Reproving the world of sin

[InSpiritInTruth]

Many followers of Joseph Prince and the “Hyper grace” movement say the Holy Spirit does not reprove or convict them of sin. But is this notion based on scripture? I will show by scripture how this teaching is false, and is also very dangerous because it can cause people to harden their hearts to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, the law and commandments, and also the words of God spoken by Jesus, which are Spirit.

First let’s look at a verse in question, which many say is not directed to them being believers, but only to unbelievers who are of the world. Clearly Jesus is talking to his disciples in John 16:8, who were to receive the Holy Spirit, who would in turn reprove the world of sin by their preaching Jesus’ words. We know the Holy Spirit is not given to unbelievers because Jesus said the world cannot receive the Spirit of Truth in John 14:17 “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”

So in fact the Holy Spirit is sent dwell in believers, and by Him the world is reproved of sin. But does the Holy Spirit reprove believers of sin? Well let’s first look at the word reprove in John 16:8….

And [SUP]G2532[/SUP] when he is come, [SUP]G2064[/SUP] he [SUP]G1565[/SUP] will reprove [SUP]G1651[/SUP] the world [SUP]G2889[/SUP] of [SUP]G4012[/SUP] sin, [SUP]G266[/SUP] and [SUP]G2532[/SUP] of [SUP]G4012[/SUP] righteousness, [SUP]G1343[/SUP] and [SUP]G2532[/SUP] of [SUP]G4012[/SUP] judgment: [SUP]G2920[/SUP]

The KJV translates Strongs G1651 in the following manner: reprove (6x), rebuke (5x), convince (4x), tell (one's) fault (1x), convict (1x).

Bible usage also shows….by conviction to bring to the light, to expose.

The above words “to bring to light” is interesting because God’s Living Word Jesus Christ is also known as the Light of the world. But let’s first look at a few more verses where this word reprove G1651 is used.

Reproving a brother of sin…

“Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell [SUP]G1651[/SUP] him his fault [SUP]G1651[/SUP] between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.” (Mat 18:15)

John reproves Herod of sin by the Spirit….
“But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved [SUP]G1651[/SUP] by him for Herodias his brother Philip's wife, and for all the evils which Herod had done,” (Luke 3:9)

The Light of Gods words reprove a dark world…
“For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. [SUP]G1651[/SUP]” (John 3:20)

Being convicted in their conscience after hearing God’s words, which are light…

“And they which heard it, being convicted [SUP]G1651[/SUP] by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.”(John 8:9)

Continued....

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

Reproving the darkness…

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove [SUP]G1651[/SUP] them.” (Eph 5:11)
“But all things that are reproved [SUP]G1651[/SUP] are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light.” (Eph 5:13)

“Them that sin rebuke [SUP]G1651[/SUP] before all, that others also may fear.” (1 Tim. 5:20)
“Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, [SUP]G1651[/SUP] rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.” (2 Tim 4:2)

“Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince [SUP]G1651[/SUP] the gainsayers.” (Tit 1:9)
“This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke [SUP]G1651[/SUP] them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith;” (Tit 1:13)
“These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke [SUP]G1651[/SUP] with all authority. Let no man despise thee.” (Tit 2:15)

The law also reproves….
“But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced [SUP]G1651[/SUP] of the law as transgressors.” (Jas 2:9)

And the Lord also reproves believers ……

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked [SUP]G1651[/SUP] of him:” (Heb 12:5)
“As many as I love, I rebuke [SUP]G1651[/SUP] and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” (Rev. 3:9)

Now going back to this concept of how the Light reproves the darkness = sinful behavior

God is Light ….. 1 John 1:5 God’s Word is Light…. John 8:12

God’s laws and commandments are light….Proverbs 6:23

Jesus disciples who have Christ in them are light….Matthew 5:14

And the gospel message is also light….2 Corinthians 4:4

By the above things that are Light, these all will reprove the world, either believers or unbelievers of its darkness. And if any man speaks evil of the Light, or speaks contrary to and even opposes the Light of the Truth, he is still in darkness. Beware of those who speak contrary to the Light, and do not believe the Light is given to reprove (G1651) the darkness that is in them and in the world.

