God, Our Advocate

Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. [The LORD is faithful in all his words and kind in all his works.] The LORD upholds all who are falling and raises up all who are bowed down. The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food in due season. You open your hand; you satisfy the desire of every living thing. The LORD is righteous in all his ways and kind in all his works. The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth. (Psalm 145:13–18 ESV).

 

The concept of God as an Advocate on our behalf is very prominent in the Scripture. In our reading today the psalmist describes the immeasurable size and scope of God’s kingdom. There is no beginning or end to the Lord’s reign or to his ruling power. With the coming of Jesus and His work on the cross He has assumed the principal position of advocate on our behalf.

 

According to the New Testament, Jesus Christ acts as our advocate (parakletos) with God the Father, pleading our case and defending us against accusations when we sin. As the "righteous" intercessor, he uses his own sacrificial death as justification for our forgiveness. This role provides assurance that believers have direct access to mercy. John Calvin’s quote (attached here) is one we would do well to both understand and apply in our lives. The Scripture has several essential applications.

 

It speaks of legal defense. Just as an attorney defends a client, the Apostle John describes Jesus as the one who speaks in our defense, arguing that the penalty for sin has already been paid (cf. 1 John 2:1). It also speaks of intercession. Jesus continuously lives to make intercession for believers, repairing relationships between humanity and God.

 

We have also been given a "Helper" at our side. The Greek word parakletos often translates as comforter or helper, indicating Jesus serves as our counselor. His advocacy is not based on our innocence but on his own righteousness and the proof of his sacrifice. This helps us in every moment when we feel as if we have failed beyond the possibility of hope. Thus, the concept of Christ as our Advocate is meant to encourage believers to turn from sin, knowing they have a defender in heaven, and to bring confidence in God's forgiveness. The psalmist in our reding today also points out that the Lord picks us up when we fall and builds us up when we feel unworthy.