1 John 2:1-2
My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father-Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
John addressed the Lord Jesus by several names: first, Jesus is the mediator. The so-called mediator is the guarantor in between. There was not connection originally between the sinful people and the sinless God. But Jesus came to this world and acted as a bridge in between, which is what a mediator stands for, connecting God to human beings.
Second, Jesus is the Righteous One. Jesus is the sinless savior. Because of that, he is able to take our place for God's punishment on sins. There might be many so-called righteous people in this world, too. But they appear righteous to us, and they are still sinners to God. They need salvation themselves. Their deeds might keep them from dying physically, but will not make them exempt from God's judgment on their sins, or God's judgment on them. From people's perspective, some people might be able to be exempt from judgment. But the judge is not any of us, but the holy God. Only those deemed righteous by God will receive salvation, for the salvation is not from us, but from God our Lord. Our righteousness is just like a rag, unable to save us at all. Only Jesus is that Righteous One, our savior.
Third, Jesus becomes the atoning sacrifice for us. Why the so-called atoning sacrifice is offered is because we were all astray and forsaken by God, but now the Lord redeemed our sins. By the salvation accomplished by Jesus on the cross, God's heart is turned around to us. Our hearts are turned around to God. And John said here that the atoning sacrifice is not only for our sins, but also for the sins of this world. God's love is not prepared only for us believers, but also for anyone in the world. This passage will help us understand how long, wide, high and deep God's love is. Sometimes it is hard to imagine how God would love the homosexuals, the drug dealers and the prostitutes. But God still loves them deeply, accepts them, and stays with them, so that they can also enjoy God's love. Brothers and sisters, have you received God's love? Are you willing to spread God's love in your life?
Pray with Pastor Tong Liu
Lord, thank you for becoming the atoning sacrifice for us. You already loved us when we were sinners and resisting you. May you put such love inside our heart so that we can accept people around us and love them with the love of Christ. We thank you and we pray in the victorious name of Jesus, amen!
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