Revcort's Ramblings

Scripture Focus

“And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in Me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see Me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.”— John 16:8–11 (ESV)

Devotional Thought

In John 16, Jesus describes a work that belongs exclusively to the Holy Spirit—a work no preacher, teacher, or evangelist can perform in the human heart.

The Spirit convicts the world of three realities: sin, righteousness, and judgment. These are not arguments to be won, but truths to be revealed. And Jesus is clear: this is not our job—it is the Spirit’s.

First, the Spirit convicts of sin. Not merely the admission that “everyone makes mistakes,” but the crushing realization of guilt before a thrice-holy God. Many people are quick to acknowledge sin in theory. They smile and shrug—“Nobody’s perfect.” But they do not feel its weight. They do not tremble at the seriousness of rebellion against God. You cannot manufacture that awareness. You cannot reason someone into repentance. Only the Holy Spirit can open blind eyes and press the reality of sin upon the conscience.

Second, the Spirit convicts of righteousness. Once the weight of sin is felt, another realization follows quickly: I am not righteous—and I must be. At this moment, human goodness collapses. Filthy rags cannot clothe a guilty soul. The law cannot be kept perfectly. Even the greatest commandments—loving God fully and loving others selflessly—expose our failure. The Spirit then does what no human messenger can do: He points the sinner away from self and toward Christ. Jesus is not merely righteous—He is our righteousness.

Finally, the Spirit convicts of judgment. This is not vague fear, but moral certainty. Judgment is coming. The ruler of this world has already been judged, and all who remain in his kingdom will share his fate. This conviction does not exist to terrify alone—it exists to drive the sinner to refuge. Without Christ, condemnation is unavoidable. With Christ, judgment has already been borne.

This is why prayer matters in evangelism. We can share truth clearly, lovingly, faithfully—but conversion is a supernatural work. When we try to convict, persuade, or pressure, we step into a role that does not belong to us. But when we pray, we call upon the Spirit to do what only He can do: awaken the conscience, reveal the Savior, and warn of eternity.

Reflection Questions

1. Why is it important to remember that conviction belongs to the Holy Spirit, not to us?
2. How does minimizing sin prevent people from seeing their need for Christ?I
3. n what ways does the Spirit expose the weakness of self-righteousness?
4. How does understanding coming judgment deepen your gratitude for the gospel?

Closing Prayer

Holy Spirit, I acknowledge my complete dependence on You. I cannot open blind eyes, awaken dead hearts, or convict the conscience. Only You can reveal sin for what it truly is, show the righteousness I lack, and warn of the judgment to come. As I share the gospel, teach me to pray more, trust more, and rely less on my own efforts. Draw hearts to Christ, our only righteousness and our only hope. Amen.