Topical Encyclopedia
Conviction, in a biblical context, refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing awareness of sin, righteousness, and judgment to individuals. It is a profound sense of guilt and recognition of one's need for repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is essential for understanding the process of spiritual transformation and growth in the Christian life.
Biblical FoundationThe primary biblical basis for conviction is found in the Gospel of John, where Jesus speaks of the role of the Holy Spirit: "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" (
John 16:8). This passage highlights the Holy Spirit's active role in revealing the truth about sin and the need for righteousness, as well as the reality of coming judgment.
Conviction of SinConviction of sin is the initial step in the process of salvation. It involves a deep awareness of one's sinful nature and the realization that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (
Romans 3:23). This awareness is not merely intellectual but penetrates the heart, leading to genuine sorrow and repentance. The Apostle Paul experienced such conviction on the road to Damascus, which led to his dramatic conversion (
Acts 9:1-19).
Conviction and RepentanceTrue conviction leads to repentance, a turning away from sin and a turning toward God. The Apostle Peter, in his sermon at Pentecost, called the people to repentance after they were "cut to the heart" by the message of the gospel (
Acts 2:37-38). This response to conviction is essential for receiving forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Conviction and RighteousnessConviction also involves an understanding of righteousness, which is found in Jesus Christ alone. The Holy Spirit reveals the righteousness of Christ and the believer's need to be clothed in His righteousness through faith. The Apostle Paul writes, "For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last" (
Romans 1:17).
Conviction and JudgmentFinally, conviction encompasses the reality of judgment. The Holy Spirit impresses upon the heart the certainty of God's judgment against sin and the need for salvation through Christ. This awareness motivates believers to live holy lives, knowing that they will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ (
2 Corinthians 5:10).
Role in the Believer's LifeFor the believer, conviction is an ongoing work of the Holy Spirit, prompting continual growth in holiness and conformity to the image of Christ. It serves as a guide, helping believers discern right from wrong and encouraging them to live according to God's will. The writer of Hebrews exhorts believers to "encourage one another daily, as long as it is called 'Today,' so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness" (
Hebrews 3:13).
ConclusionConviction is a vital aspect of the Christian faith, serving as the catalyst for repentance, faith, and spiritual growth. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, individuals are brought to a deeper understanding of their need for Christ and are empowered to live lives that reflect His righteousness and truth.
Topical Bible Verses
1 Corinthians 14:24But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believes not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all:
Topicalbible.orgRomans 2:15
Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;)
Topicalbible.org
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
n.) The act of convicting; the act of proving, finding, or adjudging, guilty of an offense.
2. (n.) A judgment of condemnation entered by a court having jurisdiction; the act or process of finding guilty, or the state of being found guilty of any crime by a legal tribunal.
3. (n.) The act of convincing of error, or of compelling the admission of a truth; confutation.
4. (n.) The state of being convinced or convicted; strong persuasion or belief; especially, the state of being convicted of sin, or by one's conscience.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
CONVICT; CONVICTIONkon-vikt', kon-vik'-shun (elegcho and compounds, "to prove guilty"): Usual translation of English Versions of the Bible, where the King James Version has "convince," as inJohn 8:46Titus 1:9James 2:9; once also replacing the King James Version "reprove" (John 16:8), while the Revised Version (British and American) changes the King James Version "convince" into "reprove" in1 Corinthians 14:24. It always implies the presentation of evidence. It is a decision presumed to be based upon a careful and discriminating consideration of all the proofs offered, and has a legal character, the verdict being rendered either in God's judgment (Romans 3:19), or before men (John 8:46) by an appeal to their consciences in which God's law is written (Romans 2:15). Since such conviction is addressed to the heart of the guilty, as well as concerning him externally, the word "reprove" is sometimes substituted. To "convict. in respect of righteousness, and of judgment" (John 16:8), refers to the conviction of the inadequacy and perversity of the ordinary, natural standards of righteousness and judgment, and the approval of those found in Christ, by the agency of the Holy Spirit, as the great interpreter and applier of the work of Christ.
H. E. Jacobs
Greek
4136. plerophoria -- full assurance... Transliteration: plerophoria Phonetic Spelling: (play-rof-or-ee'-ah) Short Definition:
full assurance Definition: full assurance,
conviction, confidence.
...1650. elegchos -- a proof, test
... See 1651 (). Word Origin from elegcho Definition a proof, test NASB Word Usage
conviction (1).... From elegcho; proof,conviction -- evidence, reproof....
3988. peismone -- persuasion
... Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: peismone Phonetic Spelling:
(pice-mon-ay') Short Definition: persuasion,conviction Definition: persuasion...
4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... "Faith is the divinely givenconviction of things unseen" (Homer Kent Jr., ,
217, quoting Theological Dictionary of the NT vol 2, 476)....
