What does it mean when Scripture states that Jesus Christ is our advocate?

In his letters to the churches, John wrote:

“My little children, I am writing you these things so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father ​— ​Jesus Christ the righteous one.”

1 John 2:1 CSB

What a gift of God’s grace that He offers His only Son, Jesus, to be our atoning sacrifice, our high priest, and our intercessor! 

If you have come to God through Christ through repentance and faith, the Bible says that Jesus Christ is your intercessor. He advocates on your behalf before the Father. He pleads on our behalf before the Father, identifying Christ followers as ones for whom He died and who are covered by His righteousness. Christ points out to the Father that our sins are forgiven because they are covered by His blood shed on the cross.

Whenever Satan accuses us of our sin, Christ advocates on our behalf. The righteousness to which Jesus points in His advocacy is not ours, but His. When we repent and believe in Christ Jesus, His righteousness is imputed to us. Because we have the righteousness of Christ covering us, we have right standing before a holy God. This truth does not give us a license or freedom to sin; however, it does give us hope when we do sin that our Advocate points to His righteousness and His righteous blood that cover us.

Meditate on this truth today. When you are tempted to focus on a past sin that you regret and of which you have repented, remember that Jesus sits at God’s right hand as your Advocate. He pleads the case of Christ followers before the Father, pointing to His sacrifice on the cross on their behalf.

Live today with this blessed hope—Jesus Christ is your Advocate!

Blessings!

(If you want to read more from Tim McKnight, click here.)