 

[FreeNChrist]

As it says, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of their sin of not believing in Jesus Christ. Christians are neither of the world, nor are we those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Quite the contrary.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

As it says, the Holy Spirit convicts the world of their sin of not believing in Jesus Christ. Christians are neither of the world, nor are we those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Quite the contrary.

The law also reproves….
“But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced [SUP]G1651[/SUP] of the law as transgressors.” (Jas 2:9)

And the Lord also reproves believers ……

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked [SUP]G1651[/SUP] of him:” (Heb 12:5)
“As many as I love, I rebuke [SUP]G1651[/SUP] and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” (Rev. 3:9)

 

[Grace777x70]

The word " convict/reprove/convince/expose" in question has many meanings attached to it as well.

It is only used 1 time in KJV as "convict"....it is used more often with the word "to reprove/rebuke/convince"...the word needs to be looked at in the "context" that it is used...

It is a revealing of things.....to the world the Holy Spirit reveals/convinces/expose their sin of unbelief in Jesus..

To the believer He reveals/convinces/expose that they are the righteousness of Christ because He went to the Father to stand as an Advocate.

Pay attention to the world ( unbelievers ) and "you" ( believers - remember Jesus was talking to His disciples at the time. ) Remember to always look at who is being spoken to when looking at scripture.

John 16:8-10 (NASB)
[SUP]8 [/SUP] "And He, when He comes, will convict the world ( unbelievers ) concerning sin and righteousness and judgment;

[SUP]9 [/SUP] concerning sin, because they ( unbelievers ) do not believe in Me;

[SUP]10 [/SUP] and concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father and you ( believers ) no longer see Me;

1 John 2:1-2 (NASB)
[SUP]1 [/SUP] My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous;

[SUP]2 [/SUP] and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.


Here are a few examples of the same exact word used in scripture...as one can clearly see..this word has many uses depending on the context

1 Corinthians 14:24 (KJV)
[SUP]24 [/SUP] But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:

Titus 1:9 (KJV)
[SUP]9 [/SUP] Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers.

Matthew 18:15 (KJV)
[SUP]15 [/SUP] Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

John 8:46 (KJV)
[SUP]46 [/SUP] Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me?

English Words used in KJV: reprove 6
rebuke 5
convince 4
tell (one's) fault 1
convict 1
[Total Count: 17]

Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.

 

[FreeNChrist]

The law also reproves….
“But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced [SUP]G1651[/SUP] of the law as transgressors.” (Jas 2:9)

And the Lord also reproves believers ……

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked [SUP]G1651[/SUP] of him:” (Heb 12:5)
“As many as I love, I rebuke [SUP]G1651[/SUP] and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” (Rev. 3:9)

Yep. The Law will absolutely convict you. Thank God we Christians have died to the Law and been released from it. The rest is you adding in what you want to be there, but isn't.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

Ephesians 4:17-30

[SUP]17 [/SUP]This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
[SUP]18 [/SUP]Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

[SUP]19 [/SUP]Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

[SUP]20 [/SUP]But ye have not so learned Christ;

[SUP]21 [/SUP]If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

[SUP]22 [/SUP]That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

[SUP]23 [/SUP]And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[SUP]24 [/SUP]And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

[SUP]25 [/SUP]Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[SUP]27 [/SUP]Neither give place to the devil.

[SUP]28 [/SUP]Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

[SUP]29 [/SUP]Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

[SUP]30 [/SUP]And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

 

[FreeNChrist]

Ephesians 4:17-30

[SUP]17 [/SUP]This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,
[SUP]18 [/SUP]Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

[SUP]19 [/SUP]Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

[SUP]20 [/SUP]But ye have not so learned Christ;

[SUP]21 [/SUP]If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

[SUP]22 [/SUP]That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

[SUP]23 [/SUP]And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;
[SUP]24 [/SUP]And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

[SUP]25 [/SUP]Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.
[SUP]26 [/SUP]Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:
[SUP]27 [/SUP]Neither give place to the devil.

