We Are Not Condemned

“Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God” (Revelation 12:10, ESV).

Satan’s accusations are one thing Jesus came to deal with as our living, breathing covenant. God did not send a theology to crush the lies of Satan. He sent Jesus. The earliest prophecy in Genesis stated that Satan would bruise the Messiah’s heel but Jesus would crush the devil’s head (see Genesis 3:15). Two thousand years ago, Jesus brought that reality into our lives.

Occasionally, I wake up in the middle of the night with anxiety. It’s as if I’ve done something wrong, but I don’t know what. That feeling comes from the accuser. He whispers, “You’re no good, worthless, a burden to others. Look at your history and how many times you’ve messed up. You’ll never change.” Our relationship with that voice began in the Garden of Eden, but when Jesus came, he declared, “That ends right now.” He added an amazing reassurance, saying, “Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father” (John 5:45).

It is absolutely essential that we build on the firm foundation of knowing that God does not accuse us. This foundation is not based on law, accusations, or despair, but rather on the glorious and gracious action of God himself. When he hears an accusation against us, he tells Jesus, “Crush it.” In that moment, we will hear the voice of the Holy Spirit saying, “Do not listen to that lie. It has been destroyed on the cross.” God does not accuse you because his Son has set you free.

Jesus said to the woman caught in adultery, “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more” (John 8:11). The Bible makes it clear that we are going to sin. However, when we do, the voice we hear will be the voice of the Holy Spirit. He brings conviction for our transgressions; yet it is a hopeful conviction, one that leads to joyful repentance rather than despair.

Friend, we have been given Jesus, and in our time of discouragement, we will hear his voice above all others saying, “Neither do I condemn you.” May God supply you with his grace to build on that foundation and rejoice!