(dictionary) a firmly held belief or opinion.
Should Christians have convictions? Absolutely they wouldn't be much of a Christian without them. People with no convictions live liberally, lawlessly, to the degree of no conscience. Convictions are good but not good enough much like the law of Moses, nobody can be saved by the keeping of the law but the law is a good schoolmaster and it will bring us to Christ Jesus who can save us. See Gal.3: 24-26
In 1 Tim. 1: 9 Is found in this wisdom.
“Knowing this, that the law is not made for a righteous man, but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, For whoremongers, for them that defile themselves with mankind, for menstealers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there be any other things that is contrary to sound doctrine;”
The law is not for the righteous but for the sinner. Once we have come to Christ Jesus we are to walk in the Spirit and not fulfill the lust of the flesh. See Gal 5:16
If I refuse to sin because it's my conviction that's good but it's better if I refuse to sin simply because it's not in my heart to do so. Who is truly free he who doesn't sin
because of the commandment or the one who is no longer tempted because of His new nature in Christ. God cannot be tempted; if we walk in the Spirit we will not fulfill the lust of the flesh. Let's be honest sometimes I walk in the flesh does that mean I should forget my conviction no that's when I need it. But let's not be satisfied until we are free by faith in the promises of God. If the Son sets you free you are free indeed. John 8:36
On judgment day some may be surprised if they have relied on their convictions versus relying on the word of God.
James, explained it this way.
“So speak you and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” Ja. 2: 12
Our heavenly Father looks on the heart, not just the deed. If I manage to not do the actual sin but in my heart, I really wanted to but simply just feared the consequence of sin. In judgment day I will be judged as if I had been free to do my heart's desire.
I thank God for allowing me to have meaningful convictions but I am even more thankful for the grace found in Christ who truly knows how to save to the uttermost.
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