January 3
THE ABLE ADVOCATE
"My little children, these things I write to
you, that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus
Christ the righteous" (I John 2:1, NKJV).
Employing the familiar metaphor of the "Advocate," the apostle John portrays
Christ as the believer's sure defense and ever-present mediator. With touching eloquence,
he urges Christians to appropriate divine power to overcome sin as a way of life. He
appeals for victorious living and fervently reminds his readers that God's ideal is
complete freedom from the practice of sin (see I John
3:6).
However, he also confidently assures us that should the Christian slip and fall into a
particular act of sin, there is adequate provision for forgiveness and restoration. With
firm confidence, the apostle affirms that "we have an Advocate with the Father".
As a vital element in the plan of salvation, the advocate has-been retained and made
available to all who recognize their need for divine advocacy.
In Bible times, the advocate was much more than merely a defense attorney arguing for the
defendant. He was also a counselor and a comforter. He was one who stood by the side of
the accused, to comfort, encourage, and defend. Our heavenly advocate is not only
available but willing to come to our side when we need Him. He is an able advocate who
"has never lost a case that has been committed to Him."-Our High Calling, p. 49.
He successfully advocates our cause before the throne of God against "the accuser of
our brethren (Revelation 12: 10, NKJV). If anyone sins, the advocate pleads the efficacy
of His precious blood shed on our behalf.
Christ has satisfied the law for us by His death (see Galatians
3:13), fulfilled the law for us by His perfect obedience (see Romans
5:19), and now He offers us His unceasing advocacy in the heavenly tribunal. It is for
these reasons that we are unafraid of the judgment. "We may trust in our Advocate;
for He pleads His own merits in our behalf.'~-Ibid.
MY PRAYER TODAY: Lord, may the portrait of my able Advocate bring me new assurance
of peace with You. Amen!
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