Ocean of Grace (13): MONDAY – A Better Word (p49ff)

 Lent Book: https://www.thegoodbook.co.uk/an-ocean-of-grace

 

My jottings:

 

(Comments welcome)

 

Ocean of Grace (13): MONDAY – A Better Word (p49ff)

 

The word for atoning sacrifice in 1 John 2v2 would best be translated “propitiation”, the turning aside of wrath by the payment of a price.

 

The word for “advocate” is the word Paraklete. Its etymology is one who is called alongside, that is, as a friend or helper, like a defence barrister or maybe a union rep who would stand with you at a tribunal. Jesus is thus our advocate who speaks to the Father on our behalf, pleading his blood. (Jesus also calls the Holy Spirit another Parakelete like himself – a kind of replacement Jesus to his disciples. Jesus goes away by his death and resurrection but at Pentecost he sends the Spirit to be a friend and helper alongside us).

 

Christ’s death is a pleasing aroma, a sweet smelling sacrifice offering, to the Father on our behalf. (cf. 2 Corinthians 2)

 

Christ’s saving work was finished at the cross (John 19) in the sense that the price for sin was fully paid. Jesus could sit down at the right hand of God on high (Hebrews 10). But he also lives ever to intercede for us (Hebrews 7). He continues our mediator. It is as if he continually presents to the Father his finished work. Satan is our accuser (that’s what his name means); Jesus is our defender (his name means the LORD saves).

 

We may also add that Jesus will be our judge. Our advocate will declare us innocent! In a human court this might amount to corruption and a conflict of interest, but it is perhaps a way of showing the wonder of the gospel that with perfect justice he who has already paid the price of sin in full will declare innocent those for whom he died.

 

We can imagine the defence case which Jesus would present: not denial of our sins, or pleas in mitigation, but the fact that the full sentence of our crimes has already fallen on him. It would be unjust of God to punish us when Christ has already been punished in our place. Yes, many of Satan’s accusations may be true: we are guilty sinners who deserve death and hell. But we are guilty sinners for whom Christ has died.

 

Jesus’ pleas for us are better than the most expensive legal team. The Son’s case will no doubt prevail with his Father.  

 

Abel’s blood cried out for vengeance and justice against his murderous brother, Cain; Jesus blood cries out for mercy and secures reconciliation for his brothers (Hebrews 12), rather as he prayed even for the forgiveness of those who drove the nails into his wrists (Luke 23).

 

Hymn: Crown him with many crowns

 

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7OCs0d_4vM

 

Words etc.: https://hymnary.org/text/crown_him_with_many_crowns