Our Advocate

Scripture Reading: 1 John 2:1-6

But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. (v. 1b)

Brett sat in my office with a look of hopeless despair.  He knew what he had to do.  He had to face his father, admit his guilt and accept the consequences.  Fear of what his father would do gripped his heart.

“Do you want me to go with you and talk to your dad for you?”  I asked.  It didn’t remove all the fear, but knowing he wouldn’t be alone comforted Brett.

The Apostle John tells us sin is not the norm for the person who abides in Christ.  He also teaches us if we do sin, we need not despair.  Jesus Christ, the sinless one, stands with us before our Father.

The Greek word John used, translated into English as “advocate,” referred to someone coming to our aid.  It suggested a defense lawyer pleading a case. But picturing this only in legal terms misses the full meaning.  Our Advocate is not just someone working in a detached professional capacity.  Christ’s atoning sacrifice is what makes the clearing of our guilt possible and justified.  He is not just a lawyer for our defense.  He is the loving redeemer of our soul. Therefore we need not fear our Father’s face.