Have you ever been a Convict? Hearing the gavel slam down on the cherry block of wood, to hear the words..."guilty". And then find yourself being placed behind bars because you have been "convicted" of a crime?
Shamefully I have to say "yes I have". I have had a Judge look at evidence that was brought, and then pronounce the sentence "guilty." I have been behind bars. I have been "convicted" of a crime.
But is there a difference between being "convicted as a criminal," and being "convicted of sin?"
Jesus told his disciples that it was better that he was going to go away because he was going to send a "Helper" that would "convict the world concerning sin..." (John 16:7-8)
I have been told by another human that I am guilty of sin. I have told myself over and over again that I am guilty of sin. I have been told by the Helper that I am guilty of sin. And I can tell you that it most certainly makes a difference who the source of the sin statement comes from.
Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit's role is to convict us of our sin. When He does this, we change our direction, our emotions, and our entire corse of life because of the impact He makes when He speaks. When I try and convict myself of a sin that I know I am guilty of, it doesn't produce the same affect. I may put up a good effort, but only to fall on my face again.
We can be guilty of crime and not know we are guilty of sin. We can be acquitted of a crime and be guilty of sin. When is the last time the Holy Spirit informed you that you were guilty of sin? And what accompanied it was lasting change. If it has been a while; either you are holy and have no sin, or the Holy sin revealer has not spoken to you for some time.
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