What is the difference between condemnation and conviction?

Chuck Smith, Romans Study Guide, Chapter 8: Life in the Spirit: The difference between Satan’s condemnation and the Holy Spirit’s conviction is that the condemnation makes us want to pull away from God, because we feel unworthy, while the conviction makes us want to go to God to make things right. Jesus doesn’t want to condemn us. He pleads our case for us. Scripture, King James Version: Romans 8:34, "Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.". Study notes condensed from his teaching by The Word For Today. From Chuck Smith's books, used by permission of The Word For Today.

Verified. Every scripture quotation on this page has been checked word-for-word against the King James text. Last reviewed 2026-10-18.