Have you ever been in trouble for something you know you did wrong, and a friend, or advocate, sticks up for you speaking in your defense? Kind of like being in a courthouse where you’re facing a sentence for a crime you admit committing, but your lawyer argues for you and gets the judge to forgive your grievance? Well one of the roles of Jesus is to act as an advocate for us when we sin. First John 2 verses 1 and 2 says:
"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world."
Grace is receiving the good that we don’t deserve. At some point, all of us will sin and find ourselves guilty before God. But First John says that Jesus is our advocate. He speaks to the Father in our defense. His atoning sacrifice for our sins brings forgiveness. John says that he was writing this so that the reader does not sin, but if we do sin, we have Jesus, our advocate who speaks to the Father in our defense. I don’t know about you, but I am so happy for this truth.
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“…if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense – Jesus Christ, the Righteous One”. I am so thankful that I’ve never seen a day in court for a crime that I have or haven’t committed. But if that day ever comes, my earthly advocate would be no where near as effective as my spiritual one. Jesus has done - and continues to do so much for us. One of his roles is to be our advocate – to speak on our behalf when we sin. The goal is not to sin, but isn’t it awesome that when we do, we have Jesus in our corner speaking to the Father in our defense?