The Advocate

“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1

An advocate is someone who speaks on your behalf, defending you and interceding for you. In the courtroom of life, where sin accuses us and Satan seeks to condemn, we all need an advocate.

The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is our Advocate, standing before God the Father. He pleads our case not based on our righteousness, but on His sacrifice on the cross.

We all need an Advocate because we have all sinned.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23

Sin separates us from God, creating a barrier we cannot remove on our own. The penalty for sin is death (Romans 6:23), and without Jesus, we stand condemned. But God, in His great love, sent His Son to be our Advocate.

As the perfect Advocate, Jesus knows our struggles: He became fully human, experiencing temptation, pain, and sorrow. “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin” (Hebrews 4:15).

Again, He isn’t just aware of our struggles, He went ahead to pay our price and continually speaks for us. As the Righteous One, Jesus willingly took our sins upon Himself, dying on the cross in our place. “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

When we confess our sins and trust in Him, Jesus intercedes for us before the Father. His advocacy ensures our forgiveness and restores our relationship with God.

Looking at all He has done, what manner of people should we be, and how should we respond? Jesus, our Advocate, freely offers His defense to all who come to Him in faith. To receive His advocacy, you must first acknowledge your need—admit that you are a sinner and cannot save yourself. Next, believe in His work—trust that Jesus’ death and resurrection fully paid the penalty for your sins. Finally, commit your life to Him—turn away from sin and follow Jesus as your Lord and Savior.

As Scripture reminds us, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).

Will You Accept the Advocate? Jesus stands ready to plead your case and secure your eternal future. The choice is yours. Will you allow Him to be your Advocate today?

Pray this prayer:

“Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner in need of Your grace. Thank You for being my Advocate and dying for my sins. I trust in You as my Savior and Lord. Help me to live a life that honors You. Amen.”

With Jesus as your Advocate, you are no longer condemned but set free. Trust Him today and live in the assurance of His love and forgiveness.