There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:1 (NIV)
It is heartbreaking to know that many believers of Christ claim to be set free from the hold of sin, but they still live under condemnation. It's like receiving a gift from someone, being thankful for it, but never opening it. He gave us the gift to become children of God, the freedom from the grip of sin, still, we choose to live under condemnation with our heads in remorse because of what we have done. Believing the lie that we still have to pay a prize.
“And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.”
John 16:8 (NIV)
If the Holy Spirit came to convict us, what is the difference then between condemnation and conviction? The Author and Pastor, Ben Godwin, gave a good explanation and I would like to share it with you:
"Conviction is from God (accept it); condemnation is from Satan (reject it).
Conviction leads you to repentance; condemnation drives you to despair.
Conviction inspires you to keep striving; condemnation tells you to quit.
Conviction says God will help you; condemnation says there’s no hope for you.
Conviction shows you the answer; condemnation only shows you the problem.
Conviction helps you change; condemnation says you’ll never change.
The big difference between the two is obvious in Peter and Judas.
Conviction drove Peter to repentance; condemnation drove Judas to suicide!"
We need conviction in our lives dear friends. Conviction opens up our eyes to the truth. It guides us when we go astray and shows us God's plan for our lives in love.
It reminds me of the story in John 8:3-11.
The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground. At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her,
“Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”
“No one, sir,” she said.
“Then neither do I condemn you,” Jesus declared.
“Go now and leave your life of sin.”
This is a perfect example of the difference between condemnation and conviction. The people wanted to condemn the woman. They wanted her to pay for the sin that they claimed she did. But in one sentence, in one second Jesus brought conviction and their eyes opened. He showed them the truth, and one by one they left, convicted of their own sin. Not only were they convicted, but the woman as well. She experienced grace and acceptance from Jesus. She wouldn't have wanted to sin again. because Jesus didn't condemn her but accepted her with undeserving love.
Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Acts 2:37 (NIV)
Conviction pierces through hearts of stone and leads us to repentance. It changes everything, it builds our faith, which is the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1).
We struggle to distinguish between right and wrong in our human nature and that is why we need the Holy Spirit. When He comes into your life, He comes with full conviction (1 Thessalonians 1:5). May this be the prayer of our hearts that He will show us the lukewarm parts of our lives, the parts where we judge and condemn others with patches over our eyes. May we see those around us through God's lens of love.
The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
2 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
“To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Acts 26:18 (NIV)
“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
John 16:13 (NIV)
Ready or Not - Hillsong United (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iG7i4J-02ws)
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