And when he [the Advocate] comes, he will prove the world wrong concerning sin and righteousness and judgment— concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will see me no longer; and concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world has been condemned.
John 16:8-11 NET
When we consider the Holy Spirit, it is generally in connection with his work within the believer’s life. He guides us on our faith journey (Rom. 8:14), teaches us spiritual truths (John 14:26), and intercedes with the Father on our behalf (Rom. 8:26). But the Holy Spirit is also at work among those who have not come to faith in Christ.
Jesus tells us that when the Holy Spirit comes, “he will prove the world wrong concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” This “proving wrong” is redemptive in nature, bringing conviction that could lead them to repentance and faith.
Conviction of Sin, Righteousness, and Judgment
Sin is missing the mark, falling short of what God wants in your life. And sin results in death (Rom. 6:23)–separation from the life of God. But God so loved the world that he sent his Son (John 3:16) to die on the cross as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of the whole world (1 John 2:2). However, it is only when a person believes in Jesus that his sacrifice is applied to them. When a person fails to believe in Jesus, they are still in their sin. And the Holy Spirit brings conviction concerning that sin and their failure to believe in Jesus.
Jesus died for our sins, was buried, and on the third day rose from the dead. Shortly after his resurrection, he went to the Father. And there, he became the standard for righteousness. When we think we are good enough, the Holy Spirit points us to Jesus. And he helps us to understand that we are not “good enough” apart from him.
The ruler of this world, Satan, has been judged and condemned. His fate is sealed. All those who continue to align their lives with him are at odds with God’s purpose and will face the same judgment. The Holy Spirit works in the unbeliever’s life, leading them to recognize the judgment they are facing apart from belief in Jesus.
In conjunction with the gospel proclamation (Rom. 10:14), the Holy Spirit works to convict the world of its sin, contrast it with the righteousness of Christ, and reveal the judgment that awaits those who fail to put their trust in Christ.
