The Word - Feb. 23, 2012 - OUR ADVOCATE

"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. He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins, and not only our sins but the sins of all the world" (1 John 2:1-2).

It is a marvelous thing for a person to accept Jesus Christ as Savior, but it is even more awesome to know the Savior. Paul could say, "I know in whom I have believed" (2Tim 1) But he also desired to "know Him and the power of His resurrection." (Phil. 3:10).

The Lord Jesus Christ not only became man to die for our sins, but is now a risen, glorified man in heaven, the High Priest and Advocate of His people. As High Priest, He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities and lives to strengthen us, that we might "hold fast our testimony in the world" (Hebrews 4:14-16). As our advocate (or intercessor) He pleads our cause before God, when we sin.

Yes, we do have Jesus Christ interceding for us before the throne. When we sin, we need one who is righteous to plead our case, because Satan accuses us before God day and night (Rev. 12:10). Satan would do everything in his power to make us appear as unholy. If he could accomplish this, we all would be barred from heaven, because none of us are perfect.

But thank God, the Lord Jesus Christ is the author of eternal salvation. He not only died on the cross to save us, but He lives as our advocate in heaven to intercede on our behalf. The moment a believer sins, Christ our advocate pleads our cause, so that not charge can be laid against us before the Father. We are clothed in the righteousness of our Savior. It is not of our own making. How great is our God!