6 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
1 John 2:1 (CSB): “My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one.”
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Every one of us will sin, even after we have accepted the gift of eternal life from the Father. Yet, with all of the changes that took place in us at salvation, we should develop a distaste for sin. When we do sin, we should be so convicted and bothered by it that we run to the Father and rest in the truth of 1 John 1:9 and confess it in order to be forgiven and cleansed of it.
1 John 1:9 (CSB): “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
But, in our Verse for Today, we learn that we aren’t in the battle against sin alone. We learn that Jesus, Himself, is fighting for us.
Just listen once more to the role that He fills on our behalf:
1 John 2:1 (CSB): “My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the righteous one.”
The word used for “advocate” literally means “one who is called alongside of.” So, in this verse, He is the one who is called alongside of us when we sin. Further, He performs this action with the Father. When you consider this definition, the word “advocate” or “defense attorney” fits nicely.
We break God’s laws when we sin. God is the Judge and must administer judgment upon all who sin. But if we are placing our trust in Jesus, He acts as our defense attorney and defends us before the Father.
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It’s as if Jesus says: “Father, I paid for the sin that they committed, and are confessing, way back there on the cross. Further, they were credited with My righteousness the moment they first trusted in Me for eternal life. So, thank You in advance for acquitting them of the offense.”
This really is a formality. God the Father loves His children immensely. But, He is holy. Sin cannot be overlooked. So, Jesus is glorified by defending us every time we stumble into sin.
Friend, this shouldn’t make us feel as if we have a license to sin. It should cause us to pursue holiness so that we are gaining victory over sin. While we are grateful that Jesus defends us before the Father, we don’t want our name to be brought up over and over.
So, pursue holiness. Commit to being obedient to God’s Word. Desire to become more like Christ. Then your Savior won’t have to spend so much time defending you.
Romans 6:1-2 (CSB): “What should we say then? Should we continue in sin so that grace may multiply? Absolutely not! How can we who died to sin still live in it?”
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Lord Jesus, thank You for defending me before the Father when I sin. I am convinced that He loves me infinitely and knows full well that You have paid my sin debt in full. Yet, it is a formality that a holy God must engage in to demonstrate that He continues to be holy and just even as He graciously forgives me and cleanses me every single time I confess my sin to You. Praise Your Name! Amen.
Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash
Matt’s Musings 