[SUP]28 [/SUP]Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

[SUP]29 [/SUP]Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

[SUP]30 [/SUP]And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

Thanks, but I'm pretty sure we all have a Bible.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

Yep. The Law will absolutely convict you. Thank God we Christians have died to the Law and been released from it. The rest is you adding in what you want to be there, but isn't.

God’s laws and commandments are light….Proverbs 6:23 but many here are opposed to the Light. I gave scripture, not my own words how God does in fact reprove believers....

And the Lord also reproves believers ……

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked [SUP]G1651[/SUP] of him:” (Heb 12:5)

“As many as I love, I rebuke [SUP]G1651[/SUP] and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” (Rev. 3:9)

I believe many are dead to God as well, being dead to righteousness but alive to sin.

 

[Grace777x70]

Grieving the Holy Spirit causes Him sorrow because He sees how we treat one another:

For example by calling other members in the body of Christ names and insulting them and not giving grace to help people. We need to be speaking words of "grace" in our speech as well as in our deeds towards others.

What grieves God is not giving out words of grace to people..

Ephesians 4:29-30 (NASB)

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

The only time recorded that Jesus was angered ..was when the religious people refused to allow grace to be shown to someone....the religious folk had "their" holiness rules.....and in so..were refusing the grace of God to come to people..but Jesus our Lord stepped in as He always will for us,


Mark 3:4-5 (KJV)
[SUP]4 [/SUP] And he saith unto them, Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill? But they held their peace.

[SUP]5 [/SUP] And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

Thanks, but I'm pretty sure we all have a Bible.

Then blow the dust off of it, read it, and then believe every word of it.

 

[Grace777x70]

Here is another take on does the Holy Spirit convict/convince/expose...if so...how and when and what is being exposed or what is being "revealed"?

Does He "reveal" to the world things that are different what He reveals to the believer that is in Christ?


[video=youtube;zyAuhRf73D8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zyAuhRf73D8[/video]

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

Sin grieves God in believers and unbelievers, be not deceived.

Hebrews 3:17
But with whom was he grieved forty years? was it not with them that had sinned, whose carcases fell in the wilderness?

 

[Grace777x70]

It is sin that causes the Holy Spirit to grieve because of how we treat others in the body of Christ is sin just like adultery and murder is.

For example by calling other members in the body of Christ names and insulting them and not giving grace to help people. We need to be speaking words of "grace" in our speech as well as in our deeds towards others.

What grieves God is not giving out words of grace to people.

Ephesians 4:29-30 (NASB)

Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

The Light of the Truth exposes the darkness of sin, that is why they do not speak evil of sin, but rather they speak evil of God's law which is light, as they also hate those who speak the Light of the Truth according to the words of God.

John 15:22

If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

John 3...And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. [SUP]20 [/SUP]For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.

[SUP]21 [/SUP]But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

 

[PilgrimPassingThru]

Then blow the dust off of it, read it, and then believe every word of it.

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

Psalm 143:10
Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.


Proverbs 1:23
Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you.

John 16:13
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."

I am pretty sure you are supposed to listen to the good Shepherd and follow his guidance, not ignore it. Just sayin

 

[InSpiritInTruth]

Psalm 25:9
The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.


Psalm 32:8
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.


Proverbs 23:19
Hear thou, my son, and be wise, and guide thine heart in the way.


Luke 1:79
To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.

 

[FreeNChrist]

God’s laws and commandments are light….Proverbs 6:23 but many here are opposed to the Light. I gave scripture, not my own words how God does in fact reprove believers....

And the Lord also reproves believers ……

“And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked [SUP]G1651[/SUP] of him:” (Heb 12:5)

“As many as I love, I rebuke [SUP]G1651[/SUP] and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.” (Rev. 3:9)

I believe many are dead to God as well, being dead to righteousness but alive to sin.

They are light for Christians because Jesus is doing all of the heavy pulling. Unless of course you are fighting against Him instead of just resting in Him.