True False Conviction

Let’s talk about true and false conviction, which some may refer to as true and false guilt. I prefer the term conviction because it captures the internal struggle, the soul noise, people experience. However, using guilt is also acceptable.

True conviction occurs when God convicts us of sin. We’ve transgressed His moral authority, His Word, and thus we commit sin and feel the Holy Spirit’s grief and quenching. This conviction weighs on our souls, demanding a response. This is what we call true guilt or true conviction. In these moments, we must confess, meaning we agree with God about our sin. We acknowledge our wrongdoing, seek His forgiveness, and God declares us not guilty. We confess our sins, He forgives us, and cleanses us from all unrighteousness based on Christ’s finished work, not our efforts. This leads to love, joy, peace, holiness, and victory.

On the other hand, false conviction, or false guilt, mirrors true conviction but differs significantly. After sinning and confessing, acknowledging our sin before God and others, He declares us not guilty. However, the issue arises when we accept God’s forgiveness but cling to the lingering feelings of guilt, shame, and fear in our souls.

If we fail to take these thoughts captive and stand on God’s Word, believing in the sufficiency of Scripture and Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, we end up in a hybrid state—acknowledging God’s forgiveness but still feeling convicted. This unresolved state can lead to legalism, compromise, depression, fear, hostility, and bitterness.

Legalism manifests as trying to earn God’s favor through additional actions, hoping these feelings will dissipate. Compromise occurs when we’re weary of these feelings and sin further. Continued unresolved guilt can lead to depression, as we don’t live in the freedom of God’s forgiveness, or fear, which is often linked to legalism. Hostility arises when we’re angry at God, ourselves, or others due to the overwhelming soul noise, resulting in agitation. Long-term effects can include bitterness.

At this point, we must return to the gospel, understanding what it means to be declared not guilty. Those struggling with these feelings need someone to walk alongside them, helping them navigate the gospel’s truths and resolve the decoupling in their soul.