When job hunters prepare a résumé to send to prospective employers, they will often include this phrase: “References available upon request.” Instead of the word references, the word advocates could be used. An advocate is someone who speaks on another person’s behalf.

The apostle John wrote that Christians, if they sin, have an advocate who will speak on their behalf before the Father: “Jesus Christ the righteous.” The NIV1984 translation says, “We have one who speaks to the Father in our defense,” and the NLT translation says, “We have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father.” Why would we need such an advocate? Because Satan stands ready to accuse us of being unworthy of salvation because of our sin. The defense Christ brings before the Father is that “He Himself is the propitiation [the payment] for our sins” (1 John 2:2).

If you sin, confess it to God and know that Jesus Christ pleads your case before the Father—assuring that you are forgiven (1 John 1:9; Romans 8:31-34).

I will glory…not because I am clear of sin, but because my sins are forgiven.
Ambrose