Read: I John 2:1-2
Reflect: Imagine standing in a courtroom as the defendant. There is no jury, only a judge. His powerful presence demands awed respect. The list of charges against you are too numerous to count. The sum of admissible evidence and accusations leveled by credible witnesses are not only indisputable, they’re true. Head hung; you offer your plea: “Guilty”. The prosecution is fierce as it lays out the statutes of sentencing for your crimes. The recommendation is death.
the death penalty affirmed
Your lawyer rises to address the court. Here is his opportunity to mitigate your sentence. Perhaps the judge will ease the sentence if offered justifiable explanations for your actions. However, instead of countering the prosecution, he affirms the required penalty, death. Shockwaves ripple through the gallery. If only you had an advocate.
Your blood thunders in your ears. Your heart feels like it will explode out of your chest. All breathe has escaped your lungs. All you can feel is a crushing weight. The weight of guilt.
the penalty already paid
You are suddenly back to the present. Your attorney is still talking. The demands of the law have already been fulfilled. An advocate has taken responsibility for your crimes and already been executed. Your attorney pleads your case to the judge and advocates you be set free.
we have an advocate before the father
It seems a bit preposterous doesn’t it, that someone would take responsibility for the heinous crimes of another? Yet that is exactly what Jesus did for us. He took the penalty for our sins and died in our place. Moreso, he overcame death by rising again! He stands in authority, pleading our case to the righteous judge, God the Father. Christ is our Advocate.
Declared innocent!
We are declared innocent of our sin through the power of His death and resurrection. “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. And we can be sure that we know him if we obey his commandments.” (1 John 2:1-3 NLT)
the offered gift
One day, when your time on earth is finished, you will stand before God, the righteous judge. You can be sure that the accuser of the brethren will be fierce as he lays out the statutes of sentencing for your sin. (Revelation 12:10) There is no justifiable explanation for sin. The wages of sin is death, but God’s offered gift is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) If you do not know Jesus, I invite you to meet Him and welcome Him into your life. Receive his gift of atonement for your sin.