The Different Roles of the Holy Spirit
“But I tell you the truth, it is better for you that I go away. When I go away, I will send the Helper to you. If I do not go away, the Helper will not come. When the Helper comes, he will prove to the people of the world the truth about sin, about being right with God, and about judgment. He will prove to them that sin is not believing in me. He will prove to them that being right with God comes from my going to the Father and not being seen anymore. And the Helper will prove to them that judgment happened when the ruler of this world was judged.” — John 16:7-11
The Holy Spirit has many roles. Throughout the Scriptures, there is testimony of Him guiding people and enabling believers to understand and discern the things of God (John 14:26). He even empowers believers by giving them strength, wisdom and comfort (Acts 1:8). Jesus knew the importance of Him dying so the Holy Spirit could come and help His followers. God does not leave His people alone to help themselves since they are unable to help themselves. He provides them with help to live a holy life and to obey His commands.
The Holy Spirit’s presence is a blessing for Jesus’ followers. He is coming to give them power but also to convict the non-believers in the world of its sin of not believing in Christ. Jesus is worthy of believing in, but people refuse to believe. As a result, the Holy Spirit is present in the world to convict them of their crime. The result of their crime is the coming judgment of God (John 5:21-25). Second Corinthians 5:10 tells of what judgment day will be like:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
On judgment day, unbelievers will have no excuse for not believing. John 12:48 is Jesus' warning of the upcoming judgment of God if people refuse to believe in Him, “There is a judge for those who refuse to believe in me and do not accept my words. The word I have taught will be their judge on the last day.”
To learn more about the Holy Spirit and the world’s need for Him, read the article: “Our Need for the Holy Spirit.”
Prayer for the day:
Dear heavenly Father,
Thank you for the Holy Spirit. He is the way we can have power to do the impossible. He provides us with the wisdom to learn more about You and our sins. Without Him we cannot live a holy life that pleases You. He provides us with strength and comfort but also with the power to convict the world of its sin of refusing to believe in Jesus. In His name we pray, Amen!
