Corrections vs. Accusations

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life has set me free from the law of sin and death ~ Romans 8:1-2


Sometimes, I think we confuse conviction with condemnation, I know I do. Conviction, from the Greek word, elegchno, for the word "convict," means: "by conviction to bring to the light, expose; to find fault with, correct; to call to account," (blueletterbible.org). God uses conviction to expose an area in our lives in which He wants us to make a change. Condemnation, from the Greek word, katakrima, means: "damnatory sentence," (blueletterbible.org). The law of sin and death uses condemnation to keep the sinful man down, and to tear us away from our loving God.


Here's the key thing: Because we were all once of the sinful nature, we were all exposed to condemnation, which is why we often confuse conviction with condemnation. Let me say it a different way. Everything that God has made, the devil has made an "imitation" version of the truth. For example, God created sex within the bounds of marriage; the devil created pornography. Those who view pornography are led to believe that it will satisfy the way sex within marriage is meant to satisfy. However, the imitation of the truth will still never be the truth, and will never satisfy or do the same works as the truth. Since we've (often times) been exposed to the lie a lot longer than we've been able to recognized the truth, it's quite easy for us to confuse condemnation and conviction. You may ask, "How can that be," but let me assure you, Satan is very good at his job.


But not to worry, Romans 8:1 says that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Therefore, even when you mess up and cross the line, God's grace is available to you. Simply turn and accept it. You don't have to fall prey to condemnation or the ways of the sinful nature any longer. The Lord is reaching out His hand to you. Take it!