I know that I have sinned, but I also know that I have "an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" (1 John 2:1). Jesus lived for me, He died for me, and He was raised from the dead and ascended to heaven to be my personal representative before the Father.
Since Jesus is not ashamed to call me His brother, I can confidently regard Him as my brother. It inspires me with hope and joy to remember that I have a brother in heaven who is both able and willing "to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think" (Ephesians 3:20). "In all things it behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren," and therefore like unto me, "that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people," and therefore for my sins (Hebrews 2:17). As the Son of Man, and my brother, Jesus entered "into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God" for me (Hebrews 9:24).
I find comfort in trouble and assurance in perplexity by "looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who . . . is set down at the right hand of the throne of God" (Hebrews 12:2). Although He has been exalted "far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come" (Ephesians 1:21), yet He does not forget me and my need. He knows that I have no righteousness of my own which would entitle me to heaven, and so, as my advocate, He pleads His own righteousness in my behalf, and thus I find acceptance.
He knows my frame, and remembers that I am dust, and so, as my priest, He ministers unto me His own Spirit of grace and power to meet my need. He encourages me to come with confidence to the throne of grace; and when I come, I find Him there to hear my call, to grant forgiveness, and to dispense "grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). I do not mean that this is done apart from the Father; but the love, the mercy, and the forgiving grace of the Father find expression through His Son, Jesus Christ, my priest and advocate, and I come to God through Him.
I know from the Scriptures that I must render my account to Him "who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work" (1 Peter 1:17), and that "the hour of His judgment is come" (Revelation 14:7). Therefore I must not indulge in any false sense of security, but must rest only upon the hope "both sure and steadfast and which entereth into that within the veil; whither the forerunner is for us entered" (Hebrews 6:19-20). He is my advocate. He, as my personal representative, pleads my case. I have committed the keeping of my soul unto Him, and I rest wholly in His work for me.
I am glad to testify to others concerning Jesus, my all-sufficient advocate. I would that He might be your advocate. Will you accept Him?