Topic# 24 The Third False Claim: The Amazing Cure - Part 2

1 John 2:1

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. Nevertheless, if anyone sins, we keep on having a Defense Attorney in the presence of the Father, Jesus Christ the Righteous One;

Review

We now conclude the third false claim by studying the amazing cure found in 1 John 2:1-2. The overall theme of these false claims is sin does not hinder our fellowship with God. The first claim denied sin had anything to do with fellowship with God. Then the second false claim denied we had a sinful nature. Finally, the third false claim is that we can achieve sinless perfection. After each false claim, we saw God's solution. The first solution was God's provision of the circle of fellowship, walking in the sphere of light. The second cure was for when we commit actual sin. When we sin, we are to confess that sin to God, and He will forgive us our sin and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Now the third cure is found in three doctrines of Scripture: The doctrine of the Advocacy of Christ 1 John 2:1, the doctrine of propitiation, and the doctrine of unlimited atonement, 1 John 2:2.

Billions and billions of years ago, God in the eternal past thought about the problem of sin, and He found a way to bless us with eternal salvation without compromising His character. These three doctrines tell the story of God's unimagined and magnanimous love. To Him be the glory, forever and ever, Amen!

THE GROWTH CONCEPT OF SPIRITUALITY

This designation, "My Little Children," is unique to John. It appears eight times in Scripture, once in the Gospel of John, in John 10:33, and the remaining seven in 1 John. It is not a reference to the physical age of those who are addressed but is used figuratively, implying a spiritual relationship exists between the author and those addressed. This reinforces the interpretation that has been maintained throughout this study that John was addressing believers.

Some explain this as merely a term of endearment. John is expressing his affection for them and how much they mean to Him. Much the same as the adjective beloved. The aged Apostle uses these phrases to communicate his loving patience and perseverance as he warns them of the dangers of false teachers.

However, in 1 John, this term has to do with the spiritual growth of those who are being addressed. A compilation of the passages where this vocative phrase occurs paints a picture of immature believers (1 John 3:18), unstable (1 John 2:8), struggling with sin ( 1 John 2:1,12) in particular, pride (1 John 3:18) idolatry (1 John 5:21) easily deceived by false teachers (1 John 3:7) although some have overcome them (1 John 4:4).

These terms often convey this idea, and to press the meaning of biological age and familial relationship upon them distorts the passage where they are found. For instance:

1 John 2:13

I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because you know the Father.

When the underlined terms are seen as referring to different age groups rather than related to spiritual growth, valuable lessons are lost.

THE PURPOSES OF SCRIPTURE

When John says," I am writing these things to you," it is a reference to this Epistle, which will become a part of the Canon of Scripture. This ministry of inscripturating the Truth of God was taking place at this very moment of writing. How exciting it was for the non-face to face congregation of John to hear that a letter has arrived from Ephesus. Those positive toward the Word of God, as well as those in future generations, would have God's Word in writing to pour over, memorize, and meditate on. Questions will be answered, and misunderstandings will be cleared up, speculations and uncertainties will be done away with. These are some of the advantages that we have now that God's Word has been written down. At this point, John mentions one of the advantages of a Written Word. It corrects us. This is similar to Paul's fourfold purpose for Scripture:

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching [teaches us what is true], for reproof [It makes us realize what is wrong in our lives], for correction [It straightens us oust when we get off the path], for training in righteousness [it helps us get back on the path];

What does the spiritually immature believer need the most? John answers that for us. It is the Written Word of God or what we call our Bible. Case in point, we learned in 1 John 1:9, how to be restored to fellowship after we sin by confessing that sin to God. When we study the Word of God, it promotes spiritual growth, and as we mature, we start to have victory over sin. Sin is a hindrance to the life we are called to live; we are to "Be holy as He is holy."

Victory Over Sin, But Not Sinless Perfection.

John says that the purpose of this Epistle is to help us have victory over sin," that you may not sin." There is no need to force upon the text that this is a statement that believers can achieve sinless perfection. Indeed, the subjunctive mood mitigates against such a conclusion as well as the emphatic statement that follows "nevertheless if anyone sins." Instead, John is explaining that one of the purposes of Scripture is to show us what sin is and to help us overcome it.

