Pastor Larry mentioned this verse with the reminder that a lack of "condemnation" is not a lack of "conviction." Since I enjoy playing words, my mind went chasing the rabbit down the trail of what makes these words different. Both have to deal with rules or laws and the violation of them. But as I tried to wrap my mind around the difference, I envisioned myself standing in a courtroom before grand jury.Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus, because the Spirit's law of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and of death.
(Romans 8:1-2 HCSB)
While both the "conviction" and the "condemnation" come at the end of the proceedings, they came in two totally different pronouncements. Conviction takes place when the jury foreman proclaims, "We find the defendant guilty of ____." Conviction is proof of guilt, but it is not condemnation. Condemnation follows when the presiding judge passes sentence and the consequences for the violation are pronounced. HERE lies the difference.
Why is there conviction without condemnation for the Christian? Romans 8:2 tells us that it is because the law of sin and death has been replaced by the law of life in Christ. That was done through Christ taking the consequences on our behalf. There can be no condemnation for the price has already been paid.
Conviction will remain so long as there is a transgression of which one is guilty. As a child I remember that knowing my actions caused pain and heartache to my mother or father was enough to make me feel guilty and change my actions. As a child of God, it should be no different. I pray that I never stop being convicted when I grieve my Lord.
- Andy
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