Whatever case Satan may throw against us at the judgment, what will matter is who we have on our side.
One of several roles we see Jesus play is our defense attorney. He’s already won the case. We just need to have Him represent us. Knowing this isn’t meant to move us to thoughtless permissiveness, but appreciation and vigilance.
“My little children, these things I write to you, so that you may not sin. And if anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1 John 2:1, Unless otherwise stated: Scripture is taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Used by permission. All rights reserved).
In chapter one, John explained that the purpose of his writing was so we could have fellowship with God, that our joy would be full, and to impress us with the fact that God is holy, but He will forgive our sins if we confess them.
This is possible for all who have Jesus beside them. Why?
He’s not just our attorney, He’s our Judge and King.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (2 Cor 5:10).
If it were all up to us and the devil, we’d be found guilty, because there are none who have sinned who could stand before such a bar and be found righteous, and the devil wants us found guilty.
However, our Mediator-Judge-King chose to pay the penalty for our sin. He turned away the righteous punishment of God and fixed our permanent record. Being found beside Him is accounted as us being righteous (Rom 6:23; Rom 3:21-26; Rom 4:21-25; 1 Tim 6:11-16).
Jesus has overcome anything and anyone who might keep us from Him. The choice is left to us.
Will we stand with Him so He can stand for us?
“For whatever is born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world— our faith. Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” (1 John 5:4, 5)
“So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: “Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O Death, where is your sting?
O Hades, where is your victory?”
The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord" (1 Cor 15:54-58).
This is the ultimate accomplishment of what was alluded to in Zechariah 3:1-5.
“Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. And the Lord said to Satan, 'The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?'
Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel.
Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, ‘Take away the filthy garments from him.’ And to him He said, ‘See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes.’
And I said, ‘Let them put a clean turban on his head.’
So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.”
Who stands with you? Are you satisfied with your defense? Do you need to change who is by your side?
Don’t hesitate to contact me,
Van
