Jesus As Our Advocate
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
In writing to Christians in 1 John, the apostle John urges them not to sin, but if they should sin through weakness or ignorance, they have an “Advocate” who stands in their behalf before the Father. In 1 John 2:1, the word “advocate” refers to an attorney who speaks for an accused person to gain the sympathy of a judge. Other words with the same meaning are “intercessor” or “mediator.” In legal terms, it means one who is a counsel for the defense.
As Christians, we can take courage in the fact that we have a great advocate in Jesus Christ our Lord, who is at God’s right hand interceding for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24). Not only does our Lord plead our case before God, He serves as the propitiation or satisfaction for our sins (1 John 2:2; cf. Romans 3:23-26; 1 John 4:10).
The blood of Christ is the ransom for our sins (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45; 1 Timothy 2:5-6). Thus, His pleadings are heard because of the precious blood that He shed at Calvary (Hebrews 9:11-12; cf. Ephesians 1:7).
However, let us remember the Lord’s blood will not purge our sins if we not trying to live right. We must always “walk in the light” of God’s word (1 John 1:7) by obeying Him in the keeping of His commandments (1 John 2:3-5), and by emulating our Lord’s example (1 John 2:6; cf. 1 Peter 2:21-25).