Question: I heard a Bible teacher say that satan is accusing us all the time before God. Is this true?

Answer: Absolutely not! This doctrine comes from a misinterpretation of the twelfth chapter of Revelation. In this chapter satan is referred to as the “accuser of the brethren.” – Verse ten- for the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night.

We know from the book of Job that at one time satan had access to the throne of God – Job 1:6. But Revelation twelve clearly shows us that when Jesus ascended – that is the child being caught up to heaven, Revelation 12:5, that there was war in heaven and satan was cast out to earth. Here his role is changed from “accuser” to “persecutor.” After the cross, satan can no longer accuse us before God, for those who are walking in Christ there is no longer any condemnation.

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. –Romans 8:33
    Who is he that condems? It is Christ that died, yes, rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. – Romans 8:34

Because some interpret the entire book of Revelation as occurring in the future during the time of the great tribulation, they see the casting down of satan as a future event. If that were true, then the resurrection hasn’t happened either as this chapter obviously is referring to Christ’s ascension after being brought forth by the woman Israel; the twelve stars above her head symbolizing the twelve tribes. -And she brought forth a man child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron: and her child was caught up unto God, and to His throne.- Rev. 12:5
    This chapter is basically a summery of the effects of Christ’s resurrection, and is giving the persecuted church the explanation for her trials.

Revelation was written to encourage the church during a time of great tribulation. The actual book was given to the Apostle John while he was imprisoned on the Isle of Patmos during the persecution of the church by Domitian, about AD 95. Chapter twelve shows us that the church is going to experience tribulation as the result of Christ’s victory over the devil. Though there are times these demon inspired persecutions would be severe, they are temporary.

There are currently more Christians being martyred now than at any time in previous history.

We know from Revelation twelve that the devil’s time is “short” – (Rev. 12:12) for the Lord is coming soon to cast satan and his angels into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10). These words were written so that Christians can know that we possess the victory no matter what we are going through.

Copyright 2020 by H.D. Shively

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