My little children, I write you these things so that you may not violate God’s law and sin. But if anyone should sin, we have an Advocate (One Who will intercede for us) with the Father—[it is] Jesus Christ [the all] righteous [upright, just, Who conforms to the Father’s will in every purpose, thought, and action]. - 1 John 2:1(AMPC)
An advocate is someone who defends someone in a court of law. It is common knowledge that God is a just judge. He would judge the entire universe at the end of time, giving rewards and meting judgment on all living. He sent Jesus to save mankind such that as many who receive Jesus would not perish at the end of time (John 3:16). It is very clear that Jesus is our advocate; one who intercedes and stands in the gap before God our father. Pause and think about this. It means no matter what you do, no matter how far you have fallen short of His will and violated His law by sinning, Jesus is ever ready to plead your cause before God. The previous verses before says this:
If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. - 1 John 1:9(AMPC)
All you need to do to enjoy this beautiful character of our Lord Jesus Christ is to acknowledge your wrong doings before Him; confess those shortcomings, violations and sins. Jesus is your advocate. You entered into a covenant with Him to be your advocate the day you got saved. All you need to do is stated in the verse above. Imagine a company lawyer whose job is to advocate for his company. If the company refuses to table out their case before its lawyers when the company receives a litigation or lawsuit, what do you think would happen especially if the company is guilty? It is always the prerogative of the offender to lay out all wrongdoings before his advocate. That way, the advocate would can stand boldly before the judge to present your case and intercede on your behalf.
Do not be fooled into thinking you do not need Jesus as your advocate. Do not be fooled into assuming that because Jesus lives in you, you do not need to acknowledge your weaknesses, shortcomings and sins before Him. If you believe that because you are saved, you do not need to humble yourself before Jesus (your saviour) when you do wrong, you are habouring pride in your heart and you need to repent.
Do not be fooled into thinking that because you have fallen so far short of God's will, you cannot be forgiven; that is a big lie from the devil! You have an advocate before the father; walk before Him, fellowship with Him and receive forgiveness from your sins. He is waiting for you with open arms.
Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God’s unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and well-timed help, coming just when we need it]. - Hebrews 4:16(AMPC)
Have a blessed week!