MacArthur: the specific purpose of laying the groundwork for repentance

Finally, remember that it is the Gospel of John that outlines the Holy Spirit’s ministry of conviction toward the unbelieving world ( John 16:8–11 ). Of what does the Holy Spirit convict unbelievers? Of “sin, righteousness, and judgment” ( John 16:8 ). Wouldn’t it seem that the Holy Spirit’s ministry of convicting people of sin and its consequences has the specific purpose of laying the groundwork for repentance?

Repentance underlies all John’s writings. It is understood, not necessarily explicit. His readers were so familiar with the apostolic message that he didn’t need to dwell on the issue of repentance. John was emphasizing different facets of the gospel message than those highlighted by Matthew, Mark, and Luke. But he most assuredly was not writing to contradict them! His aim certainly was not to devise a no-lordship doctrine of salvation.

In fact, John’s purpose was exactly the opposite. He was showing that Jesus is God (e.g., 1:1–18 ; 5:18 ; 12:37–41 ). John’s readers clearly understood the implication of that: If Jesus is God and we must receive Him as God ( John 1:12 ), our first duty in coming to Him is to repent (cf. Luke 5:8 ).

MacArthur, J. F., Jr. (2000). The gospel according to the Apostles: the role of works in the life of faith. Nashville, TN: Word Pub.

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