"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense--Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world" (1 John 2:1-2, NIV).
In this passage, John tells his "children" to put off sin. He states he is writing them so that they "will not sin." This expression sets the tone for all that follows. He wants them to understand that the norm is to actively avoid sin. But what about the anxiety that arises in the heart of a believer once they stumble into sin again (and again). John offers the cure.
He tells believers they have someone in their corner. Several translations use the term advocate in this verse. The NIV helps us to understand this particular term by saying "we have one who speaks to the Father on our behalf." Our Advocate speaks on our behalf.
Jesus speaks to the Father on our behalf. He brings us to the Father through his blood. His blood has put aside God's anger with our sins, and leaves us cleansed in the sight of God. Jesus stands before the Father, forever interceding for us.
We must keep in mind that Jesus is not the gentle Son speaking to a belligerent Father. No, it was the Father's will to save the world through the Son. The Son is the willing sacrifice, to a Father willing to honor his Son's gift. He loves us with an everlasting love.
When we fail in our struggle with sin, we have One who pleads on our behalf. He picks us up, cleans us off, and puts us back to work-all with the Father's blessing. So the next time you lose the battle against sin, remember that you have an advocate.
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