October 14
Function of the SpiritJoh_16:5-11
One of the perturbing passages of the New Testament has to do with the "sin against the Holy Spirit." Many Christians over the years have been told that they have committed this sin, and therefore cannot be forgiven. We can perhaps understand it better if we see here the function of the Holy Spirit: to convict the world of guilt.
Of sinFirst, the Spirit is to cut of our excuses for sin. Man is the rationalizing creature, and always ready with an excuse. The Spirit says, sin is sin. Next, to show that our actions are sinful, that we have indeed had our transgressions.
Of righteousnessBut there is no sense in convicting someone of guilt due to sin if there is no righteousness. All that would do is to create a sense of hopelessness! But there is righteousness—His righteousness. The Spirit is to convict us of the righteousness of Christ.
Thus, by his righteousness and sacrifice, we see that this man came from God.
Of judgmentAgain, there is no sense in conviction of sin and righteousness if there is no penalty for same. So the Spirit will convict us:
That the personification of evil, Satan, and all his demons, are condemned eternally to the pit of hell.
That those who choose to ignore this conviction have chosen to side with Satan—and will share his fate.
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit means to deny the truth of these things. If you say there is no sin in you; if you say there is no hope of righteousness; if you say that Jesus was just a man; if you say there is no judgment to come, then you have denied the truth taught by the Spirit. In such case, how can you repent? If you think you have no sin, why would you? And if you will not repent, how can you ever be forgiven?
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