Jesus Christ our Advocate

1 John 2:1-2

– Last time we looked at a series of 5 “if” statements in chapter 1:5-10 and this morning we consider the last of these “if” statements which gives us a tremendous basis for assurance

I. Our Attitude in the Church

1) Legalism

• In the previous passage (1:5-10) John has emphasized the forgiveness that is ours when we confess our sins
• The strong emphasis on forgiveness in 1:5-10 runs contrary to the legalism of the false teachers in Ephesus
• Gnostics who felt they could overcome sin by self-effort
• Perfectionists who were boasting that they had conquered sin

2) Licence

• In 2:1 John addresses a possible misunderstanding:  the belief that forgiveness of sin is a licence to do whatever we please – ‘Antinomianism’
• John deals with two types of wrong attitudes:  Legalism and Antinomianism

Application

– The love of God and the forgiveness of God as shown in Jesus Christ and the gospel gives us a tremendous motivation not to sin!  Love is a more potent motivator than fear

– God’s Word points us constantly to God’s free grace in Christ so that we will not sin

II. Our Advocate in God’s Courtroom

1) The Accused – you and me!

• Accusations from the Devil
• Accusations from the world
• Accusations from a guilty conscience

2) The Judge – God the Father

3) The Defense Lawyer – Jesus Christ

• He is our paraklete – one who is ‘called alongside’ to speak on our behalf
• Jesus is our advocate in heaven
• The Holy Spirit is our advocate on earth (John 14:16)
• He is perfectly righteous
• He is 100% effective

III. Our Priest in God’s Temple

1) A Sacrifice for our Sins

• The word ‘propitiation’ is linked with temple sacrifice in the Old Testament
• Our sins have been removed
• God’s holy wrath has been turned away
• Not a picture of a vindictive Father and a benevolent Son
• The loving Father provides the sacrifice that His justice demands– 4:9-10

2) A Sacrifice for the Sins of the World

• Not a universal salvation – cf. John 3:36
• ‘World’ here must indicate all people without distinction (Jews and Gentiles), not all people without exception

Application:

– If you know Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour you have a firm basis for assurance!

– Our Priest offered Himself once for all for the sins of believers everywhere