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The song "The Advocate's Plea" draws its profound message from the comfort found in 1 John 2:1-2. "My little children, these things I write 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 the whole world."
This scripture points us to a central truth of our faith: Jesus Christ, our Advocate, stands as an intermediary between God and humanity, offering His righteousness and sacrificial atonement on our behalf.
To grasp the depth of this scripture, let us first consider the context. The Apostle John, often called the "Beloved Disciple," penned this epistle. He wrote to the early church toward the end of the first century—a time marked by emerging heresies, such as Gnosticism, which threatened the purity of the gospel message. This was a pastoral letter aimed at clarifying the truth, affirming believers in their faith, and refuting false teachings that denied the incarnation of Christ.
John addresses them with affection, "My little children," emphasizing his role as a spiritual father. The purpose of his writing was both preventative ("so that you may not sin") and redemptive ("we have an Advocate with the Father"). This dual purpose establishes both the high standard to which believers are called and the grace available to them when they falter.
Two key terms require our attention: "Advocate" and "Propitiation."
The lyrics of the song extract essential truths from the passage and illuminate the theological heart of John's message:
### Stanza One: The Call to Holiness
"My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not fall into sin." The initial exhortation reminds us of God's standard of holiness—a life free from sin. Yet, human frailty makes sin inevitable. Scripture supports this with Paul's declaration that "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23). God's call is for purity, not through our strength, but through dependence on the Holy Spirit.
### Stanza Two: Assurance in Advocacy
"But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One." The inevitable human condition is met with divine assurance. Jesus, the Righteous One, stands as our Advocate. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them." Herein lies our confidence—not in our ability to remain sinless, but in Christ's continuous intercession.
### Stanza Three: Atonement for Sin
"He himself is the sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." The universality of Christ's atonement is indisputable. As John the Baptist proclaimed, "Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" (John 1:29). This sacrifice encompasses all humanity, yet it requires personal appropriation through faith.
### Stanza Four: Knowing Him through Obedience
"We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands." True knowledge of God manifests in obedience. As Jesus declared, "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15). It signals a transformative relationship where His commandments are not burdensome, but a reflection of our sanctification.
### Stanza Five: The Test of Truth
"Whoever claims 'I know him' but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in them." Professing knowledge of Christ demands evidence through righteous living. James concurs, stating that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). The test of authenticity lies in our conformity to His will.
### Stanza Six: Complete Love through Obedience
"But if anyone obeys his word, God’s love is truly made complete in them." Here, "complete" speaks of maturity and fulfillment. Obedience culminates in the perfect expression of divine love—an ongoing process that transforms us into His likeness.
Now, let us consider how we might practically apply these truths:
1. Recognize Christ as Advocate: Daily confess Jesus as your Advocate. When you stumble, approach God’s throne with boldness, knowing that Jesus intercedes for you.
2. Embrace Holiness: Pursue a life of holiness, understanding that it is by the grace and guidance of the Holy Spirit you are empowered to overcome sin.
3. Receive the Sacrifice: Continually acknowledge and thank God for the sacrifice of Jesus. Reflect on its meaning, allowing it to bring peace in knowing that Jesus covers all your transgressions.
4. Obey His Commands: Diligently seek to understand and obey His commandments. As you do, you will experience the completion of God’s love in your life.
Proclamation:
In the name of Jesus, I declare that I have an Advocate with the Father. Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, is my mediator and my sacrifice. I will walk in His commandments and live out His truth, for His love is made complete in me.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for providing a perfect Advocate in Your Son, Jesus Christ. Grant me the strength to walk in holiness and the wisdom to keep Your commandments. May Your love be perfected in me, as I rest in the assurance of Christ's atoning sacrifice. Amen.
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