Setting Conviction vs. Condemnation

As a pastor I often run into people who confuse the conviction of sin that only God brings with the condemnation that only the Enemy brings. 

Two of the most important passages of scripture on this subject are:

“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” – 2 Corinthians 7:10

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

Mark Driscoll, in his book Who Do You Think You Are?, offers this helpful breakdown:

Conviction is from God . . . Condemnation is from Satan.

Conviction leads to life . . . Condemnation leads to despair.

Conviction ends in joy . . . Condemnation ends in sorrow.

Conviction makes us want to change . . . Condemnation makes us believe we cannot change.

Conviction leads to new identity in Christ . . . Condemnation leads to old identity in sin.

Conviction brings specific awareness of sin . . . Condemnation brings vague uncertainty about sin.

Conviction looks to Jesus . . . Condemnation looks to self.

Conviction is a blessing . . . Condemnation is a burden.

I believe the most critical thing to note is that conviction always offers a way out, a way to freedom.  However, condemnation always leaves us trapped or, worse yet, sinking deeper and slipping farther away into captivity.

To me this is very clear, though I must confess that I have been susceptible to the pull of condemnation more than once in my life.  I don’t like conviction because I don’t like dealing with the sin in my life.  Yet I know from experience that the only way to really be free – spiritually, emotionally, mentally and sometimes even physically – from sin is straight through conviction (godly sorrow) that leads straight to repentance.

Remember this good news, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9)

Why do you believe there tends to be confusion between conviction and condemnation?

What has your journey to clarity and freedom looked like?