Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Romans 8:33 (NIV)
A verdict can be overturned by a higher court. But when God justifies, there is no higher court. That’s why you need to know how to answer these critics, when they bring charges against you:
When your heart condemns you. You become conscious of your own sins and your heart says, God cannot possibly love you. How do you answer? This is “how we set our hearts at rest in his presence whenever our hearts condemn us… God is greater than our hearts” (1 John 3:20).
When other people condemn you. “You’ll never amount to anything!” These words can shrivel your soul and crush your spirit. But when Paul was condemned he said, “I care very little if I am judged by you… it is the Lord who judges me” (1 Cor. 4:3-4). How could he say that? He knows that it is God who justifies. Grasp this and it will set you free from others’ criticism.
When Satan condemns you. Satan “accuses [our brothers] before our God day and night” (Rev. 12:10). Then we need to know how to answer him! There is only one judgment about you that really matters, and if you are in Christ that judgment is already made—in your favor. Justified! Forgiven! Not Guilty. Case Closed.
When you know that the ultimate judge has decided in your favor, and that it is final, you’re in a position to answer every charge brought against you.
What kind of position are you in to answer Satan? Other people? Your own heart? What could you do to put yourself in a better position?
