"If anyone sins, we have an advocate." Even when we sin, He's still with us. John doesn't say, "If anyone sins, they've lost their advocate," but "we have an advocate," sinners though we are. None of the sins a believer commits can take away their relationship with Jesus Christ as their advocate.

The name given to our Lord here is full of meaning. "Jesus"—which means He is the advocate we need, for Jesus is the one whose mission and joy is to save. "They shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins." His very name speaks of His success. He is also called "Jesus Christ"—Christ meaning "the anointed."

This shows His authority to plead. Christ has the right to plead, for He is God's chosen advocate and appointed priest. If He were chosen by us, He might fail, but because God has chosen Him, we can trust Him completely. He is Christ, and therefore authorized; He is Christ, and thus equipped, for His anointing fully prepares Him for His work.

He can plead in a way that moves the heart of God and prevails. What tender words, what persuasive argument will the anointed one use when He stands up to plead for me! Lastly, He is "Jesus Christ the righteous." This describes both His character and His plea. His righteousness ensures our cause is just, or He would not represent it.

His plea counters any accusations of unrighteousness against us because He is righteous. He stands as our substitute, putting His obedience on our account. My heart, you have a friend perfectly suited to be your advocate, and He cannot fail; trust yourself entirely to His care.