Points of law and grace

The Holy Spirit does not convict the believer of sin, for it is the law which brings the knowledge of sin. The Holy Spirit beckons, reminds, and encourages the believer into the finality of the cross. While the law, on the other hand, condemns and seeks to draw him away. This knowledge is indispensable in regards to understanding and internalizing what great love God has bestowed upon us through the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.


Since the Holy Spirit was given to produce life in Christ, and the law to bring knowledge of sin, which actually in effect produced death, (II Cor. 3:6), wouldn't it be contrary then to say that the Holy Spirit convicts the believer of sin. And wouldn't it also mean that from this perspective that which was given to produce life also produced death.


The Holy Spirit was given to the believer to convict, convince him or her of their righteousness before God, not to hold us bound by the law. A belief system which teaches that the Holy Spirit convicts the believer of sin, is a belief system that is still under law, and has not fully conceptionalized the grace of God.


The righteous conviction towards the believer is found in the life, death, burial and resurrection of Christ. Which is exactly what Jesus related to His disciples in John 16; Note especially 16:10: 'Of righteousness because I go to my Father, and you see me no more.' This speaks directly to the disciples not only in that they would receive the Holy Spirit, but that they would also witness first hand the Lord Jesus being received up into heaven when He ascended, and sat down at the right hand of the Father. The disciples walked with Him before His death. Talked, walked and ate with Him after His resurrection, then witnessed His ascension into heaven. Talk about righteous conviction and eternal security. Mark 16:19


I think it's also interesting to note that in John 16:7, the person of the Holy Spirit is deemed the Helper, not the accuser of the brethren, or the legalist discourager, but the Helper. When we feel convicted of sin in a condemning way, it's not the Holy Spirit condemning us, but our own heart, our conscience. I John 3:18-23; Note especially verses 20-21: 'But God is greater than our hearts, and knows all things.' It's important to remember that feelings are misleading and generally do not support the truth in regards to how God has dealt with our sin. Notice has dealt is a past tense verb. The Holy Spirits function in this capacity is to bring to our recollection ever so gracefully and irresistibly what Christ accomplished on our behalf 2000 years ago when He cried out from the cross: 'It is finished!' We gain victory over sin by realizing we have victory over sin through the precious blood of the Lamb. The Holy Spirit will always focus our attention on the source of our salvation rather than on sin.


Question: Do you think the voice of the Holy Spirit would be: 'Don't taste, don't touch, don't sin, or no that's adultery?' And God forbid you should fall into adultery! Do you think He would say: 'You know the penalty for adultery in the old testament was stoning, you know God hates adultery, so now He hates you, or don't you realize you've just violated one of His most sacred laws, and now your cursed?' Or would He simply say in that still small voice: 'Come on, it's not too late, I love you, return to grace, this thing is forgiven, let me show you how to fix the problem, the devils a liar, nothing can separate you from my love.'


Subsequent readings
Utterances of the Holy Spirit:


Matthew 11:28-31: 'Take my yoke upon you, learn from Me. I am gentle and lowly of heart, you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy and my burden is light.'


John 14:25-28: 'But the Helper, the Holy Spirit will teach you all things. Peace I leave with you, My peace I give you.'


II Cor. 10:5: 'Casting down arguments against the knowledge of God, Note knowledge of God.'


II Peter 1:2-4: 'Knowledge of God, Divine Power, precious promises, partakers of His Divine Nature.'


I Cor. 15:3-4- 'He was buried, He rose again, He died for our sins.'


Romans 5:1-2: 'We have been justified by faith, we have peace with God, and access into grace by faith.'


Romans 1:18-19: 'Through one mans righteous act of obedience, we were made righteous.'


II Cor 5:17-21: We are a new creation, reconciled to God, by God, through Christ Jesus. Sins not imputed to us. We are the righteousness of God in Him.'


Hebrews 8:12- 'God is merciful to our unrighteousness, our sins and lawless deeds remembered no more.'


Hebrews 9:24-28- 'Christ offered Himself for us, entered the Holiest of Holies, to put away sin. He is coming back for us apart from sin, for salvation.'


Colossians 2:13-15: 'He made us alive, forgave our trespasses, wiped out the hand written requirements of the law which were against us, disarming satans accusations.'


Romans 8:31-39: 'If God is for us, who can be against us, freely gives us all things, who shall bring a charge against God's elect? God justifies, who can condemn? Christ died and rose again, and is seated at the right hand of God making intercession for us. Who shall separate us from His love? We are more than conquerors through Him who loves us. Nothing shall separate us from the love of God.' (Read John ch. 17)


Footnote: Never give preeminence to man, men are fallible, the Holy Spirit is not. Ask the Lord for wisdom concerning what you just read, do your homework, study God's word, and let God through the Spirit either reject or confirm. I believe one of the biggest problems in modern christianity is that we place far too much trust in men.


Let God's word be true and every man a liar. I'm not calling God's people liars, I'm simply saying that God's word remains true even when we fail.


May You find rest for you soul.


Commentary by:


G.L.Miller