THE EVIDENCE of the Holy Spirit

How often do you get caught up in the details and over complicate matters? It happens to me regularly. I get bogged down in the details of my life and sometimes miss the big lessons that God has clearly set forth in His Word. I spend much time analyzing the details of certain passages and neglect the main point. This has happened with the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, Pneumatology.

Some approach the Holy Spirit with a cessationist perspective, denying contemporary special gifting of believers. They deny modern day miraculous signs and wonders, such as healing or speaking in tongues. Others herald speaking in tongues as the evidence of the Holy Spirit. Neither of these positions deals with the main point.

The evidence of the Holy Spirit is very basic. It is fundamental to the Christian faith. It is an obvious fruit that is overlooked in many senses, and associated with legalism in some circles. I am speaking of conviction, specifically the conviction of sin, righteousness, and the judgement to come.

This is not rocket science. When a person comes to faith in Christ, the sign of the Holy Spirit is manifest in these three matters. Man is sinful, The Lord is our Righteousness, and all men will face judgment. These workings of the Holy Spirit are central to true belief.

Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. 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 16:7-11 (ESV)

What about you? Are you convicted or just cruising along? Are you waiting in expectation of judgment on all evil deeds? Is sin your enemy or just an unpleasant thought? Is the righteousness of God your longing and desire?

Know the Blessing