Jesus Clears the Way for World Evangelization

Jesus Clears the Way for World Evangelization

 

John 16:7-16, 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. ⁸ And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:

⁹ Of sin, because they believe not on me;

¹⁰ Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more;

¹¹ Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged.

¹² I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 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. ¹⁴ He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. ¹⁵ All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you. ¹⁶ A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.

A description of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus would be most beneficial especially when considering worldwide evangelization. The work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the Lord Jesus began when Joseph has a dream and discovers Mary has conceived a Son by the Holy Spirit (Matt 1:20; Luke 1:35).  Secondly Peter’s preaching in Acts 10:37-38, revealed that Christ was anointed by the Holy Ghost and that the Spirit descended on Him at His baptism (Luke 3:22).  Immediately afterwards the Spirit of God lead Christ into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil (Matt 4:1).   Thirdly, the Lord Jesus was crucified in the power of the Holy Spirit as He offered Himself according to Hebrews 9:14, and Christ was raised from the dead by the power of the Spirit (Rom. 1:4).  Then finally the Lord Jesus commanded His apostles “through the Holy Ghost” (Acts 1:2). Again, the main work and function of the Holy Spirit is in connection with the application of the redemption that has been achieved and worked out by the Son of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The importance of John 16:7-16 must be carefully considered to see this invaluable truth. These verses suggest that the very coming and presence of the Spirit in the Church and in the world is a part of the work of applying redemption (making it available) in a general way to all people—the world.  The Lord Jesus in John 16:8-11, teaches the effect the actual coming of the Spirit has upon the world, and the very presence of the Holy Spirit in the Church convicts it of sin, and righteousness, and judgment (Acts 5:29-32). As Father and the Son before Him, the Spirit takes up the work of God’s leadership. This is just one way the Spirit of God will lead our evangelism efforts.  

First is the fact that people did not “believe” on the Lord Jesus— “sin”. Therefore, the Spirit’s coming “reproves” or convicted the world of its complete error when it had denied Jesus of Nazareth; it is proof positive and final that Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God, the Savior of the world.  The second element deals with “righteousness” because Jesus returns to His Father and is currently unseen. The Father has not only accepted Jesus, but His perfect work at Calvary and the empty tomb also.  In fact, the greatest proof of God’s acceptance of Christ as our “justification” is the sending of the Holy Spirit into this world. The third element deals with the fact that the “prince of this world is judged.” The Spirit’s descent on Pentecost was the final proof that Christ defeated Satan and of the “judgment” pronounced upon him.

This is significant because the Holy Spirit convicts people of God’s coming judgment on them. This judgment is guaranteed because Satan (the “prince of this world”) has now been legally condemned through Christ’s death and resurrection. Those who reject Jesus share the devil's fate, while believers are forgiven. Notice John 16:11,

• “Of judgment”: The Holy Spirit alerts people to God’s final justice and the reality of divine judgment. It does not matter what a person believes is or is not possible…whether they ascribe to absolutes or not. They must deal with conviction and judgment.
• “The prince of this world”: is Satan’s temporary influence and control over the rebellious, ungodly systems of the world. “Prince of this world” implies an evil worldwide kingdom. Satan once led this world’s kingdoms excluding Christ, but now we who have believed on the Lord are now subjects of Christ’s kingdom. Colossians 1:11, says, “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: ¹⁴ In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins: ¹⁵ Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” …. We can celebrate our spiritual transfer from the dominion of darkness (sin and evil) into the light-filled, loving rule of Jesus Christ. Our heavenly Father delivered us from the “power of darkness” and conveyed us into the kingdom of His beloved Son!  
• “Is judged”: The Greek verb is a past-tense, completed action pointing to Jesus ultimately defeating Satan and his condemnation as already settled and cannot be reversed. These are guaranteed realities because of the cross and resurrection of Christ. 

God comforts us believers by revealing that the ultimate enemy, Satan, has already been and is finally defeated. Because the ruler of this world stands condemned, his power over those who trust in Christ is broken. We are free from His control.

Again, the ultimate proof of God’s acceptance of Christ as believers’ justification is the sending of the Holy Spirit. This is why the events of Pentecost are included in a great sequence of historic events, that establish our salvation. The very coming of the Spirit pronounced that there is only one way to salvation, righteousness, and it is through Christ Jesus (1Cor. 1:30). Nothing proclaims this so powerfully as the descent of the Spirit sent by Christ upon the Church on Pentecost.

So, the connection between Satan’s defeat and the coming of the Holy Spirit is set before us in John 16:7-13. The death of Christ at Calvary, His resurrection, and ascension, and His sending of the Spirit soundly declared the defeat of Satan (John 16:11).  Satan is now cast out as the Lord Jesus predicted and no longer controls this world. Satan once held all nations except Israel in a form of spiritual bondage, but Christ has dethroned him and now Christ reigns supreme and is controlling the world. It is incumbent upon Christ’s churches to get the gospel out to the farthest reaches of the earth to “every creature” then (Matt. 28:18-20; Luke 24:46-49; Act 1:8).

We cannot pay this “spiritual debt” simply by giving money for missions and praying for missionaries, even though both of these ministries are important and essential. We must present ourselves to the Lord as living sacrifices (Rom. 12:1-2), available to him for whatever work he wants us to do, starting at home. The first missionaries began their witness right at home in Jerusalem and then enlarged their circle of ministry to include “the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). Dr. Oswald J. Smith often said, “The light that shines the farthest will shine the brightest at home.”

“Are people in today’s world lost?” is not an academic question for theologians to debate in some ivory tower. The question is at the heart of the church’s ministry, and the answer to the question is, “Yes, all men without Christ are lost.” And what are you doing about it? Are you paying your debt by sharing the gospel with others? (W. W. Wiersbe)

Certainly, our Lord Jesus cleared the way for worldwide evangelization, and we must recognize our opportunities to share the hope of Christ with others immediately before us and around the world. May we follow carefully the Spirit’s guidance as we steward the gospel to the world. Beloved, this is ‘kingdom’ work and our church’s mission.