The term conviction (ἔλεγχος) denotes the process of exposing or proving something. It involves reproof, which differs from rebuke. Rebuke is stronger and more confrontational, whereas conviction is delivered with the intent of constructive improvement. Conviction provides evidence to support a claim or belief.
Understanding the term conviction is important, because it does not convey the idea of accusing a person or persuading them of their guilt. Conviction provides the evidence for why we believe what we believe. Conviction is not judgment but laying out the truth, demonstrating that our faith is based upon actual promises from God, not from human presumption.
Conviction is evident in the Holy Spirit’s work concerning the unbelievers today. He convicts of one sin—the sin of not believing in Christ’s death for sins and resurrection on the third day (John 16:8-9). He is not making them feel guilty about their personal sins or lifestyle. Rather, He is convincing them through the truth of the Gospel for salvation (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). This conviction involves providing evidence of righteousness because Christ has been raised, along with reproof of judgment because the ruler of this world has been judged and is, therefore, under condemnation (John 16:10-11).
Conviction is the presentation of evidence or proof for the foundation of a belief. Faith is the substance of that which is hoped for, the conviction of accomplished works not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Since hope is always based upon a promise (Romans 8:24), faith serves as the underlying substance for hope in that promise.
If we do not believe the one giving the promise, we will not act according to their word. For instance, if someone promises to pick us up and take us home, we will not make other arrangements if we trust that person. However, if they are known for not keeping their word, we would be wise to ensure we have another means to get home. In such a case, we have no faith in their promise and are only wishing they would do what they say.
Similarly, our faith in God is based upon Who He is and What He does. Unlike with humans, since God always does what He says He will do, our trust in His promises is not wishful thinking. Instead, our faith is based upon reality. Therefore, faith does not require seeing the accomplished work to be effective. Rather, faith acts in a manner as though the work will be completed as stated.
God says that when we believe that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day according to the Scriptures, He will save us (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). Since faith is the conviction of accomplished deeds not seen, it is important to learn about the content of this salvation and how to use what God has provided to us to live out the life we now have in Christ. Although we do not yet see our full redemption, He has given us all things pertaining to life and godliness. Moreover, His grace teaches us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires, enabling us to live with a saved frame of mind, righteously, and godly in this present malignantly evil age.
Scripture, which is God-breathed, is profitable towards teaching, conviction, correction, and child-training (2 Timothy 3:16). Using the Word of God, a Pastor is instructed to preach in season and out of season while convicting along with rebuking in all long-suffering and doctrine (2 Timothy 4:2). Conviction involves presenting evidence concerning the promises of God, while rebuke addresses correcting heresy and failures to act appropriately.
Believers are in the Christ—the new creation God made in raising Jesus from the dead (2 Corinthians 5:17). Therefore, we are not to fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but are instead to convict them (Ephesians 5:11). A Christian who partakes in darkness is evident when attempting to live through law rather than out from faith. This Christian’s works will be unfruitful because he is not walking by faith and, therefore, taking God at His Word. Instead, he is using the flesh. He, along with all others who walk in darkness, should be convicted by our lifestyle as we walk in the light and speak the truth.
Walking in the darkness means a life that is focused on fulfilling the desires of the flesh while ignoring spiritual things. Light is God’s life in activity. When walking in the light, we manifest a quality of the life of God – the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
In English, “convict” can carry a meaning of someone being found guilty of an offense or crime. However, in Scripture, conviction conveys the act of fully persuading someone based upon truth. Faith is the conviction of that which is hoped for and the evidence of accomplished deeds not seen; it is not the conviction of guilt. When Jude wrote of the judgment to come when the ungodly will be convicted of their ungodly works, he indicates that when judgment comes upon them, they will be convinced by the facts of their works. This persuasion by evidence will show they are fully deserving of what they receive in return for their works (Jude 15 – to do judgment and according to all and to convince every soul concerning their ungodly works).
It is not merely our words that will convict others of the truth, but our actions. This does not mean we will always receive a positive response, as some may reject the truth and react negatively when confronted by it. However, others may be convicted of their unbelief or ungodly works and respond by changing their mind.
Therefore, let the conviction of our faith be demonstrated through our lifestyle, not just our words, because faith without works is dead.