John 16

John 16  •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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Another thing that would mark the new dispensation is the presence of the Holy Spirit on earth. The Spirit's presence on earth proves that the old dispensation has been set aside and the new has begun. In Old Testament times, the Spirit of God worked on earth from His place of residence in heaven. He did not dwell on earth until redemption was accomplished and Christianity had begun (Acts 2:1-41And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. 4And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1‑4); Eph. 2:2222In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit. (Ephesians 2:22)). The Spirit's presence on earth demonstrates this fact before the world in three ways:
•  “Of sin”—The Spirit of God being here on earth proves the guilt of this world's sin of rejecting Christ. In order for the Spirit to be here, Christ had to leave (via the cross) and go to the Father to send the Spirit.
•  “Of righteousness”—The fact that the Spirit is here in this world proves that God has righteously received the Lord Jesus on high. He had to take that place there before He could send the Spirit here (Acts 2:32-3332This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnesses. 33Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear. (Acts 2:32‑33)).
•  “Of judgment”—The fact that the Spirit of God is here in this world is a proof that the world and its prince (Satan) have been judged and are awaiting for the execution of their judgment.