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Jesus Christ the Advocate for Sinners

Jesus Christ is the Advocate for Sinners

Start by Reading: 1 John 2:1-6

In this passage John assures the saints of their salvation and reminds them that they have an advocate that bridges the broken fellowship between God and us through Jesus. He also pleads to the church not to follow in step with the false prophets but to continue living without sinning carelessly, and yet he knows we will.

The regenerated saint has the greatest advocate, Jesus Christ. In his letter to Christians, John reminds the saints not to lose hope when they do sin for they have an advocate. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.

He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 Jn 2:1b-2)

We have all sinned and, by default, are separated from the Father. Scripture tells us that ALL have sinned and fall short of God's glory (Rom 3:23). John's response in the latter part of verse one is almost comical. As if someone on this Earth might not sin, he says, "If anyone does sin…", knowing well that all have sinned. We are all in need of a lawyer to plead our case.

But God, being rich in mercy, sent His Son as the propitiation for our sin so that he can plead our case before the Judge. Augustine paints a great analogy, "If you should have a case to be tried before a judge and should procure an advocate, you would be accepted by the lawyer, and he would plead your case to the best of his ability" (Bray, 176). Jesus acts as our advocate, pleading our case with full ability by paying the penalty for our sins on the cross.

This gospel reminder acts as a promise that when we sin, we remain confident that Jesus Christ has pleaded our case before the Father making us just before Him. It is beautiful and profound to know that we have a God willing to become a man to bridge the broken fellowship between man and God. In light of Christ’s advocacy should we continue sinning? No, we should walk in faithful obedience.

Church, may we walk not in sin! Jesus Christ has been made the propitiation of our sins and stands as our advocate before the Judge. Stand assured of your salvation walking in step with God to obey him and keep His commandments. God’s love for you is great. Continue to live out of the same love for God so it can be perfected.

David Zubal - Pastoral Intern

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