[1 John Series 4] The Heavenly CourtroomSample

We have an Advocate

God our heavenly Father is good beyond our wildest imagination. He has got us covered in every aspect of our lives—spiritually, fiscally, and intellectually. We can’t help but marvel at His love. In 1 John 2, the apostle John told us not to sin. But he did not stop there. He went on to say that if we do sin, there is an Advocate for us. His name is Jesus.

Even when we do everything we should do, we struggle, and eventually we will slip and fall. In that moment it is important to understand that we can bounce back on our feet because Jesus has fully paid our debt. We live in a courtroom drama. We stand on trial and God the Son, Jesus Christ, is going to step forward as our defense attorney. He is going to be our righteousness and our payment in the eternal heavenly trial.

Our assurance is not placed on which denomination we belong to, nor on our efforts to increase our church attendance, do good works, or just be nicer people. No. If at any time we sin, we have Jesus to advocate for us. When we struggle with sin, we just need to turn back to Him. This increases our faith, which in turn increases our obedience. And as we obey more, we sin less, and we keep on walking. That is what it means to walk with God. Just as your investments don’t skyrocket overnight, the same happens with our Christian walk. Growth is the cumulative effect of journeying on this path with God every day.

But Jesus, as our defense attorney, doesn’t declare us innocent. What a farce it would be if Jesus stood before God and said, “No, no, no. He is innocent. You are taking it all wrong, God. That’s not what he meant.” In this courtroom drama, you agree with God that you are guilty, because you are the only one to blame. That is what confession is all about. But the Advocate steps in on your behalf and pays the price for you. He is the atoning sacrifice. 

You become a person that is forgiven by God through Jesus Christ who paid for your sins. That is how you become a Christian. That is how you know Jesus as Savior: By pleading guilty before God and letting Jesus to step in on your behalf to pay the price.