There is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more
than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no
repentance. But what is Repentance? Not the last and noblest
and most refined achievement of the righteousness of men in the
service of God, but the first elemental act of the
righteousness of God in the service of men; the work that God
has written in their hearts and which, because it is from God
and not from men, occasions joy in heaven; that looking forward
to God, and to Him only, which is recognized only by God and by
God Himselm. -Karl Barth (1886-1968), The Epistle to the Romans translated from the 6th edition by Edwyn C. Hoskyns, London: Oxford University Press, H. Milford, 1933,6th ed., Oxford University Press US, 1968, p. 68

How do we distinguish between satanic accusation and divine conviction? Among other things, the former comes in the shape of condemnation that breeds feelings of hopelessness. We are told that our sin has put us beyond the hope of grace and the power of forgiveness. Satan’s accusations are devoid of any reference to the sufficiency of the cross. Divine conviction for sin, on the other hand, comes with a reminder of the sufficiency and finality of Christ’s shed blood, together with a promise of hope and the joy of forgiveness.-Sam Storms, Tactics of Temptation, November 8, 2006, www.enjoyinggodministries.com.