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.

If anyone sins, we have an advocate. Yes—even though we sin, we still have Him. John does not say, “If anyone sins, he loses his advocate,” but rather, “we have an advocate,” even though we are sinners. No sin a believer has committed, or will be allowed to commit, can take away their standing in the Lord Jesus Christ as their advocate.

The name given to our Lord here is meaningful: “Jesus.” That tells us He is exactly the kind of advocate we need, because the name Jesus means “Savior”—the one whose work and delight is to save. As Scripture says, “They shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” Even His very name promises His success.

Next, He is called “Jesus Christ”—Christ meaning “the Anointed One.” This shows His authority to plead for us. Christ has the right to be our advocate because He is the Father’s own chosen and appointed High Priest. If we had chosen Him ourselves, He might fail us; but since God has laid help upon One who is mighty, we can safely place our troubles where God has placed His help. He is Christ, and therefore authorized; He is Christ, and therefore fully equipped, because His anointing has perfectly prepared Him for His work. He can plead in a way that moves the heart of God and prevails. What tender words, what persuasive sentences will the Anointed One use when He stands to plead for me!

Finally, He is called “Jesus Christ the Righteous.” This is not only His character but also His argument. It is His character—if the Righteous One is my advocate, then my case is good, or He would not have taken it up. It is also His plea—He answers the charge of my unrighteousness by standing as the Righteous One in my place. He declares Himself my substitute and credits His obedience to my account.

My soul, you have a Friend perfectly suited to be your advocate. He cannot fail. Place yourself entirely in His hands.

Charles Spurgeon