My children, I am writing this to you so that you may not commit sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous one. He is expiation for our sins, and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. 1 John 2:1-2 NABRE
John addresses this section of his letter very intimately, as though he is close to the reader or feels very much their spiritual father. He says, ‘My children, I am writing this to you,” emphasizing their relationship and his authority. The subject is sin, he doesn’t want them to sin but he tells them if they do, as we are all known to do, that they do have an advocate who intercedes for them (us) before the Father in heaven. We are sinners, but Jesus is entirely righteous and has no sin, yet He dies to restore our relationship with God. John is providing encouragement in the face of our human frailty. He goes on to say Jesus is expiation for our sins. Which means primarily He removed our sin and the guilt it brings. Jesus expiates our sins by removing them and cleansing us from them. By acting as our advocate before the Father Jesus reconciles us to the Father, though we should always recall that the Father has reconciled us to himself through Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:18) John is saying Jesus is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. We are cleansed and put in right relationship with God, two aspects of the same redemptive work. John finishes by saying Jesus’ atoning sacrifice was not just for a select group but for the whole world and for all times.
Though we may fall, we are blessed with Jesus our advocate before the Father. As much as we fail Jesus is there to restore us to the Father and cleanse us of our guilt. Whatever you will do you are already forgiven.
Do you see Jesus as advocate? Are you surprised to learn Jesus is always for you?
As much as we fail Jesus is there to restore us to the Father and cleanse us of our guilt. Whatever you will do you are already forgiven. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#BeAnEncourager #sin #atone #John#everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist#jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray#prayer #goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #thisVineyard#youversion #everythingalways