Verse of the Day for Monday, September 25, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Monday, September 25, 2023

1 John 2:1

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.

Address and Intent
The Apostle John starts this section with the term "My dear children," a phrase that underscores his pastoral concern and affection for the recipients of his letter. He is not speaking from a lofty, detached position but as one who deeply cares for their spiritual well-being. The intent of his writing is preventative: "so that you will not sin." John wants to equip his readers with the understanding and wisdom that would help them to live righteously.

The Reality of Sin
John, however, acknowledges the reality of human frailty with the phrase "But if anybody does sin." He understands that while the aim is to live a sinless life, people are not perfect and will fail at times. It's not an endorsement or casual acceptance of sin but a realistic acknowledgment of human limitations.

Advocate with the Father
The term "advocate" translates the Greek word "parakletos," which can also mean "comforter" or "helper." In the context of a legal setting, an advocate is someone who pleads the case for another. Here, John states that if someone does sin, they have an advocate in Jesus Christ. It's an assurance that Christ is actively interceding on our behalf before God. He pleads our case, not based on our righteousness, but His own, thereby restoring us to a right relationship with God the Father.

Jesus Christ, the Righteous One
John closes the verse by identifying Jesus as "the Righteous One." This title confirms that Jesus is not just an advocate but a qualified one. He is perfectly righteous, fulfilling all the demands of the law and offering that righteousness to us. His advocacy is effective precisely because He is righteous; He embodies the standard that we could never meet on our own.

Conclusion
1 John 2:1 serves as both an admonition and a comfort. John exhorts his readers to aim for a sinless life, pointing out that the intent of Christian teaching is transformational. Yet, he also provides the assurance that when we do fail, as all humans inevitably will, we are not left to face the consequences alone. We have an advocate in Jesus Christ, who stands before God on our behalf, not to excuse our sin, but to offer His own righteousness as a means of our restoration. This verse encapsulates the dual themes of ethical rigor and divine grace, offering a balanced view of Christian life.