Conviction is the work of the Holy Spirit where a person is able to see himself as God sees him: guilty, defiled, and totally unable to save himself (John 16:8).  Conviction functions differently for the Christian and non-christian. For the non-christian, conviction reveals sinfulness, guilt and brings fear of God’s righteous judgment. Whereas, a conviction in the believer brings an awareness of sin and results in repentance, confession, and cleansing.

Theologically, conviction is produced by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8), the Gospel (Acts 2:37), conscience (Rom. 2:15), and the Law (James 2:9). Conviction of sin brings man to the cross and shows the need for forgiveness.