Your Advocate Before the Father

April 15, 2021

“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. 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 John 2:1-2

The Apostle John wrote this letter to the seven churches in Macedonia, churches that John helped plant and grow. These were people whom he came to love dearly, so much so that he called them his little children. John wrote to comfort them, to build their faith, and to remind them of the truths of the Gospel message.

On the cross, Jesus took the sin of the world upon himself. He suffered incredible agony in body, mind, and spirit as the wrath of God was poured out upon him. While these words are hard to read, they are good news for those who would believe in this salvific work of Christ. Through that agony, our payment for sin was made. Jesus paid the debt we never could. In the blood of Christ, we are forgiven, healed, and free from condemnation. Beyond that, we are declared righteous before a holy God. That is the good news.

That bad news is that we will continue to struggle with sin in this world. John would love for all of us, including himself to be completely free of that struggle. However, that will not come to pass until we pass from this life to the next. So, in the struggle John will share even more good news – Jesus stands as our advocate before the Father. Where we fail, Jesus speaks of his perfect work on our behalf. Jesus is the best defense attorney available because he has made a full payment for our sins. We cannot out-sin his grace.

John will encourage all his readers, including us today, to seek to live free from the grip of sin. John knew how sin stole the joy that is rightfully ours in Christ, and he longed to see the followers of Jesus live in the abundant life of Christ (John 10:10). There is no way to live in victory over sin except through the blood of Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit. John will call us to fight the fight against sin but to remember the grace of God ready to catch us when we fall.

Jesus is the propitiation for our sins, meaning that he has fully satisfied the wrath of his Father through his death on the cross. Our payment is made; we have an advocate with the Father when we fail; and we have the calling to live the abundant life in Christ. What amazing grace! In Christ, we cannot lose.

Reflection:
Are you marveling in this work of Christ on your behalf? Do you realize the freedom that is yours in him? Take some time today to think of Jesus as your perfect advocate before the Father.