We Have An Advocate
(Today's devotionals was written by Tim Jones, God's Great Outdoors chairman of the board)
1 John 2:1 ...we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.
My career in law enforcement afforded me the opportunity to interact with the Judicial system. I worked closely with Judges, Attorneys, and those charged with crimes. The defendants charged with crimes had to stand before a judge who would render justice in the case. Depending on the evidence presented, the defendant was declared innocent or guilty. The Attorneys who represented and spoke for the defendant could be described as an Advocate. An Advocate by definition is one who speaks for, intercedes for, or comes to the aid of another. An advocate may even stand in the place of another.
As Christians, we have the ultimate advocate. Jesus not only speaks to the Father on our behalf, but also stood in our place and took the punishment for our guilt. This means we no longer receive the punishment we rightly deserve. When the one true Righteous Judge looks at us, he sees only the price that was paid by the sacrificial Lamb. Our debt has been paid. We are no longer under condemnation.
We are justified and declared righteous. 1 Cor. 6:11 tells us that "you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God".
His sacrifice is sufficient; therefore, we are pronounced "not guilty". Colossians 2:13-14 states, "And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by cancelling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This he set aside, nailing it to the cross". Did you catch that? Even the record of our debt has been cancelled!
Do you have an Advocate? Do you stand before the Righteous Judge being declared not guilty because of what Jesus did for you on the cross, or are you trying to defend yourself? You have already been found guilty. Your only defense is the blood of Christ and your acceptance of Him as your Lord and Savior. Call on Jesus as your Advocate and be declared set free from your sin and guilt.
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