¹ My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous. ² He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world.

An Advocate

According to the dictionary, an advocate is “someone who pleads on someone else’s behalf.” A lawyer, if you will.

John says that we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. And he pleads on our behalf before God the father. So, what does this mean?

Romans 14:12 tells us that one day, “Each of us will give a personal account before God.” On that day, we will stand before God, the Judge, and our entire lives will be displayed. At the end, God will ask for a response. We will have none. We’re guilty. The evidence is beyond refute. It’s there, clearly displayed before us. Perhaps we’ll feel shame. Perhaps we’ll feel defenceless. We’ll be without excuse. Waiting for judgment.

And then, Jesus, our advocate will speak. “Your honour. Father. I stand before you representing this person. Yes, they did all of those things. And yet, they called on my name. They opened my gift of grace, of salvation. They asked forgiveness, and I was faithful in providing it. I have paid the penalty for their sin. Everything you have seen before you has already been taken care of.”

Our hearts will rise within us. Could it be? Could it really mean … ?

God will smile at his Son. He will look at us with a love that is beyond words. And he will smile. “Forgiven. Not guilty. Come in to your reward.”

That day will come, my friends. All because we have an advocate who pleads our case on our behalf.

My prayer: I say it again. Thank you, Lord, for saving me. For doing what I could never have done on my own. I am in awe of your grace. What a day that will be, when I stand before God, empty handed, and yet with you beside me. Wow. Thank you. Amen.

Until tomorrow.