John clearly says that he was writing so that his readers would not sin. Indeed, we might expand his statement to include that purpose for all of the Bible. The Bible was written not only to show us how Jesus saves us from sin but also to teach us not to sin. The evangelist Dwight Moody put it this way, “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.”
Our consolation for when we fall is Jesus Christ, Who is here called our “Advocate with the Father.” We might call Him our “Defense Lawyer,” someone who “takes our side” and speaks with the Father on our behalf. The wonderful thing is that we do not have to hire this Defense Lawyer, as He provides all services “pro bono.” While it cost Him His all, His entire life, He gives our salvation and defense to us free of charge.
The third verse of the wonderful hymn by Charles Wesley, Arise, my soul, Arise shows how the crucified and risen Intercessor, our Advocate with the Father, pleads on our behalf:
Five bleeding wounds He bears, received on Calvary
They pour effectual prayers; They strongly plead for me
“Forgive him, oh forgive” they cry,
“Nor let that ransomed sinner die.”
Jesus pleads His wounds as complete payment for your sins. “The punishment that brings us peace was upon Him” (see Isaiah 53:5). In other words, Jesus refers to the cross in His work of intercession as your Advocate with the Father. He reminds God the Father that He, Jesus, took your punishment, paid your debt, and died your death. In essence, He says there is no punishment left for you!
The thought of Jesus showing His wounds as a reminder of the price paid, as evidence of our salvation secured, and His entire work of interceding on our behalf as our “Advocate” draws out my heart in love to Him. Think of it this way: if you fall, you have Someone on your side, standing with you, defending you, interceding on your behalf, and restoring you. And this “Someone” has never lost a case! He is the “Righteous One” Who has great authority with the Father as He is One with the Father (John 10:30). Oh how I love Jesus for doing this, as I need it so often!
Question 4. As you consider the argument Jesus uses—His wounds, His death on your behalf—what thoughts do you want to express to Him just now?
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