Condemnation vs. Conviction

2 Tim. 3:16
    All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Romans 8:1
    There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

There is a BIG difference between condemnation and conviction, but in many churches there isn't any difference at all.  Because of some that teach grace and using it in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1), when it comes with one of the works of the Holy Spirit is misconstrued as legalistic instead of freedom.  Let's look at the definition of conviction and condemnation so we can have a good foundation to build on before we continue.

First, convict:   find or declare guilty (Word Web def.), thus conviction is a final judgment of guilty in a criminal case and the punishment that is imposed.  Now, in the Bible we would only be declared guilty if:
1.  We need to do something wrong.
2.  Then we are proven by association we are wrong.
 
In the Word, it is proclaimed that two or three witnesses are needed in the physical.  If this holds in the spiritual, we have God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit as witnesses, along with our conscience, that can be used against us.  Understand that when we do wrong against others, their witness also comes into play.  Before I continue on, I want to go off on a tangent for one moment.  This we all have done.
 
In the movie "White Men Can't Jump," the character played by Wesley Snipes eventually cons his partner and brags about it.  Later in the film, he screams at everyone around in the apartment complex when someone steals his stuff.  As Christians, we have no problem screaming for justice to God when someone does wrong to us, but we will demand mercy from God when we do wrong to others.  (NOTE:  I have a reason for bringing this up, which I will show you toward the end of this blog.)
 
No one likes to be convicted of doing something wrong, especially something we KNOW is wrong but do not want to be rid of it, including me.  Some pulpits refuse to preach on conviction do to they fear losing their paycheck, er, congregation.  A few may also fear those listening would feel they are being condemn BECAUSE of what they are doing , KNOWING it is wrong. 
 
Now condemn: pronounce a sentence on (somebody) in a court of law.  (There are some different definitions, but this is the one we need in the sake of this discussion.)  In many instances, especially when it involves another person, we confuse condemnation with being convicted.  In the Bible, being condemned is announcing eternal judgment, which only God can do.  

Conviction is what the Holy Spirit can do.  Conviction is when we have proven what an action we performed was wrong.  Condemnation is a FINAL punishment in the Word of God.  This is why there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because we have the Holy Spirit to convict us on things we do, to prevent us through repentance from repeating what we were guilty of.  
 
We fear the this part of the Holy Spirit's ministry.  It is an integral part of our lives that allow our faith and trust to grow in Him.  Without this, we could not see the grieving we cause the Spirit.  We would eventually began to notice this and mistaken it for condemnation, preventing us from truly seeking His presence.  We only go so far, then we can go no further, because our sin and eventual guilt keeps us from going deeper.
 
I brought up earlier how we want justice done against us but mercy when we are the initiators.  The Bible does say we are to confess our sins and He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins (1 John 1:9) but we fail to utilize James 5:16:
 
    Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
 
How come we never are willing to confess our faults to one another?  Are we afraid we will be convicted in front of our peers?  Sometimes these confessions are needed to bring forgiveness and healing to others, but we need to address our own issues first (2 Con. 13:5).  If the Word says it, it has a reason and it must be good, and it gives good reason - healing.  Maybe this in one healing God is wanting to do and is waiting on us with this Scripture...
Maybe one day it will happen in a service...one day.

Jeremiah 6:16

Michael