1 John Part 3

But if anybody does sin, we have one who speaks to the Father in our defense—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. ²He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. 1 John 2:1b-2

We should strive not to sin, but if we do, we have someone to speak to the Father in our defense. Isn't it great that someone speaks in our defense when in ourselves we are indefensible? And it's not just anyone; I suppose anyone could speak in our defense, but only one is qualified to speak to the Father in our defense. This is the Righteous One, Jesus Christ. He can have that title in capital letters because He is the only one who is righteous. Now it is even more amazing that not only someone speaks in our defense to the Father, but the Righteous One, Jesus Christ, is the one that speaks in our defense.

Verse two says that Jesus Christ is the atoning sacrifice for our sins. I looked up the word atone and it means to make amends for. Christ's sacrifice makes amends for us and the sins we have committed. The consequence of someone making amends is reconciliation if both parties are willing. And praise God he is willing to reconcile with us!

I also found out that the word atone is actually a contraction of the words at and one. We just don't think of it that way since the word doesn't sound like a combination of those words to us. It is actually the pronunciation of the word one that has changed over the years.

Now I know that the Bible was not originally written in English and it is easy to get carried away with just one word. But the New American Standard version uses the word propitiation in the place of the phrase atoning sacrifice. It seems to mean about the same thing, which we'd hope is the case for two reputable translations. Because of Christ's sacrifice, someone has made amends for us and we are reconciled to God.

I find it so hard to live like I am reconciled to God even when I sin. I struggle so much with fear, wanting to hide from him fearing his anger and disappointment. I am at one with God through Jesus. I just am.