At salvation, our relationship to the sin nature was dramatically altered. One of the most significant changes came through regeneration, whereby the sovereignty of the sin nature ruling over us was diminished, Romans 6:6. Instead of dominance over us, we are now free to say no to its demands. It is not eradicated, "nevertheless if anyone sins," but its power has been reduced, so much so that with the help of the Holy Spirit, we can say NO, Romans 6:9,12, 23, 24. Our Heavenly Father has solved the problem of sin, and we rejoice with Paul and thank God He did. Yet, while we rejoice, we are saddened to learn that His solution demanded the Lord Jesus to go to the cross to secure our victory, Romans 7:23-25.

THE DOCTRINE OF THE ADVOCACY OF CHRIST

Far removed from our struggle with sin on earth is another battle being waged in heaven that requires the Advocacy of the Lord Jesus Christ. Although John does not explain the details of this ministry of Christ, he does associate it with the title “Jesus Christ the Righteous.” His thinking does not stop there but continues with the work of Christ on the cross in propitiation, “And He [Christ] is a propitiation for our sins.” Dr. Chafer’s keen observations set the stage for the five main points that we will cover in the Doctrine of The Advocacy of Christ:

The child of God is often guilty of actual sin which would separate him from God were it not for his Advocate and what He wrought in His death. The effect of the Christian’s sin upon himself is that he loses his fellowship with God, his joy, his peace, and his power. On the other hand, these experiences are restored in infinite grace on the sole ground that he confess his sin (1 John 1:9); but it is still more important to consider the Christian’s sin in relation to the holy character of God. Through the present priestly advocacy of Christ in heaven there is absolute safety and security for the Father’s child even while he is sinning. An advocate is one who espouses and pleads the cause of another in the open courts. As Advocate, therefore, Christ is now appearing in heaven for His own (Heb. 9:24) when they sin. His pleading is said to be with the Father, and Satan is there also, ceasing not to accuse the brethren night and day before God (Rev. 12:10). To the Christian, the sin may seem insignificant; but a holy God can never treat it lightly. It may be a secret sin on earth, but it is an open scandal in heaven. ¹

First, The Work of an Advocate in a court – “we keep on having a Defense Attorney in the presence of the Father.”

The first fact is that we have a defense attorney. This is how the word parakletos is being used. So, in the expanded translation, we have adopted that meaning. He is our defense attorney, One who is called upon to plead our case in court.

Secondly, The Jurisdiction of the Court

A second fact is that this court is in heaven. We have an advocate WITH THE FATHER meaning IN THE PRESENCE OF THE FATHER. As we analyze the words in this verse, the concept gets more and more interesting. Here we learn that court is in heaven, not an ordinary court but the highest court in the universe, the Supreme Court of Heaven.

The Father, the First Person of the Trinity, is the presiding Judge. Our Lord Jesus Christ, as advocate, is our court-appointed guardian. After His Strategic Victory on the Cross, He ascended into heaven (Acts 1:9-11) and was seated at the right hand of the Father (Ephesians 1:20; Colossians 3:1; Hebrews 12:2). There He was given a new role. He would mount a defense on behalf of believers.

This has to do with the unseen conflict between God and Satan. The Scripture warns us that Satan is like a roaring lion seeking who he may devour, but this! He seeks to harm us in heaven, as well! Beyond our immediate shock when we learn this truth, is the reality that it is our sins that he uses against us. As we contemplate this doctrine, hopefully, it draws us closer to the Lord and leads to a greater determination to walk in the light.

Thirdly, The Defendants in this Heavenly Court

John says WE KEEP ON HAVING a defense attorney in heaven. We, believers, are the accused! The accusations Satan brings are about us. Someone in heaven is pointing a finger at us and slandering us before our Heavenly Father and in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is seated at His right hand.

Fourthly, The Character of Our Defense Attorney

We discover something else about our Advocate. He has a title; He is called “The Righteous One.” Once we understand that righteousness in Him is a characteristic of divine perfection, we relax. Although at this time, we do not know what the charges are, at least we know that the Lord Jesus Christ has never lost a case. He is perfect in all His ways.

Fifthly, The Accusation – Our Sins

We surmise from the passage that because believers still sin, that what transpires in the court of heaven has to do with those sins, we commit after salvation. This fact is in harmony with what we taught in topic # 23; Christians still sin after salvation, IF ANYONE SINS we keep on having a Defense Attorney. John says no more about this doctrine, continuing with the subject of propitiation. We have no further revelation about the identity of the plaintiff, the one bringing a charge against us in heaven. However, other passages of Scripture help us in this regard.

Satan The Accuser - Digging Up Dirt On Believers

We learn this in the Book of Revelation:

Revelation 12:10

Then I heard a loud voice in heaven, saying, "Now the salvation, and the power, and the kingdom of our God and the authority of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brethren has been thrown down, he who accuses them before our God day and night.

When Satan is defeated and kicked out of heaven [Revelation 20:1-3], the elect angels will be jubilant. They broke out in song, some version of "Victory in Jesus." The reason they give for their rejoicing, "they don't have to hear Satan slandering believers." What relief! We don't have to listen to him anymore.

Much of the Angelic Conflict remains a mystery to us, but at times we get a glimpse of what is happening in heaven. We know from Job there are appointed season when all the angels are called upon to be present in heaven, such as in Job 1:6, 2:1. It is during these angelic convocations that Satan slanders believers. His tactic is to suggest that they do not love God. "Look at their sinful conduct,” he says. “How can you put up with them?” Sarcastically he says, "This one, is an heir of salvation?"

The passage that gives the greatest detail of the ministry of our Advocate is found in the Book of Zechariah, especially the first seven verses of chapter three.

The Vision of Joshua, The High Priest In The Court of Heaven

Zechariah 3:1–10

Background

In chapter 1 of Zechariah, there were three visions which indicated that God was working through the nation of Persia to return the Jews to the land of promise. He brought them back into the land so that they could rebuild the temple. When Cyrus defeated the Babylonians, his decree released the Jews just for that purpose. This decree is recorded for us in Ezra 1:1-3:

Ezra 1:1–3

1 Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, in order to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he sent a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and also put it in writing, saying:

2 "Thus says Cyrus king of Persia, 'The Lord, the God of Heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

3 'Whoever there is among you of all His people, may his God be with him! Let him go up to Jerusalem which is in Judah and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel; He is the God who is in Jerusalem.

There are all kinds of activities in Jerusalem. The property committee is organizing the project. There are staffing assignments to be made: you are in charge of gathering timber, others in charge of making bricks—still, others to find the metals for the construction of the holy vessels. Joshua, the High Priest, is involved in organizing the families of Levi. He is studying the Scripture to remake the temple furnishings according to Biblical standards. The Levites are writing temple music, fashioning musical instruments, and vestments. All of this activity draws Satan's attention. Satan is not omnipresent, but he does have at his disposal an army of demon detectives developing dossiers on believers. They have been observing the High Priest Joshua, and they have dug up a lot of dirt on him. Now, when Satan appears in heaven, he opens Joshua's personnel file. He wasn't making anything up. The failures of Joshua were fully documented. This could be any one of us. We all have our good days and our bad days. Our bad days are Satan's only concern.

So, the demon detectives go into action, and their surveillance is reported back, "the Temple of Solomon is being restored." He cannot let them rebuild that temple. It represents the Plan of God! It speaks of Jesus Christ! He tempted the Jews to follow other gods, and the sin of idolatry brought them under God's judgment. In his arrogance, he thought he had stopped God's plan.

This was an unforeseen reversal, and Satan's campaign of destroying the Jews now resumes. The vision of chapter three reveals an event that took place in heaven, an event if it weren't for the fact that we have a record of it in the Word of God, we would know nothing about it. In this passage, we have a description of a courtroom in heaven where Satan is attacking the character of the High Priest who, at that time, was Joshua, son of Jehozadak, Haggai 1:12,14.

Therefore, this entire scene in Zechariah is about how Satan took his battle topside because he was defeated by the Plan of God on the earth. So, he attacks Joshua the High Priest, by saying to God, "how can you allow Joshua to be a High Priest. He is such a sinner." If he can show that Joshua is not spiritually fit to be the High Priest, then his removal from office could stop the rebuilding of the temple.

