Judgment

“And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” John 16:8

I am a sinner in need of a Savior. I am a failure in need of forgiveness. If I refuse that Savior and I turn down that forgiveness, then I face judgment. I stand convicted. The cross and the empty tomb are guarantees that two things are going to happen when this world comes to an end. There is going to be judgment of the wrong and justice for the right.

John 16:11 says, “Concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.” The ruler of this world is Satan (the Devil). Why does Jesus even bring him into the conversation? The Devil is the father of all sin. Therefore, he is the father of all sinners. Jesus is simply saying that if the father has been judged, so will his children. Satan isn’t going to get away with anything and neither will his people. The first being who ever rejected Christ was Satan. He has been judged and everyone else who follows in his footsteps and rejects Jesus will be judged as well. Only the Holy Spirit can convict you of that.

If I refuse to come to God as a sinner and accept the righteousness of Jesus, I will face the judgment of God. Here is the Good News. There is a pardon available to everyone. Jesus did not die for us so that we would be judged by Him. He died for us that we might be saved by Him. That is the Good news of the Gospel!

So let every believer be encouraged. Do you know why we ought to be shining our light…why we ought to be sharing the Gospel? Because, all we have to do is speak the word of salvation. It is the Holy Spirit that does the work of salvation. It is not our job to convict or convince anybody of anything. It is our job to lovingly communicate truth and let the Spirit of God do the rest.

Jesus was crucified as a criminal, a blasphemer, and an enemy of Rome; but today 2 billion people believe in Him. What changed their minds? It wasn’t a great preacher, evangelist, or missionary that changed their mind. It was the Holy Spirit who convinces the world of the truth that we are sinners in need of a Savior…and that Savior is Jesus.

Dear Lord, thank you for the Holy Spirit and the work He is doing in so many lives. Give me the boldness to be faithful in sharing the gospel and help me to surrender to the Holy Spirit, understanding that He is the one who does the work of salvation. In Jesus' name, amen.