The Advocate

1 Jn. 2: 1

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. 

The purpose of this letter is to prevent sin from happening in our lives. The problem is that obedience is a growing commodity for believers, but not a once-for-all commodity. Because of this John states a glorious truth. We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. Jesus Christ Himself pleads our case before the Father. He can do that because He is the propitiation [a sacrifice that bears God's judgment and has turned it to favor] for sin. He is the one true righteous One whom the Father sent to bridge the gap between Himself and humanity. 

In keeping with the truth thus far developed, we should not desire to sin, but if we do, we have an advocate. Now comes another add-on. We can be assured that we know Him if we keep His commandments. Obedience proves ownership! Then another add-on, if believers say we know Him but deny disobedience, then we are a liar with no truth is in us. What is John saying? He knows that we will sin because we have a sin nature on board as long as we are earth-bound. Is he warning about sin's power or reminding us of the potential for sin before Jesus calls us home? Whatever his motive, he is concerned that we are not confessing and are allowing sin to fester in our lives...but whoever keeps His word, in Him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in Him: whoever says he abides in Him ought to walk in the same way in which He walked. At the same time we must be honest about admitting sin, as well as vigilant about walking in the same way that He walked. 

Father,

I confess my willfulness and stubborn pride. Jesus, be my advocate. Strengthen my faltering steps so that I may walk in Your footsteps. Spirit, guide and lead me.

In the name of my Advocate,

Amen