal to him the righteousness of Christ, causing him to walk in it. The concept that the Holy Spirit is working to convict believers of various sins, such as stealing, lust, covetousness, etc. is dangerous. In regards to this passage, look carefully at verse 9 & 10. In verse 9, he reproves (convinces) of sin, "because they believe not on me." In other words, this is a work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the unbeliever. The Holy Spirit's operation upon those who do not believe on Christ is to convince them of their sin. This is often done in concert and connection with the law, as well as through men (apostles, prophets, etc.) anointed with the Holy Ghost, as well as directly upon their conscience. In verse 10, we read of his work with righteousness, "because I go to my Father." Jesus told us that in the life of the believer, the Holy Spirit's job is to take from the Father and to show it unto us. Also, it is to remind us of his teachings. Therefore, the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer is to reveal the person, teachings, and righteousness of Christ. For him, at the same time, to be convincing us of sin would be counterproductive and contrary to his nature. If the believer happens to become aware of sin in his life, it is not because the Holy Spirit is working to convince him and reprove him of it. It is more along the lines of the Holy Spirit revealing all that is Christ, and anything in our life that is not that becomes glaring. We react to the spots and blemishes as we see how holy Christ is and how holy we ought to be. We are like Peter saying, "Lord, depart from me, for I am a sinful man." Therefore, I say that the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the unbeliever is to convince and reprove them of sin, whereas the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the believer, is to reveal to them the righteousness of Christ which they are to walk in. Peace be with you. David Miller. ---------- "Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man." (Colossians 4:6) http://www.InnGlory.org If you do not want to receive posts from this list, send an email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and you will be unsubscribed. If you have a friend who wants to join, tell him to send an e-mail to [EMAIL PROTECTED] and he will be subscribed.
