“But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous One, and he himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for our sins but also for the whole world.” (1John 2:1–2 NET)
Taken from The Modern Day Disciple Bible Study on 1, 2, & 3 John
Human nature is sin nature by default. It has been that way since the fall of mankind, so it should not be surprising when people sin. However, people all over the world try to deny that they are, in fact, sinners, despite the mountain of evidence that speaks contrarily to that notion. Some of this is because people truly believe that they have no advocate. They think there is no one in their corner speaking on their behalf for their own good. Even worse, they think that God would be the last person to defend them if they were ever to admit their wrongdoing. This couldn’t be further from the truth. The fundamental message of the cross is that God is for you. He is on your side. In fact, Jesus died for you. He took the death sentence that was rightfully yours. Think about that. If there was ever an advocate, a person in your corner fighting for your life, it was Jesus Christ. It was in His advocacy that He also became the atoning sacrifice for your sins. He paid the price for your wrongdoing. It should be expected for people in the world to run from God because they don’t know Jesus, but it’s just downright strange when one of God’s own children runs away from Him. Think about it. Most parents are much more pleased with their children when they admit they have done something wrong than when they hide whatever wrongful deed they have committed. How much more does your Heavenly Father desire you to just come clean and be restored to fellowship with Him. Now, John does make a point of clarifying his statement because sin nature has a way a twisting things. You see, sometimes when people finally do realize that they have an advocate in Jesus, they abuse Him. The use the cross as a license to sin, and this is very grievous. John states plainly that he is not endorsing people to sin. Rather, he is calling children to come clean.
I’m so glad that God isn’t surprised by anything, and that He loves me anyway. I read somewhere that, “God only wants for us what we would want for ourselves if we were smart enough to want it.” Jesus’ willingness to step in and take my punishment for my waywardness sends a clear message – He is for me. There is no greater love.