How do we know that being under conviction does not equal conversion?

Paul illustrates in Romans 7 that the experience of conviction is not synonymous with conversion. He recounts how awareness of the law brought him a sense of death rather than immediate faith. As he states, 'But when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died' (Romans 7:9). This indicates that feeling the weight of the law can lead to despair rather than immediate faith in Christ. Genuine conversion requires recognizing one's wretched state and turning to Jesus for deliverance (Romans 7:24-25). Many feel conviction but do not seek Christ for salvation, emphasizing the need for true faith to accompany the realization of sin.