Spiritual discernment is necessary for spiritual survival. When we fail to discern correctly, we fail to walk in victory. It’s like fighting the devil blindfolded. Many people are under demonic attacks because they give into the devil’s snare of condemnation. If a Christian cannot figure out the difference between condemnation and conviction, they fail to figure out the difference between oppression and freedom.

It is imperative that we learn to discern the difference between condemnation and conviction. Jesus Christ died on the cross to set the captives free, free from the trap of satan, free from all condemnation, once and for all. The primary reason most people fail to discern between condemnation and conviction is because it feels very much alike. Condemnation and conviction both lead to an awareness of sinfulness, yet they both operate in opposition.

The following are the distinctions between condemnation and conviction.

  1. Condemnation is a demonic spirit, whereas conviction is always from the Holy Spirit.
  2. Condemnation is for those who do not believe in Jesus Christ. Conviction is only for believers. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God (John 3:17-18)
  3. Condemnation makes people feel guilty for the wrongs they have done; however, conviction leads people to repentance.
  4. Condemnation intends to destroy the person. Conviction aims at restoring the person.
  5. Condemnation leads people away from God. Conviction leads people towards God.
  6. Condemnation leads to ungodly sorrow which results in despair, whereas conviction leads to godly sorrow which leads to joy.
  7. Condemnation has to do with punishment. Conviction works towards disciplining the person.
  8. In the end condemnation leads to death, whereas conviction leads to eternal life.

We all have sinned and fallen many times. When we sin, we become the offender. Just as in the court of law the offender has a prosecuting attorney and a defence attorney, we too likewise have satan as our prosecuting attorney and we have Jesus Christ as our defence attorney. Satan, our prosecuting attorney, aims at accusing us of our crimes. Jesus is our advocate who supports us and defends us. Jesus never supports the sin we have done; however, He supports us in pleading for us to be not guilty. Satan tries his best to prove us guilty and condemn us to death, whereas Jesus Christ has taken our place instead, forgiven us for our sins and acquitted us from all the wrong done and has set us free.

The question that arises is how do you determine if it is condemnation or conviction? The simple answer is, it is most likely conviction if you have not repented of your sins and it is condemnation if you are condemned for a sin that you have already repented. The Holy Spirit will convict you if you have an unrepented sin, so that you are aware of your sinfulness, which leads you to godly sorrow and repentance. It disciplines you, which leads you on the path of righteousness and toward God and fills your life with joy. If you have already repented of your sins and you still feel guilty, it is condemnation because it only leads to guilt and shame for what you have done and no resolution in return, which leads a person away from God and into despair.

What to do if you are facing condemnation and conviction? When you feel convicted the best thing you can do is repent of your sins and God will forgive you.

The Lord is merciful and gracious,

slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.

He will not always accuse,

nor will he keep his anger forever.

He does not deal with us according to our sins,

nor repay us according to our iniquities.

For as the heavens are high above the earth,

so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him;

as far as the east is from the west,

so far he removes our transgressions from us.

As a father has compassion for his children,

so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him.

For he knows how we were made;

he remembers that we are dust. (Ps 103: 8-14)

When we repent of our sins, God remembers it no more, but if we try to hide our sins, it will be uncovered and revealed. The best way to live, is to always live a repentant life. That way the devil has no stronghold in our lives.

When you feel condemned, learn to walk in the grace and mercy of God and to know and believe that, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Rom 8:1). Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made you free (Gal 5:1). If you have been tormented in your life with condemnation, do an intensive study on the grace of God and once you begin to understand the true meaning of grace, you will never feel condemned ever again.

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