Why singular in John 16:8?

by | Jun 7, 2020

John 16:8, what is Jesus saying that the Holy Spirit does?

  1. convict the world concerning sin
  2. righteousness
  3. judgment:

3 things.

Watch closely the first point,

“he(HolySpirit) will convict the world concerning sin“

What does it say? Does it say ‘sins’ or ‘sin’?

sins = plural, meaning many sins
sin = singular, concerning one sin

Jesus is going to explain in verse 9, what that sin (singular) is. Before that you need to understand, why this is an important point. It is Christians that about sin and I understand the good intention. Let the Word teach you.

Hebrews 10:2 English Standard Version (ESV)

2 Otherwise, would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?

Watch out, here it says ‘sins’ plural. 

Now see the agruement, 

Hebrews 10:12 English Standard Version (ESV)

12 But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God,

Oh, oh, now what did you see? ‘single sacrifise’ for what?

for sins (plural, meaning many sins)

If sins (plural) have been dealt with, what is the sin (singular) that the HolySpirit will convict the world concerning?

Verse 9 of John 16

John 16:9 English Standard Version (ESV)

9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;

concerning sin, because they do not beleive in Jesus. 

sin (singular) = is not believing in Jesus. 

Now, do you do not belive Hebrews 10:12, Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins. If you do not believe this statement, only then you will be sin-conscious. If you do not believe then you will try to live a holy life, to live a righteous life.

What? You immediate thought would be, “only unbelievers do not try to live a holy life, as a Christians we have to try to have a righteous holy life?”

I understand your shock. It is pretty normal for a carnal mind to think that way. Now watch this, 

What does the HolySpirit do? 3 things.

  1. convict the world concerning sin
  2. righteousness
  3. judgment:

Hmmm, the second point is ‘righteousness’.

What is ‘righteousness’?

It is you trying to live a holy righteous life. Wrong…

Jesus explains verse 8 in verse 10 

John 16:10 English Standard Version (ESV)

10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;

righteousness, because Jesus rose again and went to HIS Father.

  • Sin dealt with HIS death.
  • Righteousness with HIS resurrection.

Do you have anything to do with these two? Apart from beleiving,there is nothing you can add or subtract.

What about the third point, ‘judgment’?

Jesus is telling in verse 11.

John 16:11 English Standard Version (ESV)

11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.

Again 3 points from John 16:8

  1. convict the world concerning sin
  2. righteousness
  3. judgment:

You would have questions. That is a good thing. It means you have began to understand. If you do not have any questions, it means that you have not even read the verse and have glanced it through.

Have questions and ask them. Share your questions in the comments section.

by | Jun 7, 2020