It is evident from John 16:7, 8 that the work of the Spirit in the world is that of conviction and restraint concerning sin.  He accomplishes this work through the bodies of those He indwells (I Corinthians 6:19).  Spirit-indwelled believers have a purifying effect on the world.  The Antichrist cannot be revealed until the Bride of Christ (the Church – all believers dead and living) are removed (II Thessalonians 2:3, 7, 8).

This does not mean that the Holy Spirit must be removed from the earth.  This is not possible since He, as God, is omnipresent (present everywhere at all times) Psalms 139:7-11 and always will be.