As we are in preparation for the ensuing Pentecost, one thing that might miss our attention is the role that the Holy Spirit plays in our day to day life. No doubt, we are anointed with the Spirit at the time of our baptism. Again, this anointing gets rekindled every time we receive sacraments in a worthy manner. Now it is time to know to what extent the Holy Spirit is active in us. It is ideal to do such an introspection before we celebrate the feast of Pentecost.
This calls for a clear idea about how the Holy Spirit works in us. Jesus Christ said that the Spirit of Truth will prove the world wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment (Jn 16:8). So if we enjoy a good fellowship with the Holy Spirit we should have a clear idea about these three things.This is an important examination and unless we qualify in it, ‘indeed, we fail to meet the test’ (2 Cor 13:5).
The Holy Spirit had to teach us about sin because people do not believe in Jesus, the only Savior. As for righteousness, the Spirit convinces and convicts the world because Jesus Christ has ascended into heaven, to be with the Father, and we would not see him again until his second coming. Again the ruler of this world is condemned at the time of fulfilment of God’s salvific plan that culminated at Calvary. A final judgment awaits Satan and those who partake in his works. A separation between the godly and ungodly is already underway and ‘the Lord knows how to rescue the godly from trial, and to keep the unrighteous under punishment until the day of judgment…’ (2 Pet 2:9). The Holy Spirit teaches us about judgment because there is a real danger of many, who because of their ‘evil and unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God’ (Heb 3:12) would end up in the ‘lake that burns with fire and sulfur’ (Rev 21:8).
Unfortunately, we are part of a generation where the spirit of this world is so strong that it neglects and often mocks the concepts of sin, righteousness, and judgment. Things that were hitherto considered sin are now celebrated as virtues. Abominations are exalted in the name of freedom and liberty. Those who preach about righteousness themselves practice unrighteousness and often it becomes the rule. Concerted efforts are on to deny the truth of our Lord’s second coming, final judgment, and the eternity that awaits us. The devil has succeeded greatly in his efforts to distract humanity from truth.
We need the anointing of the Holy Spirit to understand the truths about sin, righteousness, and judgment. It is the same Lord who once told us that we will know the truth and the truth will make us free (Jn 8:32), promised to send the Holy Spirit to us to reveal the truth in its fullness. Indeed, he kept his word, and now it is our duty to take its benefit.
We saw the fulfilment of Joel’s prophecy about God pouring out his spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28) at the time of the first Pentecost. It did not stop there, but continues through generations. Let us walk in the true light of the Holy Spirit before the sun turns to darkness, and the moon turns to blood, and the great and terrible day of the Lord comes (Joel 2:31). May the Holy Spirit send his wisdom and teach us about sin, righteousness, and judgment. May this be our prayer for this Pentecost.
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