Verse 9
There is some question about the correct interpretation of "because" or "in regard to" (Gr. hoti) in these verses. Was Jesus identifying the cause for the conviction in each case, as "because" suggests (e.g., NASB), or was He identifying the specific subject of conviction, as "in regard to" suggests (e.g., NIV)? Normally hoti introduces a causal clause, and that is evidently what Jesus intended here. However, He could have meant both things. This may be another instance of double meaning, which is quite common in this Gospel.
Failure to believe on Jesus after He had come is the great damning sin (John 3:18; John 3:36). If people believed Jesus, they would believe what He said about their guilt, and they would turn to Him in repentance. In spite of their unbelief the Spirit graciously convicts unbelievers of their sinfulness so they will believe on Jesus. He may convict them of the individual sins they have committed, but a person can clean up his life and still go to hell. It is the sin of unbelief in Jesus Christ that condemns people.
"A court can convict a man of murder, but only the Spirit can convict him of unbelief." [Note: Tenney, "John," p. 157.]
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