ROMANS 8:33

“Who will bring charges against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies;”

Have you ever been falsely accused? I have and let me tell you it is no picnic. When I was serving at a children’s home in South Carolina, I was falsely accused by a child of touching her inappropriately on three separate occasions. I knew it wasn’t true. She knew it wasn’t true. But because the accusation had been made, there had to be a full investigation. It was proved to be unfounded, and I was cleared of all of it. It was a painful yet enlightening experience as it required me to dig deep into my trust bucket with God.

I love this verse. What a great truth for us, as followers of Christ, to hold on to. The answer is implied. “Who will bring charges against God’s elect?” No one can! The Greek word for “bring charges” is egkaleó which Strong’s defines as “accuse, call in question, implead, lay to the charge.” It’s a court term and was used by the prosecution to lay a charge against someone. As my personal example shows, however, being accused does not make you guilty. This is Paul’s point.

APPLICATION

It is interesting to note that egkaleó is only used seven times in the New Testament. Each time it is used, it is used in reference to Paul. In Acts 19:38 and 40 and Acts 23:28-29 it is used by someone else but in reference to Paul. In Acts 26:2 and 7 Paul uses the word stating that the Jews had falsely accused him. And then you see the word again here in today’s verse.

Our greatest accuser, however, is not someone here on this earth. It is the great accuser, Satan himself. Think back to the book of Job. What happens there? God delivers up Job to Satan as someone who is righteous, but Satan accuses Job of relying too much on God’s blessings. And he doesn’t stop there. After Job proves faithful through the first trial God allowed, Satan accuses Job again of shallow faith that would fail if touched physically. Listen, Satan will never stop accusing us. He knows he has lost us, but he is happy just taking us out of the fight.

I pray you never have to go through something like I did. But if you do, remember who justifies you. Paul says in today’s verse, “God is the one who justifies.” Remember your position in Christ. Go back and reread Romans 8:28-32. Refresh your mind. You are called His elect. You belong to Him. No accusation brought against you can change that. Now, go live that way today.

I am so thankful that You have justified me and removed all guilt so that there is no room for accusations against me.

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