"If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous."—1 John 2:1.

What tender words and persuasive arguments will Jesus use when He stands up to plead for me! "Jesus Christ the righteous." This is not only His character but His defense. It’s His character, and if the Righteous

One is my advocate, then my case must be good, or He wouldn’t have taken it up. It’s also His defense because He meets the charge of unrighteousness against me by declaring that He is righteous. He presents Himself as my substitute and credits His obedience to my account. My soul, you have a friend who is perfectly suited to be your advocate; He cannot fail. Leave yourself entirely in His hands.

Astronomers believe that even the most erratic comet will eventually complete its journey and return to our skies; but Christians often give up on backsliders far too quickly, thinking they’re beyond saving. We use this supposed hopelessness as an excuse

for doing nothing, while our so-called concern about moral corruption hides our laziness and pride. If we saw ourselves rightly, we’d understand that no one is too far gone to be brought back.