day twenty eight: Christ, our advocate

Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:23-25)

My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for[a] the sins of the whole world. (I John 2:1-2)

Jesus Christ, as High Priest, is our "advocate" according to the writer of Hebrews. The idea here is not just that of a High Priest standing before God on behalf of the people. Although that certainly is a part of the picture here. But the true meaning of the word "intercede" goes beyond what is understood in high priesthood. It has a deeper meaning taken from the ancient judicial system. When a person is brought before a high king or a magistrate, he is not able or fit to represent himself. He needs someone who can speak for him as "advocate".

Literally, the fate and image of the defendant is seen in the advocate. If the advocate is brilliant and convincing, then all of the benefit of that is brought upon the one needing defense. The defendant in other words, is IN the advocate as we are IN Christ.

As our atoning sacrifice, Christ stands in our place. He does not beg for mercy on our behalf. Instead, he demands justice as the One who has already paid the price for our sin. As our advocate, He says in affect, "Father, my friends here are guilty, but because of my atoning sacrifice for them on the cross, I do not ask for mercy, I ask for Justice. Your very nature and divine justice demand that you not punish them twice for the same sin. I have paid the price, therefore the only just thing to do is to accept them and renew them!"

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and JUST and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)