The Character Witness

The scripture says that Satan is the accuser of the brethren. (Rev 12:10)  Raise your hand if you have ever heard this lie: “You’re not sanctified” or “You’re not where you ought to be with God.”  It’s a tricky one, because, if you listen to it, it will sow a seed of doubt in your mind.  But on the other hand, how do you know it’s not God telling you that you’re not where you ought to be?  When it comes to the issue of your soul; you BETTER be sure.  Entertaining this accusation is a dangerous notion because it can give rise to you initiating your own reasoning to defend the experience of salvation.  So the question simply becomes this………….How do we KNOW we are Sanctified? (I.e. brought into full fellowship with the Father, and have the power of the Holy Ghost reigning within)

“Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us……” - Hebrews 14:11

Satan is our adversary.  Yes, God will tap you on the side every once and a while and say “time to straight up” or “time to let that go.”  However, the exhortation of the Spirit and the accusation of the devil have a distinct difference; and I fear that many in the faith fall prey to casting away their confidence and fleeing back to an altar, or worse still, the sinful world, simply because they never come to understand that they need the witness of the Holy Ghost.  It is a must have; they need a “character witness.”  Let us say for example you were accused by another person for stealing.  The real felon bares your likeness so the cops bring you in; and all the evidence is pointing to your conviction.  However, a prominent and upstanding citizen of that area comes in and says it couldn't be you.  He vehemently denies the false accusation and proclaims boldly to the judge while pointing directly at you: “It was not this man, I witness under oath that this man was having dinner with me last night at the time of the robbery…….he is innocent!”  This citizen’s word is so well respected that immediately you are set at liberty.  It is not your reason, logic, or conduct that frees you from the accuser, but rather the testimony of the character witness.

In this manner, the Holy Ghost is a witness unto us.  Why, he is the strongest and most powerful witness there is; sent by Jesus himself to testify to all accusers that this man is redeemed!  He is a child of God and in the bondage of sin no more!  So when Satan comes along and tries to tell you that “You’re not where you ought to be.”  Don’t bother with trying to build your case; simply stand on the character witness of the Holy Ghost to tell your accuser that you are not free born, but free INDEED!  Furthermore, when the witness is inside of you it will testify to the accuser day in and day out.  It will testify in your disposition, dress, and decisions.  It will testify in your manner of life and concern for others.  The abiding change in your life and consistent confidence towards God can only be brought about by the power of the Holy Ghost.  So seek the character witness of the Holy Ghost no matter the cost, and keep the connection firm and grounded; this will always and forever banish your accuser.   

^“14For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified.  ¹⁵ Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witness to us: for after that he had said before, ¹⁶ This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put my laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; ¹⁷ And their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.” – Hebrews 10:14-17