Advocate of Redemption (1 John 2:1-2)
1 John 2:1-2 (NLT): 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.
Introduction:
Today, we gather to explore the profound truth found in 1 John 2:1-2, which reveals the heart of God's redemptive plan for humanity. In these verses, we encounter the role of Jesus Christ as our Advocate and the sacrifice He made for our sins. Let us delve into this passage to discover the transformative power of Christ's atonement and the assurance it brings to believers of all ages.
1. Jesus Christ: Our Advocate (1 John 2:1)
1 John 2:1 (NLT): "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."
In this verse, John addresses believers as "dear children," expressing his deep concern for their spiritual well-being. He encourages them to live lives free from sin, but he acknowledges the reality of human frailty. Despite our best intentions, we may still stumble and fall into sin. However, John offers a message of hope: we have an Advocate in Jesus Christ.
Jesus serves as our Advocate, representing us before the Father. The term "advocate" comes from the Greek word "parakletos," which means "one who comes alongside to help." Jesus stands as our legal representative, pleading our case before the righteous judgment of God. His advocacy is based on His own righteousness and sacrificial death on the cross, where He paid the penalty for our sins.
"If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." - Billy Graham
Hebrews 7:25 (NLT): "Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf."
In this verse, the author of Hebrews speaks of Jesus Christ's eternal priesthood. He is not like the priests of the Old Testament who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly. Instead, Jesus, as our High Priest, offered Himself once for all as the perfect sacrifice for sin. His sacrifice is efficacious for all time, and He continues to intercede for believers before God. This verse highlights the assurance of salvation for those who trust in Jesus Christ, knowing that He continually advocates for them before God.
Romans 8:34 (NLT): "Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honour at God’s right hand, pleading for us."
In Romans, Paul affirms the security of believers in Christ. He declares that no accusation or condemnation can stand against those who are in Christ. Jesus, having died and risen again, now sits at the right hand of God, interceding for believers. This verse emphasises the role of Christ as our advocate, continually presenting His finished work on our behalf, ensuring our salvation and acceptance before God.
2. The Atoning Sacrifice (1 John 2:2)
1 John 2:2 (NLT): "He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world."
In this verse, John elaborates on the role of Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for our sins. He emphasises that Jesus not only serves as our Advocate but also provides the solution to the problem of sin. Through His death on the cross, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, satisfying the demands of God's justice and reconciling humanity to God.
The scope of Christ's atonement is universal—"not only our sins but the sins of all the world." His sacrifice extends to all people, regardless of nationality, ethnicity, or background. It is a message of hope and redemption for the entire human race.
"The only man-made thing in heaven will be the scars in the hands and feet of Jesus." - Billy Graham
John 3:16 (NLT): "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
John 3:16 encapsulates the essence of the Gospel message. It portrays God's incomparable love for humanity, demonstrated through the sacrificial offering of His Son, Jesus Christ. Through faith in Christ, believers receive the gift of eternal life, escaping the condemnation of sin and death. This verse underscores the centrality of Jesus Christ in God's plan of salvation and invites all to believe in Him for eternal life.
Hebrews 2:17 (NLT): "Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people."
The author of Hebrews emphasises the humanity of Jesus Christ in this verse. He became like us in every way, experiencing the full range of human emotions and temptations, yet without sin. This qualified Him to serve as our merciful and faithful High Priest, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity.
Hebrews 2:17 highlights the unique role of Jesus Christ as both fully divine and fully human, able to bridge the gap between God and humanity and reconcile us to God through His sacrificial death.
3. Assurance of Redemption
The knowledge of Jesus Christ as our Advocate and the atoning sacrifice for our sins brings a profound sense of assurance to believers. We no longer need to live in fear or uncertainty regarding our standing before God. Through faith in Christ, we are forgiven, redeemed, and reconciled to God. We can approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus Christ has secured our salvation for all eternity.
Application:
In summary, these verses collectively affirm the central role of Jesus Christ in the salvation of humanity. He serves as our eternal High Priest, interceding for us before God, securing our salvation through His death and resurrection, and offering eternal life to all who believe in Him. This truth provides assurance and hope for believers, knowing that they are eternally secure in Christ's finished work.
As we reflect on the truth of 1 John 2:1-2, let us embrace the reality of Jesus Christ as our Advocate and the atoning sacrifice for our sins. May we find assurance and peace in His redemptive work and live lives that honour Him. Let us also extend the message of salvation to others, sharing the hope we have found in Christ with the world around us.
Call to Action:
Today, commit yourself anew to Jesus Christ as your Advocate and Redeemer. Trust in His finished work on the cross and live in the freedom and assurance of His salvation. Share the message of God's love and forgiveness with those around you, inviting them to experience the transformative power of Christ's atonement.
As we depart from this place, let us carry with us the assurance that we are loved, forgiven, and redeemed children of God, secured by the blood of Jesus Christ, our Advocate of redemption.
