“Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? ³³ Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself.;” Romans 8:32-33 NLT 

Footsteps #353. This third question takes us in our imagination into a court of law. The question, “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect?”(NASB)  

We find those both inside and outside the church who are more than happy to condemn sincere Christians. But the greatest adversary of all is Satan, “the accuser of our brethren” (Rev. 12:10), the prototype of all those inside the church who so piously denounce others. 

The best biblical example of the dynamic taking place in v33 appears in Zechariah 3:1-5. There we see Joshua the High Priest standing in the Temple, undoubtedly to present an offering. Satan is also there, accusing Joshua, who wears filthy garments symbolising his sins. The devil argues that Joshua is unfit for office because he is a sinner. 

But the scene includes one more person – God. Through an angel, He declares, “And the Lord said to Satan, “I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire.” (Zech. 3:2. NLT). Scripture then tells us that God had Joshua’s filthy garments removed and clothed him with clean ones. “Behold,” said the angel, “I have taken your iniquity away from you, and I will clothe you with rich apparel” (v4). The clean clothes, of course, represented his justification. Who would accuse him now? No one, because God had justified him. 

That Old Testament picture parallels Paul’s third question. Some may seek to condemn those Christians who retain a living connection with God through faith, but their accusations fall flat. God has justified them. Acquitted at the highest level, they are safe in Christ. 

As Christians, we have nothing to fear. Today we need to praise God for His boundless assurance. We must become more and more conscious of that precious doctrine. It ought to encourage us every day, especially in times when the accuser of the brethren (or his churchly agents) is on our case.