“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)
Jesus’ disciples were sorrowful when he told them that he was going to the Father and they would see him no longer. As disciples questioned among themselves, Jesus assured them that in a little while they would see him again. At that time their sorrow would be turned to joy, they would rejoice and no one would take their joy from them (John 16:16-22). Jesus was going to prepare a place for them and would receive them to himself either at their death or his return (John 14:3).
After Jesus ascended the Holy Spirit began a third work mentioned by Jesus, convicting the world concerning judgment. The reason Jesus gave for this ministry of the Holy Spirit is that the ruler of this world is judged. The ruler of which Jesus is speaking is Satan, the ruler of the world’s evil system.
God pronounced judgment on the serpent in the Garden of Eden saying the offspring of the woman would bruise his head (Genesis 3:15). In Jesus’ death and resurrection our sins were nailed to the cross and we who were dead in sin were raised with Christ. Jesus having defeated both the power of sin and death, . . . disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him (Colossians 2:15 ESV). Through his death Jesus destroyed the one who has the power of death (Hebrews 2:14; John 12:31; 1John 3:8). Though Satan has been judged he will face a final judgment. One day Jesus will return to put a final end to all the work of the devil (Revelation 20:10).
Facing judgment along with Satan will be those who have worshiped him, . . . everyone whose name has not been written before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain (Revelation 13:8 ESV). They both will drink the wine of the wrath of God (Revelation 14:9-11).
It is from God’s wrath that man needs saving. God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and righteousness of men (Romans 1:18). Those who remain impenitent are storing up wrath for themselves on the day of wrath when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. And those who do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness there will be wrath and fury (Romans 2:5-8). Paul wrote, For you may be sure of this, that everyone who is sexually immoral or impure, or who is covetous (that is, an idolater), has no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. (Ephesians 5:5-6 ESV)
All people will one day stand before the judgment seat of God (2 Corinthians 5:10). Jesus will separate them as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Those who have not lived a righteous life (the goats) Christ will send into eternal punishment, the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:46). All who believe on Christ will be saved from the wrath of God (Romans 5:9). Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. (John 3:36 ESV) Of this the Holy Spirit convicts concerning judgment.
Have you believed on Jesus? Will you escape the wrath and fury of God?
Scriptures for meditation:
Colossians 3:5-6