Victory in Christ

Chapter 7 HE IS MY ADVOCATE

I know that I have sinned, but I also know that I have “an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” Jesus lived for me, He died for me, and He was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven to be my personal representative before the Father. VICH 20.1

Since Jesus is not ashamed to call me His brother, I can confidently regard Him as my brother. It inspires me with hope and joy to remember that I have a Brother in heaven who is both able and willing “to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.” “It behooved Him in all things to be made like unto His brethren,” and therefore like unto me, “that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people,” and therefore for my sins. As the Son of man, and my brother, Jesus entered “into heaven itself, now to appear before the face of God for” me. VICH 20.2

I find comfort in trouble and assurance in perplexity by “looking unto Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who... hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Although He has been exalted “far above all rule, and authority, and power, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come,” yet He does not forget me and my need. He knows that I have no righteousness of my own which would entitle me to heaven, and so as my Advocate He pleads His own righteousness in my behalf, and thus I find acceptance. VICH 20.3

He knows my frame, and remembers that I am dust, and so as my priest He ministers unto me His own Spirit of grace and power to meet my need. He encourages me to come with confidence to the throne of grace; and when I come, I find Him there to hear my call, to grant forgiveness, and to dispense “grace to help in time of need.” I do not mean that this is done apart from the Father, but the love, the mercy, and the forgiving grace of the Father find expression through His Son, Jesus Christ, my priest and advocate, and I come to God through Him. VICH 21.1

I know from the Scriptures that I must render my account to Him “who without respect of persons judgeth according to each man’s work,” and that “the hour of His judgment is come.” Therefore I must not indulge in any false sense of security, but must rest only upon “a hope both sure and steadfast and entering into that which is within the veil; whither as a forerunner Jesus entered for us.” He is my advocate. He, as my personal representative, pleads my case. I have committed the keeping of my soul unto Him, and I rest wholly in His work for me. VICH 21.2

I am glad to testify to others concerning Jesus, my all-sufficient advocate. I would that He might be your advocate. Will you accept Him? VICH 22.1