God’s divine plan to redeem humanity from sin was fulfilled through his son, Jesus Christ.
But it didn’t stop there. After Christ’s ascension back to the Father he said this.
John 16:7 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. And when he is come, he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: Of sin, because they believe not on me; Of righteousness, because I go to my Father, and ye see me no more; Of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. 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. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you. All things that the Father hath are mine: therefore said I, that he shall take of mine, and shall shew it unto you.
Christ reveals the purpose of the Holy Spirit in these verses. Initially, the Holy Spirit was tasked with reproving the world of sin. Reprove, in this context, means to teach the world about sin. The reason for this was that the world had not believed in Christ. The Holy Spirit would reveal this truth to all who heard the gospel. Therefore, it is crucial to share the message of Christ with others. How can those who have not heard believe? Didn’t Christ command us to go out and spread his word? Didn’t he also warn us that if we have an opportunity to do so and fail to do so, we will be held accountable, and their blood will be on our hands?
After hearing the word, the Holy Spirit reveals to them the righteousness that comes through Christ and their condemnation if they reject what they have heard.
(See comment for the rest)
