‘For sorrow towards Yehovah produces repentance leading to salvation, …but the sorrow of the world produces death.’ 2 Corinthians 7:10 (NKJV)
An example of the difference between accusation and conviction is found in the lives of Judas Iscariot and Simon Peter. Judas allowed Satan to deceive him into betraying Yeshua for 30 pieces of silver. When Judas realised what he had done, he was so remorseful that he hung himself. This was a result of accusation, because accusation always leads to death, whereas conviction leads to repentance, and life. Peter also failed Yeshua by denying Him. It began with pride as the disciples argued over who was the greatest among them. Yeshua told Peter, ‘Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat’ (Luke 22:31). Yeshua allowed Satan to put Peter through the mill because Peter had given the enemy a foothold through pride. But Yeshua also said to Peter, ‘I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers’ (v.32). Peter vowed to die with Yeshua, yet in fact, he denied even knowing Yeshua, three times. The remorse Peter felt was every bit as painful as that which Judas experienced. However, Peter’s sorrow was from conviction, so it led to his eventual repentance and restoration. When your feelings of guilt drive you away from Yehovah, you are being accused by Satan – resist it. When your sorrow draws you to come to Yeshua and confess your wrong-doing, you are being convicted by the Ruach – yield to Him through repentance. Satan is always working to accuse believers, yet Yeshua is always interceding for you before Yehovah. Be aware of your feelings and responses, and check that it is Yehovah!