If Anyone Sins
Scripture Reading — 1 John 2:1-2
If anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
Often I have opportunities to talk with people who are struggling with a certain sin and who sometimes wonder whether there’s any hope of forgiveness. They feel guilty and condemned. Have you ever been in that position? If so, what do you do?
The answer the Bible gives is to rely on the blood of Jesus. When you’re guilty, you need someone to argue your case. You need someone who can help you win. That’s impossible for us to do on our own because the evidence of sin in our lives is damning.
But the Bible pictures Jesus as our defense attorney. Jesus speaks to God, the Judge, in our defense and pleads our case. What makes him qualified to do that? What guarantee is there that his defense will bring forgiveness and acquittal? The evidence he brings to God is not our sins, but his sacrifice. Jesus is the Righteous One who perfectly obeyed God for us. He became the atoning sacrifice for our sins; he died to cover them. And on that basis the Father hears and pardons.
Good Friday and Easter are past, but their power and significance are not gone. What sins on your record stand against you? Have you confessed, repented, and brought them to Jesus? If so, you can know you are forgiven for Jesus’ sake.
Lord Jesus, thank you that your sacrifice can cleanse me from sin. May we find assurance of forgiveness in your righteousness offered through your ultimate sacrifice for our sins. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Tom Groelsema
Tom Groelsema and his wife, Sheri, have served churches in Minnesota, Michigan, and North Carolina. They have four children and three granddaughters.
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