May 21, 2025
The Helper - Part 3
John 16:8-11
05/21/2025
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world
concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the
Father, and you will see me no longer;
11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this
world is judged. (ESV)
The Holy Christian Church is not called holy and perfect
because the members of the Church are perfect. Far from it. The
Holy Christian Church is called holy and perfect because Jesus
Christ died and rose again to pay the price of the sins of all
people. It is the work of the Holy Spirit to make the Church
perfect in God's sight by bringing each member of the Church to
faith in Jesus Christ.
Our Lord spoke of the work of the Helper, the Holy Spirit,
on the night He was betrayed.
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.
This sin which condemns the world is rejecting the grace,
love, and mercy of God as found in Jesus Christ. Those who have
faith in Jesus, those who have knowledge of His saving work, who
acknowledge the truth of the revelation about Jesus, and trust in
Him for their salvation have eternal life. The Holy Spirit
reveals the righteousness of God and the righteousness of faith
through the Word and Sacraments. Had Jesus not ascended, had
Jesus not sent the Holy Spirit, the world might not have learned
the truth of the Gospel. Finally, the Holy Spirit, as He causes
the mirror of God's Law to show us our sin, also shows the
judgment of those who reject God's mercy. The devil, the world,
and our own sinful flesh stand condemned by the law. Only
because of the love and grace of God do we find that Jesus has
fulfilled the law on our behalf.
May our Lord grant us wisdom to hear His Word, that the Holy
Spirit may create and sustain us in faith in Jesus Christ. Amen.