Conviction Of Sin
* What is it?
It is to be convicted and convinced of a spiritual crime (sin). An inward awareness of one's sin and sinnerhood. It is to be convinced that one is a sinner bound for judgment, stripping a sinner of his self-righteousness. It is God humbling us making us realize who we are in His eyes. A preparatory work for salvation.
* Who does it?
Joh 16:8 "And when He has come, He (Holy Spirit) will convict the world of sin...
It is the work of the Holy Spirit. It is not natural in man. It is supernaturally wrought out in him by the Spirit.
* Examples of men being convicted of their sin
- Isaiah's experience
Isa 6:5 Then I said, Woe is me! For I am undone; for I am a man of unclean lips
Isaiah became aware of his woeful (not blessed) sinful and spiritually ruined condition
- Peter's experience
Lu 5:8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!"
Peter became aware of his unholiness and sinnerhood.
- The tax collector's experience
Lu 18:13 And standing afar off, the tax-collector would not even lift up his eyes to Heaven, but struck on his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner!
The Tax Collector became sorrowful of his sinful condition and realized that only God's mercy could save him.
- The men of Israel's experience
Ac 2:37 And hearing this, they were stabbed in the heart, and said to Peter and to the other apostles, Men, brothers, what shall we do?
They were pierced with the guilt of their sin and became concerned about what to do with it.
- The Philippian jailer's experience
Ac 16:29 Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas.
30 And he brought them out and said, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
The Jailer's case was intense (conviction varies in degrees in every case) he trembled about his unsaved condition and asked: "What must he do in order to be saved?" Conviction of sin made him ask this question.
Have you been convicted of sin enough to make you concerned about your spiritual condition that you desire salvation? Do you now realize that you are spiritually undone and ruined, that you cannot save yourself? If yes, one more step, come to Christ and what He did on the cross, trust in Him for salvation.
