Reflections
(The Spirit of God) will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. (John 16:8)
There is NO condemnation for those in Christ Jesus. (Rom. 8:1) God never condemns the redeemed. But God does convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment.
Conviction from God is never condemnation. While BOTH condemnation and conviction do carry a sense of hopelessness within ourselves – and that is the Truth — we are hopeless if left to ourselves — condemnation leaves us there without resolution. Conviction, on the other hand, will always carry a realization of God’s forgiveness and restoration through Jesus Christ.
Condemnation makes me feel like the door to God is closed. Conviction carries the realization that the door to God is always open in Jesus Christ.
If I do not believe and rely upon Christ there really isn’t any alternative but to live in an unresolved cycle of guilt and condemnation. But if I do put my faith in Christ, I will see my sin, but I will see the One who is the answer.