In the context of the Bible, the term "convinced" often relates to the assurance or firm belief in the truth of God's word, promises, and the teachings of Jesus Christ. This conviction is a central aspect of faith, as it involves a deep-seated trust and confidence in the divine truths revealed in Scripture.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Faith and Assurance: The concept of being convinced is closely tied to faith. In Hebrews 11:1, faith is described as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" . This assurance is a form of conviction that what God has promised will indeed come to pass, even if it is not yet visible.

2. Paul's Conviction: The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of his own conviction in the truth of the Gospel. In Romans 8:38-39, he writes, "For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor principalities, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" . Here, Paul's conviction is rooted in the unbreakable bond between believers and the love of God.

3. Moral and Ethical Conviction: Conviction also plays a role in the moral and ethical decisions of believers. In Romans 14:5, Paul addresses the issue of personal convictions regarding dietary laws and sacred days, stating, "One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind" . This passage highlights the importance of personal conviction in matters of conscience, where believers are encouraged to act according to their own understanding and faith.

4. Conviction by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in convincing individuals of sin, righteousness, and judgment. In John 16:8, Jesus explains, "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment" . This conviction is essential for leading individuals to repentance and faith in Christ.

5. The Role of Evidence and Reason: While faith is often seen as belief without evidence, the Bible also presents faith as being supported by evidence and reason. In Acts 17:2-4, Paul uses reason and evidence to convince others of the truth of the Gospel: "As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. 'This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,' he declared" . Here, Paul’s method of persuasion involves logical reasoning and scriptural evidence.

Theological Implications

Being convinced in the biblical sense involves more than intellectual assent; it encompasses a heartfelt trust and reliance on God. This conviction is transformative, affecting how believers live their lives, make decisions, and interact with the world around them. It is both a gift from God and a response to His revelation, leading to a life of obedience and devotion.(imp. & p. p.) of Convince.4135. plerophoreo -- to bring in full measure, to fulfill
... Definition to bring in full measure, to fulfill NASB Word Usage accomplished (1),
fulfill (1), fully accomplished (1), fully assured (2), fully convinced (1). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4135.htm - 8k

543. apeitheia -- disobedience
... 543 (from 1 "not" and 3982 , "persuaded") -- properly, someone , referring
to their , ie the to be convinced by God's voice. This ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/543.htm - 7k

4104. pistoo -- to make trustworthy, hence to establish
... Word Origin from pistos Definition to make trustworthy, hence to establish NASB
Word Usage convinced (1). assure. From pistos; to assure -- assure of. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4104.htm - 6k

3982. peitho -- to persuade, to have confidence
... verb Definition to persuade, to have confidence NASB Word Usage assure (1), confident
(3), convinced (7), followed (2), have confidence (2), having confidence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3982.htm - 10k

Autolycus not yet Convinced.
... Theophilus to Autolycus: Book III. Chapter I."Autolycus Not Yet Convinced.
Theophilus to Autolycus, greeting: Seeing that writers ...
/.../theophilus/theophilus to autolycus/chapter i autolycus not yet convinced.htm

I am Convinced, Indeed, that Much Better Arguments could be ...
... Chapter XI. I am convinced, indeed, that much better arguments could
be adduced than any I have? I am convinced, indeed, that ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xi i am convinced.htm

Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ...
... CHAPTER 12. NECESSITY OF CONTEMPLATING THE JUDGMENT-SEAT OF GOD, IN ORDER TO BE
SERIOUSLY CONVINCED OF THE DOCTRINE OF GRATUITOUS JUSTIFICATION. ...
/.../chapter 12 necessity of contemplating.htm

News of Salvation by Christ Brought to the Convinced and Condemned ...
... THE RISE AND PROGRESS OF RELIGION IN THE SOUL. CHAPTER VIII. NEWS OF SALVATION
BY CHRIST BROUGHT TO THE CONVINCED AND CONDEMNED SINNER. ...
/.../chapter viii news of salvation.htm

By the Sacrifices of the Old Testament, Men were Convinced of Sins ...
... Treatise on the Merits and Forgiveness of Sins, and on the Baptism of Infants Chapter
54."By the Sacrifices of the Old Testament, Men Were Convinced of Sins ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 54 by the sacrifices of.htm

The Paradoxes of Christianity
... It is very hard for a man to defend anything of which he is entirely convinced.
It is comparatively easy when he is only partially convinced. ...
/.../chesterton/orthodoxy/vi the paradoxes of christianity.htm

On the Same Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 8, "He Will Convict the ...
... 2. Therefore of sin are unbelievers, that is, the lovers of the world,
convinced; for they are signified by the name of the world. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xciv on the same.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 7, "I Tell You the Truth; it ...
... 2. Of this one only sin then He would have the world to be convinced, that they
believe not on Him; to wit, because by believing on Him all sins are loosed, He ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xciii on the words.htm

Again in John v. 2, Etc. , on the Five Porches, Where Lay a Great ...
... Lord, be merciful unto me; heal my soul, for I have sinned against thee." [3689]
Let the weak soul then say this that is at least convinced by transgression ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon lxxv again in john.htm

Conformity to the Will of God.
... for two reasons; first: because You are my Sovereign Lord and it is but just that
Your will should be accomplished; secondly: because I am convinced by faith ...
/.../de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/i conformity to the will of.htm

Convinced (26 Occurrences)
...Convinced (26 Occurrences). ... Luke 18:9 He spoke also this parable to certain people
who were convinced of their own righteousness, and who despised all others. ...
/c/convinced.htm - 13k

Instruct (34 Occurrences)
... Romans 15:14 But as to you, brethren, I am convinced-- yes, I Paul am convinced--
that, even apart from my teaching, you are already full of goodness of heart ...
/i/instruct.htm - 16k

Thoroughly (48 Occurrences)
... Luke 20:6 And if we say, 'human,' the people will all stone us; for they
are thoroughly convinced that John was a Prophet." (WEY). ...
/t/thoroughly.htm - 20k

Enriched (13 Occurrences)
... Romans 15:14 But as to you, brethren, I am convinced-- yes, I Paul am convinced--
that, even apart from my teaching, you are already full of goodness of heart ...
/e/enriched.htm - 10k

Competent (9 Occurrences)
... Romans 15:14 But as to you, brethren, I am convinced-- yes, I Paul am convinced--
that, even apart from my teaching, you are already full of goodness of heart ...
/c/competent.htm - 9k

Complete (246 Occurrences)
... Romans 15:14 But as to you, brethren, I am convinced-- yes, I Paul am convinced--
that, even apart from my teaching, you are already full of goodness of heart ...
/c/complete.htm - 37k

Apart (228 Occurrences)
... Romans 15:14 But as to you, brethren, I am convinced-- yes, I Paul am convinced--
that, even apart from my teaching, you are already full of goodness of heart ...
/a/apart.htm - 36k

Convince (7 Occurrences)

/c/convince.htm - 9k

Christian (41 Occurrences)
... Romans 15:14 But as to you, brethren, I am convinced-- yes, I Paul am convinced--
that, even apart from my teaching, you are already full of goodness of heart ...
/c/christian.htm - 29k

Yes (511 Occurrences)
... Romans 15:14 But as to you, brethren, I am convinced-- yes, I Paul am convinced--
that, even apart from my teaching, you are already full of goodness of heart ...
/y/yes.htm - 36k

Why is it important to have personal convictions? | GotQuestions.org

Do some Christmas traditions have pagan origins? | GotQuestions.org

Should Christian women use tampons? | GotQuestions.org

Convinced: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus