1John2:1 My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous( NLT).
Many have read this portion of the scripture to mean that John gave license for believers to sin. Another school of thought see it differently. It is good we see it in context of what John was saying.
He started by saying that he wrote to them so that they would not sin, that mean his intention of writing to them was not to encourage sin. He probably perceived some believers may come up with that.
He went further to state that IF any believer does sin, we have an advocate or attorney who pleads our case with the father. Hallelujah!
A believer does not sin intentionally with bold face and act as If nothing has happened. If you see someone who calls himself a child of God and he enjoys sinning, such a fellow is not born again.
The nature of Christ in us is not permissive to sin and would not lead us into sin. Paul admonished that we put on the new man that is created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness(Eph4:24).
Actually, the new man there refers to the new nature received at new birth. Apostle Paul say, that we should let the new nature of Christ in us manifest.
Though we have the nature of Christ in us, we fail God sometimes (1John1:7-9). That is why Christ has decided to stand as our advocate with the father.
When the devil bring accusations against us, Christ is our defence. Glory! You are not without an advocate in the court of heaven.
Do not give in to that feeling of guilt.
Father, I thank you for the advocacy of Christ.