The Priesthood and Advocacy of Christ

 •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 8
 
His Present Services for the Believer Contrasted
Priesthood
Advocacy
4. He is an Advocate with the Father. If sin enters the life of the believer, his relationship to God is still as "Father". This shows he has not lost his link with God as one of His children. His link of relationship is a fixed and eternal one. No power of evil can nullify or break it (1 John 1:1, 21That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; 2(For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and show unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) (1 John 1:1‑2)).
7. But in regard to His Advocacy He is "Faithful and Just". This is because Advocacy has to do with Christ's finished work on the cross (propitiation). God is faithful and just to forgive because it has all been taken care of in Christ's death. God would not be just to demand it of us when Christ has paid the penalty of it already (1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)).
8. His work as an Advocate is not ongoing but only active when the believer sins. It begins when the believer sins, not when the believer repents of his sin or confesses his sin. The result of His Advocacy leads him to repent and confess his sin (1 John 1:9-2:1, 2).
9. In the time of sin and failure, we do not go to Him. Left to ourselves we would never turn back to Him, for we cannot restore ourselves. Neither does He come to us but rather He goes to the Father about our state and the Spirit goes to our conscience bringing to remembrance the love of Christ and the Word of God (Luke 22:6161And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said unto him, Before the cock crow, thou shalt deny me thrice. (Luke 22:61); John 13:4,54He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. 5After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. (John 13:4‑5), "water"). The result is the believer turns and confesses his sin, thereby his communion with the Father and Son are again enjoyed (1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)).
10. Because of His work as an Advocate, the believer repents and comes humbly in confession of his sin to the Father and thus is restored (1 John 1:99If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)).
B. Anstey