October 26: Our Advocate Before the Father

1 John 2:1-2

John writes so that believers will not sin, but he knows that Christians still stumble. The gospel neither excuses sin nor leaves sinners without hope: “If anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.”

Jesus does not plead our innocence. He stands before the Father on the basis of His own righteousness and finished sacrifice. He is the propitiation for our sins the One who bore God’s righteous judgment so that we might receive mercy.

When we fail, we often respond with hiding, self-punishment, or promises to do better. But our confidence does not rest in the strength of our repentance. It rests in the righteous Christ who represents us. We fight sin seriously because grace is costly, and we return quickly because grace is sufficient.

ONE TRUTH TO BEHOLD
Jesus Christ is the righteous Advocate whose finished sacrifice secures forgiveness for His people.

ONE TRUTH TO BECOME
Become a person who takes sin seriously but runs quickly to Christ rather than hiding in shame.

ONE QUESTION TO MEDITATE ON
When I fail, do I look primarily to my regret and performance, or to Christ’s righteousness and advocacy?

CLOSING PRAYER
Righteous Jesus, thank You for standing in my place. Deepen my hatred of sin, free me from despair, and teach me to rest in Your finished work. Amen.