1 John 2:1-6 My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father… 1. Advocates amongst men frequently deny the allegation brought against their clients, but Christ admits the charge brought against humanity. 2. Advocates amongst men, if they admit the charge, frequently seek to justify it. Sometimes they set up the plea of ignorance, or accident, or self-defence. But Christ pleads no palliation. 3. Advocates amongst men undertake their work, not from the love of justice or humanity, but from personal considerations. 4. Advocates amongst men seek to influence the mind of the adjudicating parties. But Christ seeks to influence the accused. The great Judge cannot and need not be influenced. In what respects, then, can Christ be called an advocate? I. HE IS AN ADVOCATE INASMUCH AS HE IS A HELPER OF THE ACCUSED. II. HE IS AN ADVOCATE INASMUCH AS HE IS A GOVERNMENTALLY RECOGNISED FUNCTIONARY. The great Governor of the universe has appointed Christ to the work. He occupies His position by a Divine right. III. HE IS AN ADVOCATE INASMUCH AS HE SEEKS TO DELIVER THE ACCUSED IN A WAY HONOURABLE TO LAW. Christ undertakes two things: — 1. That if the sinner is delivered no wrong shall be done to the universe. 2. He pledges that if the sinner is delivered his life shall henceforth be holy. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: |
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