What Jesus Did! 'Sin, Righteousness, Judgment, and Salvation' — John 16:8-11

Thursday, October 15, 2026

[Jesus continued,] "And when [the Advocate] comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment. The world's sin is that it refuses to believe in me. Righteousness is available because I go to the Father, and you will see me no more. Judgment will come because the ruler of this world has already been judged."
— John 16:8-11 NLT

Key Thought

Jesus' promise to his disciples to send the Advocate to them was powerfully demonstrated on the day of Pentecost after Jesus' resurrection. [1] Peter and the apostles were filled with the Spirit and boldly spoke the Gospel of Jesus Christ. People were convicted in their hearts and believed that Jesus was Lord and Christ and were baptized. They were forgiven of their sins, received the gift of the Holy Spirit, and began a new life of righteousness. The Spirit brought conviction of sin and judgment, showed them the way of righteousness, and led them to salvation, just as today's verses say! The Spirit still does the same today. Let's ask that God empower us and our words through his Holy Spirit so the lost around us can know the truth of Jesus!

[1] Acts 2.

Today's Prayer

Holy and righteous Father, as your child, I know that your Holy Spirit lives in me. I ask, dear Father, that you empower my influence and my words by your Spirit so that they will be appropriate and powerful as I try to lead my friends to your salvation in Jesus, in whose name I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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Illustration

Illustration of John 16:8-11 NLT — "And when [the Advocate] comes, he will convict the world of its sin, and of God's righteousness, and of the coming judgment.

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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