Hey crossnote, I've noticed you keep saying the Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin (around the forums/different posts). Do you mind giving me some verses?
I understand correction and chastisement, but conviction is something entirely different. Jesus does say the Holy Spirit convicts the world of sin and clarifies by saying, "Because they believe not on Me." Obviously, we believe in Jesus and this verse is in reference to an unrepentant sinner in need of Jesus. The Holy Spirit is addressing unbelief.
So I am curious, what verses do you use to back up this doctrine of Holy Spirit's conviction of sin for believers? From what I understand most feelings of guilt and condemnation are from our own conscience and not from God. Even at times from the enemy, as the accuser of the brethren.
Something to point out, that I was just reading, is that our hearts can condemn us and it isn't God doing the condemning.
1 John 3:20-21King James Version (KJV)
20 For if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things.
21 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God.