2473. isopsuchos -- like-minded
... equal-soul (identity)" shows believers (when led by God) will treat the moral weight
of a matter similarly, ie with the same (Spirit-produced)conviction....
1594. eknepho -- to become sober (after drunkenness)
... senses" (, 1, 30.26); sober-minded because "snapped " the intoxicating influence
of sin (darkness) and brought into of spiritual truth (conviction, faith, etc...
3349. meteorizo -- to raise on high, fig. to be in suspense
... 3349 -- properly, in mid-air; (figuratively) to shift from one "conviction" to
another; (), like a person living "" (used only in Lk 12:29)....
4572. seautou -- of (to, for) yourself
... Word Origin refl. pronoun from su and autos Definition of (to, for) yourself NASB
Word Usage ownconviction (1), own self (1), yourself (38). of you....
2784. kerusso -- to be a herald, proclaim
... proclaim, herald, preach. 2784 -- properly, to (proclaim); to (announce) a
message publicly and withconviction (persuasion). 2784 ("to...
Library
Conviction of Sin.
... X.CONVICTION OF SIN. WHEN man is taken and laid under the day of God's
power, when Christ is opening his ear to discipline, and...
Conviction of Sin by the Law, Rom. 7 8 9 14 24
... Hymns. Book 1. Hymn 1:115.Conviction of sin by the law, Rom. 7. 8 9 14 24. 1
Lord, how secure my conscience was, And felt no inward dread!...
The Ascension Necessary for theConviction of the Apostles.
... CHAPTER IX. THE ASCENSION. Section 307. The Ascension necessary for the
Conviction of the Apostles. Moreover, the resurrection of...
ImperfectConviction.
... Book IX. Chapter XVI."ImperfectConviction. Then said the old man: "My
son Clement has wisely framed his argument, so that he...
UnalterableConviction.
... Homily I. Chapter XXI."UnalterableConviction. When he had thus spoken,
I:answered: "Now do I thank God; for as I wished to be...
Of the Different Sorts ofConviction.
... II. Second Conference of Abbot Moses. Chapter XXVII. Of the different sorts
ofconviction. But how and in what way those very convictions...
Of the Different Causes ofConviction.
... Of the different causes ofconviction.... We know too that by the death of a brother
or some one dear to us, we are no less carried away to fullconviction....
Conviction of Sin by the Law. Rom. 7:8,9,14,24.
... HYMNS AND SPIRITUAL SONGS IN THREE BOOKS. HYMN 115Conviction of sin by the law.
Rom. 7:8,9,14,24. CMConviction of sin by the law. Rom.7:8,9,14,24....
The Arrows ofConviction.
... The Arrows ofConviction. I remember while preaching in Glasgow, an incident
occurred which I will relate. I had been preaching...
Conviction of Weakness.
... CONCERNING THE ASSISTANCE RENDERED BY THE FATHERLY PROVIDENCE OF GOD TO THOSE SOULS
WHO HAVE ABANDONED THEMSELVES TO HIM: SECTION VII."Conviction of Weakness...
Thesaurus
Conviction (10 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONVICT;
CONVICTION. kon
... Christ. HE Jacobs.
Multi-Version Concordance
Conviction (10 Occurrences).
...Evidently (4 Occurrences)
... the purchase of the field in Anathoth), the Revised Version (British and American)
"deed"; "evidence" is also the translation of elegchos, "conviction," in the...
Evidence (41 Occurrences)
... the purchase of the field in Anathoth), the Revised Version (British and American)
"deed"; "evidence" is also the translation of elegchos, "conviction," in the...
Evident (26 Occurrences)
... the purchase of the field in Anathoth), the Revised Version (British and American)
"deed"; "evidence" is also the translation of elegchos, "conviction," in the...
Convict (12 Occurrences)
... 6. (vt) To demonstrate by proof or evidence; to prove. 7. (vt) To defeat; to doom
to destruction. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CONVICT;CONVICTION....
Christianity
... Divine revelation given to Israel. Thisconviction of His is the point round
which His whole message revolves. The most recent New...
Inward (43 Occurrences)
... But you have acquired a deep inwardconviction of having been adopted as sons--a
conviction which prompts us to cry aloud, "Abba! our Father!" (WEY)....
Fills (20 Occurrences)
... But you have acquired a deep inwardconviction of having been adopted as sons--a
conviction which prompts us to cry aloud, "Abba! our Father!" (WEY)....
Tone (9 Occurrences)
... Hebrews 6:9 But we, even while we speak in this tone, have a happierconviction
concerning you, my dearly-loved friends--aconviction of things which point...
Terror (137 Occurrences)
... But you have acquired a deep inwardconviction of having been adopted as sons--a
conviction which prompts us to cry aloud, "Abba! our Father!" (WEY)....
Resources
What is the conviction of sin? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about indecision / being indecisive? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is it important to have personal convictions? | GotQuestions.orgConviction: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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