The Holy Spirit’s Witness
“Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” John 16.7, 8
I believe it goes without saying that our Savior not only spoke the truth but was the embodiment of truth itself. (John 14.6) Whatever information came from His lips was reliable and true. Because of His divine nature, He could not lie, neither could He be mistaken.
In this passage, Jesus is preparing His disciples for His departure from the world. Throughout my life I have had the privilege of knowing some really great men – men of God. Although they were not world-renowned nor well-known outside of their personal sphere, their wisdom and knowledge – their walk with our Savior – were unsurpassed.
Over the years, God has brought these spiritual giants into (and out of) my life. Relocating and death have often been the vehicles that have removed us from each other and with each change, I have experienced some moments of grief. There are still times when I am studying my Bible that I think of picking up the phone and calling my father for his interpretation of a particular passage of God’s Word. It doesn’t take long for me to remember that my father has been with his Savior since 1999.
Separation from trusted mentors, no matter the cause, is always difficult. Even being far away from loved ones can be daunting at times. Often sadness invades our lives as we find ourselves devoid of that once close friendship. The questions we could once pose to that mentor we now must answer ourselves – or, must we?
Prior to parting from this world, our Savior left His disciples with a promise. He would send the Comforter (paráklētos – encourager, exhorter) which is the Holy Spirit. (John 14.26) (Notice that the definite article “the” introduces this Comforter.) Just as Jesus is “the way, the truth, and the life” even so the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God who leads the world into all Truth (things pertaining to Christ and salvation). Since no one comes into salvation apart from the Son, it is incumbent upon us to heed the teaching of God’s Word (which is embodied in the Person of Jesus Christ, John 1.1-5) and allow God’s Spirit to be our mentor.
Even though we all tend to cling tightly to the things this world has to offer, there is nothing it offers of eternal value. So, then, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to come along side of God’s children to guide them into Truth – all Truth. He will reprove (elégchō – admonish and correct) the world: “Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.” (John 16.9-10)
As the Holy Spirit applies God’s Word to our lives, we find comfort and security. We have a deep, abiding peace that God is in control and that He not only has the answer to the world’s problems, but rather, He is the answer. And, as a follower of Christ continuing in His Word, we know the Truth that will set us free. Copyright © 2025 Dr. John H. Hill, All rights reserved.
http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/
FaceBook page: facebook.com/groups/
Website: firstemmanuelbaptistchurch.comYouTube: https://youtube.com/@firstemmanuelbaptistchurch?si=bqoLMLz6UMC_-9no