Together in Christ: 'The Advocate' — 1 John 2:1-2

Monday, June 19, 2023

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.
— 1 John 2:1-2 NLT

Key Thought

John has just warned these same followers of Jesus that they must not try to deny that they had sinned. [1] Instead, if they were open and brought their sin into the light and confessed it, God would not only forgive them but also cleanse them of all wickedness. [2]

This gift of freedom from our guilt and the stain of our sin is wonderful! However, like the apostle Paul, [3] John is careful to warn these disciples that God does not want them to use this gift of forgiveness, cleansing, and freedom from guilt as an excuse to keep sinning so they can keep being forgiven! Our verses begin with John's warning:

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin.

Forgiveness, cleansing, and freedom from guilt come at a high price: Jesus, Who offered himself as a sacrifice of atonement for our sins. [4] We should never take this cost for granted, but be deeply appreciative of our Lord and Savior's willingness to pay our redemption cost! In addition, our forgiveness should also be a reminder that Jesus didn't just pay this price for us but for everyone who comes to Him in repentance and faith. Our forgiveness should motivate us to be conduits of God's grace for us in Jesus and share the hopeful message of grace and forgiveness with others! [5]

[1] 1 John 1:8, 10.
[2] 1 John 1:7, 9.
[3] Romans 6:1-2.
[4] Colossians 1:20-22; Hebrews 2:17.
[5] Luke 24:44-49; Acts 10:42-43.

Today's Prayer

Father in heaven, thank you for Your forgiveness. Jesus, thank you for paying my redemption price to forgive me. Holy Spirit, please empower me beyond my weakness so I will not continue to sin. I want to live triumphantly, God, as Your obedient child, to Your glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Hebrews 2:14-18, 4:14-16
  • 1 John 1:5-10

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About This Devotional

Together in Christ is a daily devotional that focuses on what Scripture teaches about godly living in relationships.

'Together in Christ' is written by Phil Ware.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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