We Have An Advocate
by Ray Prinzing

"My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."                      (1 John 2:1)

Another precious word of examination - Advocate, from the Greek "parakletos" meaning: one called alongside to help, a comforter.

The goal before us is to be fully born again, where we "sin not," But John writes the most encouraging word, if we do sin, err, miss the mark, we have an Advocate, One who will come alongside us to help us back into the way, and to comfort our hearts, wipe the tears from our eyes, and bring us on our way rejoicing again.

We are on our way, returning to Father's house, and we know that to sin is not acceptable with Him, so we have an Advocate "with the Father."  The word "with" used here is the Greek word "pros" meaning TOWARD.  We have an Advocate to help us toward the Father, helping us in all of our relationship toward God, so that we will be acceptable with Him.  It is not that He is to help the Father, the Father doesn't need to any help.  He helps US toward the father.  He is the One called alongside to help me, comfort me.

That there might be this continuous help, He sent His Spirit into our hearts, to be our Comforter, "that He may abide with you for ever; even the Spirit of truth: whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth Him not, neither knoweth Him: but ye know Him; for He dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."  (John 14:15-17).

Once Jesus said, "Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures."  And when we do not KNOW, it is easy to miss the mark.  But when He, our Comforter abides within, even THE SPIRIT OF TRUTH, then He will reveal the way before us, help us to walk in the path of truth, and we shall make steady progress toward the Father.  What a marvelous provision from God to us-ward.

He laid the help upon His Son,
And sent that Son to me,
To work within my heart this grace
That sets the captives free.