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Of Satan’s many descriptions, one of the most chilling is “the accuser of our brothers.” Revelation 12:8 tells of a coming day that he will be thrown down from heaven, forced to stop his day-and-night accusations. John clearly states that Satan does his accusing “before our God.” Assuming this day is still future, the biblical reality seems to be that Satan is currently, actively bringing accusations against Christians to God. Much like with Job, Satan loves to cast doubt and accusation against us to God.

Besides this heavenly accusation, our own consciences repeatedly bear the weight of past and present sin. What answer could we possibly bring to Satan’s accusations or to the weight of sin we feel in our own minds? The answer is Christ and His cross.

Hear these words from Martin Luther’s commentary on Galatians:

Paul does not say that works are objectionable, but to build one’s hopes for righteousness on works is disastrous, for that makes Christ good for nothing. Let us bear this in mind when the devil accuses our conscience. When that dragon accuses us of having done no good at all, say to him, “You trouble me with the remembrance of my past sins; you remind me that I have done no good. But this does not bother me, because if I were to trust in my own good deeds, or despair because I have done no good deeds, Christ would profit me neither way. I am not going to make Him unprofitable to me. This I would do if I should presume to purchase for myself the favor of God by my good deeds or if I should despair of my salvation because of my sins.”

What Gospel grace and peace are conveyed in Before the Throne of God Above! “When Satan tempts me to despair, and tells me of the guilt within, upward I look and see Him there, who made an end of all my sin.” You and I have an accuser, but we have a much greater Redeemer and Substitute.

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