Today’s devotion comes from 1 John 2:1-2.
“My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2.
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We have an Advocate with God the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
And, Jesus Christ is the propitiation for our sins (“atoning sacrifice” – Merriam-Webster online dictionary).
And, Jesus is not only a Savior for the Jews, but also for the Gentiles. Jesus is not only a Savior for those in Israel, but for those in Egypt and Syria as well. Jesus is not only a Savior for those in United States, but for those in China as well: “and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”. Verse 2.
Thus, we have every confidence: “who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is He who died, yes, rather who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who also intercedes for us.” Romans 8:34.
Here is part of what the Heidelberg Catechism generally states about Jesus Christ.
Question 29. Why is the Son of God called Jesus, that is a Savior?
Answer. Because he saveth us, and delivereth us from our sins; and likewise, because we ought not to seek, neither can find salvation in any other.
Question 30. Do such then believe in Jesus the only Savior, who seek their salvation and welfare of saints, of themselves, or anywhere else?
Answer. They do not; for though they boast of him in words, yet in deeds they deny Jesus the only deliverer and Savior; for one of these two things must be true, that either Jesus is not a complete Savior; or that they, who by a true faith receive this Savior, must find all things in him necessary to their salvation.
Going back to the specific position of Jesus Christ as our “Advocate”, here is part of what the Heidelberg Catechism specifically states about that benefit.
Question 49. Of what advantage to us is Christ’s ascension into heaven?
Answer. First, that he is our advocate in the presence of his Father in heaven; secondly, that we have our flesh in heaven as a sure pledge that he, as the head, will also take up to himself, us, his members; thirdly, that he sends us his Spirit as an earnest, by whose power we “seek the things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God, and not things on earth.”
Question 50. Why is it added, “and sitteth at the right hand of God”?
Answer. Because Christ is ascended into heaven for this end, that he might appear as head of his church, by whom the Father governs all things.
Question 51. What profit is this glory of Christ, our head, unto us?
Answer. First, that by his Holy Spirit he pours our heavenly graces upon us his members; and then that by his power he defends and preserves us against all enemies.
The Westminister Larger Catechism further builds our confidence in Jesus Christ, our Advocate, Who sits at the right hand of God and makes intercession for us.
Question 54: How is Christ exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God?
Answer: Christ is exalted in his sitting at the right hand of God, in that as God-man he is advanced to the highest favor with God the Father, with all fulness of joy, glory, and power over all things in heaven and earth; and does gather and defend his church, and subdue their enemies; furnishes his ministers and people with gifts and graces, and makes intercession for them.
Question 55: How does Christ make intercession?
Answer: Christ makes intercession, by his appearing in our nature continually before the Father in heaven, in the merit of his obedience and sacrifice on earth, declaring his will to have it applied to all believers; Answering all accusations against them, and procuring for them quiet of conscience, notwithstanding daily failings, access with boldness to the throne of grace, and acceptance of their persons and services.
In conclusion, the Belgic Confession describes most passionately, most beautifully, and in most detail, Jesus Christ’s position as our Advocate Who makes intercession for us. I will quote part of it, but you can get to the full quote by clicking on the blue “Article 26”.
We believe that we have no access unto God, but alone through the only Mediator and Advocate, Jesus Christ the righteous, who therefore became man, having united in one person the divine and human natures, that we men might have access to the divine Majesty, which access would otherwise be barred against us. … If then we should seek for another Mediator, who would be well affected towards us, whom could we find, who loved us more than he, who laid down his life for us, even when we were his enemies? And if we seek for one who hath power and majesty, who is there that has so much of both as he who sits at the right hand of his Father, and who hath all power in heaven and on earth? And who will sooner be heard than the own well beloved Son of God? … For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. The same apostle saith, having boldness to enter into the holiest, by the blood of Jesus; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, etc. Likewise, Christ hath an unchangeable priesthood, wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. … Therefore according to the command of Christ, we call upon the heavenly Father through Jesus Christ our own Mediator, as we are taught in the Lord’s prayer; being assured that whatever we ask of the Father in his name, will be granted us.”
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 