In 1 John 1:5–2:2, John emphasized the importance of right action in the Christian life. He began with a declaration of the divine character in 1:5–7. John stated that God had revealed Himself as a God of perfect purity. Anyone who desired fellowship with Him must walk in obedience to His revealed will. John explained that those who denied the practice of sin were deceived, but those who admitted their sin experienced forgiveness and cleansing (1:8–10). John wrote these words in order to prevent his readers from committing sin. He felt that whenever we commit sin, Christ functions as our advocate in the Father’s presence and assures our standing before Him (2:1). Christ functions for believers both as a defender and as an atoning sacrifice. The sinlessness of Jesus qualifies Him to be our defender or advocate. Christ volunteered to serve as our atoning sacrifice for sin. The term translated “atoning sacrifice” (2:2) is sometimes rendered “propitiation.” The term suggests that our sin against God demands that some form of sacrifice be given to satisfy God’s offended holiness. Something in God’s nature demanded this propitiation, but something in that same nature was moved with love to provide it. The love of the Father led Him to provide the sacrifice of His Son.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Jan 2014 01:05:05 +0000
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