1 John 2:1,2 “My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; 2and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world.”
The word propitiation is a theological one. It means that one’s anger has been dealt with and satisfied. Part of God’s nature is that He is righteous and just. If someone bullies another, that bully is guitly and will eventually answer to God. He is like a judge. That part of Him is not merciful. Wrongs must be righted.
God in the Old Testament created the sacrificial system to temporarilly deal with guilt and sin. It was patterned and Jesus’ future actions. The people of that time were well acquainted with the payment for their sin. They may have had a pet lamb that would eventually have to be sacrificed. This would be difficult, especially for the children.
In the New Testament, we don’t have that bloody experience. However, we are to look back and picture it. Romans 15:4 says, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Immursing ourselves in guilt/sin/sacrifice history produces great gratitude for the Father and Jesus. Communioun was enacted so we would go back to this and be thankful. We were rescued from a fate that was unavoidable. Not only were eternal consequences awaiting us, but our enslavement to sin in this life.
The righteous judge is also a loving one. He can’t look the other way. However, because of Jesus, we can go free. The just nature of this entire process isn’t compromised. We will sin. Today’s passage says “we have an advocate…Jesus Christ the righteous”. An advocate is another term for lawyer. He represents us.
Lord, thank You that You’ve provided a way out. It was hopeless. Thank You for all You’ve done.