Essex Remembrancer 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… I. THE NATURE OF THE OFFICE. It supposes — 1. An offender. "All have sinned." A man cannot deny this without contradicting God's word. 2. An accuser. Alas, we have many accusers. Our own consciences accuse us. The devil accuses us. The law of God accuses us. 3. A judge. God the Father is the Judge. It is He whom we have offended. 4. A defence. II. THE SUITABLENESS OF THE OFFICE. 1. His person. "Jesus Christ." Jesus, a Divine Saviour. Christ, the Messiah, anointed of God to the office of mediator. We are not trusting our eternal interests in the care of one of whom we know nothing, or one who bears no endearing relation to us; but One whose personal excellences we are well acquainted with. 2. His qualifications. "Jesus Christ the righteous." He is righteous in the most extensive and unlimited sense. His human nature was without spot. His Divine nature threw unexampled merit into every action. 3. His plea. He admits the claims of God's law and the justice of its denunciations, but pleads that He has borne the curse for us, and that therefore pardon and justification may be safely extended to us. 4. His petitions. What does He plead for? For everything that a sinner needs for His present and eternal welfare.Conclusions: 1. Let every man consider the importance of committing His eternal interests to the advocacy of Christ. This is to be done by faith in Christ, and prayer to God in reliance on Christ. 2. Let no one doubt whether Christ will undertake His cause. 3. Would you be sure you have Christ for your advocate? Prove it by obedience to Him. (Essex Remembrancer.) 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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