“My little children (believers, dear ones), I am writing you these things so that you will not sin and violate God’s law. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate [who will intercede for us] with the Father: Jesus Christ the righteous [the upright, the just One, who conforms to the Father’s will in every way—purpose, thought, and action]. And He [that same Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins [the atoning sacrifice that holds back the wrath of God that would otherwise be directed at us because of our sinful nature—our worldliness, our lifestyle]; and not for ours alone, but also for [the sins of all believers throughout] the whole world.
1 John 2:1-2 AMP
Grace Perspective:
Do you sin? Me too. The Apostle John knows that followers of Christ will struggle with sin as long as we live in this world. Knowing this, God reminds us that Jesus is always ready to intercede for us. Jesus Christ is our Advocate when we sin. An advocate steps in and pleads another’s case before a judge.
When we sin, and we all do, we can come before the throne of grace to ask for forgiveness, which God graciously gives because Jesus steps in and pleads our case as we acknowledge our guilt. Christ doesn’t claim we are innocent since we’re not. Instead, our Savior reminds the Father that He has paid the price for our sins, so we are no longer condemned. Because Jesus paid the cost for us when we sin, we can come humbly before the Father knowing our gracious Advocate is there, ready to intercede for us.
A Touch of Grace:
When have you needed an advocate to step in for you?
What does it mean that Christ Jesus is your Advocate?
Grace Application:
Do you struggle with sin? I do. My flesh is quick to demand its way, and too often, I give in. But I have no excuse; there is no good reason for my choice. I simply want my own way and am willing to go against what God says is best to get it.
Recently I was confronted with just how quickly I fall into sin when life isn’t going according to my plan. I like routine, and when life is out of order, frustration and even anger boil over in my heart. Why? Because life isn’t going my way, it doesn’t look how I think it should. Ugh…I make life too much about me.
The Lord graciously reminded me of the powerful truth in 1 John 1-2. When I sin, God calls me to humble myself and come before the throne of grace, where Jesus Christ, my Advocate, waits to intercede for me. As I confess my sin, Jesus reminds the Father that He paid the penalty for my sin. Am I guilty? Absolutely! But Jesus’ death on the cross was sufficient to cover the cost of my sin and all sin, so all who come humbly before Him are assured of not having to pay the penalty for sin. Jesus, our gracious Advocate, paid it in full.
Where do you turn when you need an Advocate to intercede for you?
Gracious Prayer
Gracious Father, I come to you in the name of my Savior, Jesus Christ, thankful that He paid the penalty for my sin. Forgive me for my sin of self-centeredness and wanting my way instead of trusting that Your way is best. Holy Spirit, please help me to quickly confess my sin and come humbly before the throne of grace where Jesus Christ, my gracious Advocate, is ready to intercede for me. Amen.
**Today, as you read this, I pray each of you will know for sure you are in Christ Jesus. If you have any doubts, please call out to God so that all doubt is erased. Today is a good day to be assured of Salvation in Christ Jesus. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch with me at graceisdawning@gmail.com**