My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.
~ 1 John 2:1
God, who created all things, made Adam and Eve in his own image, and intended them to be perfect. But when sin entered God’s world, it was no longer perfect. God’s family became corrupted by sin. Only by holding onto God’s promise to send a Savior, were they rescued from eternal damnation.
That Savior came as God promised: For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16-17)
After living a perfect life, Jesus took the punishment of the sins of the entire world upon himself while on that torturous cross. He died and was buried. Then, with the sins of the world paid for, Jesus rose again to life and returned to his rightful place in heaven. There he now speaks to the Heavenly Father in our defense. When we sin, Jesus does not point to our good works as if they could somehow cancel out the sins that we have done. Instead, he reminds the Father of his perfect life and sacrifice for us.
One day soon, each of us will have to give an accounting to the Lord God Almighty, who rightfully demands perfection. Thankfully, the good works of Jesus Christ the Righteous One, which through faith in him are credited to our account, is all the evidence needed to be perfect before the Father.
Jesus Christ offers to everyone full and free forgiveness through faith in him. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:16)
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I cling to you as my only hope of standing firm on the day of judgment. Until then, keep me from sin so that I do not bring shame on your holy name. Amen.
Living Hope Church 