Jesus Christ: Our Advocate To The Father ( 1 John 2:1-2 )

My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.

1 John 2:1-2
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The apostle John addresses a few points in these two verses. One he is speaking to the believers saying little children sin not. Another words when we are born again as Jesus spoke of to Nicodemus of, we should be seeking to live a life according to the Word.( 1 Corinthians 9:14 ). As children of light we should no longer we be walking in darkness,but instead walking in the light sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with all willing to listen( 1 John 1:6-7 ). In fact if you go back to 1 John chapter 1 our very lives should be a living testimony. This is something I've mentioned quite a few times and I believe has a strong impact on people around you. After all as Jesus said we are to be the light of this world and the salt( Matthew 5:13,16 ). How can we be both the salt and light if we are not living the life we talk about? You know people are really looking for something real and sadly there are so many people out there who aren't. Sadly there are people even among the "church going" community . Of course going to church and being a Christian is two very different things. Going to church, reading your bible, and saying your prayers doesn't make you a Christian. Now as a Christian you will desire to do those things. The difference comes at the heart. See God looks at the heart and the motives of the people( 1 Samuel 16:7 ) .

Another thing covered here is that if a believer does make a mistake and sin, that we have an advocate in Jesus Christ. Awesome isn't, to know that when life's journey comes to an end and we come to judgment that despite us not living up to God's standard(The Ten Commandments), that our advocate will say I paid for him or her. See for those of us, believers who have chosen Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior our debt was paid at calvary on an old rugged cross with three nails by Jesus my Savior, my friend, my Redeemer. I'm glad to know that despite my short comings that He covered it all. That everyday I have an opportunity to become more like Him( Romans 12:1-2 ) as I submit myself to His will thanks to His mercies that are renewed daily( Lamentations 3:22-23 ).


Last you see how the apostle John talks about how Jesus didn't just pay the price for those then,but all the world. God doesn't want anyone to perish,but wants all to come to repentance( 2 Peter 3:9 ). Sadly those of us who know the Word, know that sadly people are going to continue to reject His free gift of salvation. They are going to continue to reject His love. Does this mean we give up sharing the gospel? No! Instead this should encourage us to share it with intensity and realize we have a calling in our life that is important. Don't worry about being mocked or that people will hate you. Remember Jesus was hated first and they only hate you cause of His name and not you( John 15:18-19 ).

So friends I send encouragement through the words of the apostle Paul, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me( Philippians 4:13 ). Don't become discouraged by disappointment, instead see where God may be taking you. See what lesson He may be teaching you. Remember all things work for our good( Romans 8:28 ). The road won't always be easy,but always work out for our good and for His plan.

For anyone reading this tonight who has not accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and personal Savior I invite you to do so. Ask Him into your heart and admit your a sinner in need of His forgiveness. Be real with Him and cast all your worries, doubts and fears at His feet, the feet of mercy for He cares for you( 1 Peter 5:7 ). Repent of your old ways and find your identity in Jesus Christ( 2Corinthians 5:17 ). Don't let your past or not being perfect get in the way( Psalm 103:12, Romans 3:23 ). Instead cast yourself upon His mercy( Luke 18:13 ). Remember He is waiting on you with arms wide open( John 3:16 ). In those arms you will find love( John 15:13 ), mercy( Romans 5:6-8 ), forgiveness( 1 John 1:9 ), and a grace that is sufficient( 2 Corinthians 12:9 ). Will you choose Him? Will you let Him set you free from the bonds of sin( John 8:36 ) ? I encourage you to do so. This is the single greatest choice you will ever make. It is a matter of life and death, life and death eternal( John 3:18 ). Don't wait, make the choice tonight( Matthew 24:36 )!


God bless,
John W. Whybrew III <><