The Foundation of Fellowship (Part Two)

John teaches, ““My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1). Should a Christian sin, he has the wherewithal or resources to address his sin – an advocate in heaven who satisfied the absolute demands of the Father’s absolute being. An advocate is a person who comes to our aid or pleads our case to a judge. Advocates offer support, strength, and counsel and intercede for us when necessary. Jesus is a compassionate advocate in that He has experienced life in this world, too. He has been tempted, rejected, overlooked, misunderstood, and abused. He does not represent us theoretically; He represents us experientially. He lived the life we live, yet He did so without succumbing to the evils that befall us.

The words “we have” indicate that the advocacy of Jesus begins at the moment we commit a single sin. Jesus instantaneously and constantly is available as our advocate, whether we realize it or not. This is true, regardless of whether we appreciate it or not. He will always come to our side to help us with our sin issue before an absolute God. Jesus defends us against the accusations of the Devil because of our sin (Revelation 12:10). Jesus is always our Advocate, whether for sins confessed or sins unconfessed. Jesus takes up my case every time I sin. He represents me to the Father without exception. Sin does not touch the issue of our relationship with the Father, but it does relate to our fellowship with the Father. Be encouraged!

Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible teacher & expositor