Christ Our Advocate and Propitiation
John writes to guard believers from sin, yet assures them that when they do sin, Jesus Christ the Righteous One intercedes as their Advocate and has fully satisfied God’s wrath as the propitiation for sins.
1 John 2:1-2 (BSB)
1 My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate before the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
2 He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
What is the big idea of 1 John 2:1-2?
John writes to guard believers from sin, yet assures them that when they do sin, Jesus Christ the Righteous One intercedes as their Advocate and has fully satisfied God’s wrath as the propitiation for sins.
How does 1 John 2:1-2 point to Christ?
Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, stands before the Father as our Advocate, representing us on the basis of His finished atoning sacrifice. His death fully satisfies divine justice, so that all who trust in Him are forgiven and reconciled to God, not because they are sinless, but because He is righteous and His sacrifice is sufficient.
Authorial Intent
To balance the call to holiness with strong assurance by revealing Christ’s ongoing advocacy and completed atoning work for believers.
Questions for Reflection
- How does knowing that Jesus is your Advocate change the way you respond after sin?
- Why is it important that Christ is described as righteous in connection with His advocacy?
- How can you hold together a serious commitment to holiness with deep assurance in Christ’s atoning work?
- What misunderstandings about the atonement have you encountered, and how does this passage clarify them?
Chapter: 1 John 2
Christ Our Advocate, Walking as He Walked, and Abiding in the Truth
Because Jesus Christ is the righteous advocate and atoning sacrifice, believers must abide in him through obedience, love, truth, and discernment until his appearing.