John 16:8 says the Holy Spirit will convict the "world" of sin. Christians are not of this world. I know we as believers can grieve the Holy Spirit. My question is specifically regarding conviction of a true Christian of sin by the Spirit of God.
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Terry Gillard
Like the answers - there is a world of difference between the conviction of the Holy Spirit which leads to "Godly repentance", and the accusations of the accuser which leads to the condemnation that Rom 8 speaks of.
Know God, not in the depth of knowledge of the Word of God, but know HIM and you will know why Paul was able to write "There is therefore now no condemnation..." It's not from a heart balancing good and bad, or someone trying to win an argument, but from one who KNOWS God - and has already experienced the work of the Holy Spirit in His Life!
linda rodriquez
The scriptures say that the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin, not the born again believer. If you are born again you have the life and nature of God in your new born again spirit. Your new born again spirit will let you know when you are out of line with God's will and purpose for your life. Once again. The Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin! Not the believer. AMEN
John Kennedy
Since "the World" and "the Church" are mutually exclusive, when Jesus specified that the Holy Spirit would convict the world of sin, I think it is safe to say that He was also saying that the Holy Spirit would not convict the Church - including anyone who is born-again - of sin.
Tony Barbour
Please show me scripture where the Holy Spirit of God convicts saved people.
Jesus tells us why the Holy Spirit was coming! John 16:8-11 NLT:
[8] And when he comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God’s righteousness, and of the coming judgment. [9] The world’s sin is that it refuses to believe in me. [10] Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. [11] Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged.
That conviction is 100% for the lost. Spirit guides us and leads us! We are not of the world since we believe (9)!