The Holy Spirit – More Than a Dove

[Jesus said,] “Nevertheless I tell you the truth: It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I don’t go away, the Counselor won’t come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. When he has come, he will convict the world about sin, about righteousness, and about judgment; about sin, because they don’t believe in me; about righteousness, because I am going to my Father, and you won’t see me any more; about judgment, because the prince of this world has been judged.” John 16:7-11 (WEB)

It is not a subject that I like to think about: sin. It is easier for me to consider the Holy Spirit as Comforter. I like that. I need that. But I also need the Holy Spirit as Convicter. Understand that there is a big difference between conviction and condemnation. The Holy Spirit convicts. Our enemy, satan, condemns.

When I feel guilty and unable to change or recover, then I am being condemned for what I did. God does not condemn His children. He wants us to make a turn and change – repent – of our sin. He wants us to learn from our sin and “go and sin no more”. God wants to illuminate and shine a light on sin so that we learn right from wrong. Satan, however, wants me to think that I am helpless to choose a different path and so I can only live with my sin and let it ultimately destroy me. He is a liar and deceiver. Above everything, satan does not want me to believe in Jesus. Satan will say and do anything to keep me from taking that step of faith in a Savior and His love.

It is God’s Spirit that shows me God’s Hope. I begin to understand the larger picture that is the perfect Atonement Sacrifice – Jesus Christ. I begin to see God’s Kingdom as an eternal kingdom and that this world truly is not my home. I begin to understand that justice and right-ness is not going to come in my life here. The Holy Spirit shows me how I am to live my life just and right, following Jesus’ example, but I will be disappointed if I think this world will bring me justice and righteousness. That will only come from God and only happen in His Kingdom.

The prince of this world, satan, has been judged. His fate is sealed. (heh, heh, heh) When those trumpets are played and Jesus comes in His glory, satan will receive what is due him. I can’t wait to see it! What a great day that will be!

For now let me receive Jesus’ gift of the Holy Spirit and learn from Him. Jesus shows me by example how to be holy. The Holy Spirit corrects me so I actually learn how to turn from sin and live in a right relationship with God.

“Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who do his commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city.” Revelation 22:12-14 (WEB)