I. Satan's Attack on the High Priest, Zechariah 3:1

Confrontation in Heaven

3:1] Then he [the teaching angel] showed me [Zechariah in 520 B.C.] Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to accuse him [Joshua].

People in the Vision

Allegations of wrongdoing and sinful conduct are raised before the Supreme Court in heaven, where the Father, the First Person of the Trinity, sits. Between the Father on His throne and Joshua stands his defense attorney, the Angel of Jehovah ². This angel is a theophany, that is, an appearance of Christ in the Old Testament before the incarnation. The incarnation is still five hundred years away. This particular Angel appears from time to time in the Old Testament to protect Israel. From those passages, it becomes clear that this Angel is a member of the Godhead.

Furthermore, it is believed that this Angel was none other than the Second Member of the Trinity, the Lord Jesus Christ. Before coming to earth as a man, He appears as the Angel of Jehovah. To Joshua's right is Satan, the plaintiff. Satan receives this designation because of his work. His name is Lucifer, which means translucent one or the glamorous one. Shatan in Hebrew is a title given to him, which means to accuse, to malign, to slander. Also, Zechariah, the prophet, and some attending angels are mentioned. They are watching the proceeding.

II. A Defense for Joshua, Zechariah 3:2

3:2] The Lord [Jesus Christ appearing as the Angel of the Lord] said to Satan, "The Lord [God the Father] rebuke you, Satan! Indeed, the Lord [The Father as the author of the plan of God] who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?"

Although we do not have Satan's actual words, we can deduce from the arguments of the defense that Satan's desire is not only that he wants him to be removed from the office of High Priest, but that he deserves the fires of Gehenna. Fire is a longstanding symbol of judgment.

Possibly, his argument is this: First, I sinned against you. Secondly, You judged me and sentenced me to the Lake of Fire (Matthew 25:41). Thirdly, I ask for the same verdict for Joshua. So, in all fairness, how does Joshua get off. Satan's case sounds iron clad. Who could argue? It is just at this point the Lord Jesus steps in and says simply, "Isn't this a brand plucked out of the fire."

One of the difficulties we encounter in the study of the Old Testament is the absence of New Testament vocabulary. For instance, if we are in the New Testament, and we want to describe a person who is saved, we would say, "This person has believed in Jesus Christ." We would not say, here is "a brand plucked out of the fire." Yet, the concepts are identical.

A Picture of Salvation

Joshua is described as a smoking twig. The figurative use of fire speaks of judgment. Joshua, like all unbelievers, are under condemnation (John 3:36; Romans 8:1). If they do not trust in Christ during their lifetime, their eternal destiny is the Lake of Fire (Revelation 21:15). The fire represents the Fires of Gehenna. Our defense attorney is quick to point out that Joshua has been taken out of the fire. He is just a smoking twig. When you take a piece of wood from the fire, the burning stops. He is out from under condemnation, no longer awaiting trial before the Great White Throne Judgment.

Satan's Assault Upon Joshua

We know from the text that Satan is accusing Joshua of committing personal sins. Joshua is standing before the Angel of the Lord (the Lord Jesus Christ) wearing filthy garments. Satan's demonic detectives have been gathering all sorts of dirt on Joshua. He has opened the dossier on Joshua and began slandering and accusing him, one sin after another. When he rested his case, Joshua stood before the throne of God with soiled garments.

Satan's Appeal to God the Father

Satan's appeal is based upon his own personal history. He rebelled against God, persuading one-third of all the angels to follow him (Revelation 12:4). For lifting up his heart with pride (Isaiah 14:12-14), he was sentenced to the Lake of Fire (Matthew 25:41). This sentence will be carried out at the end of the period of the angelic conflict (Revelation 20:10). If he sinned and will be sent to the Lake of Fire, then Joshua, who has sinned, ought to burn.

Satan's Absurd Assumptions

The cases of Satan and Joshua are not the same. Satan has rejected the plan of salvation that was offered to him. Joshua has received the plan of salvation. This is the issue that Jesus Christ raises at this point. Satan was deserving of the Lake of Fire not because he sinned but because he rejected God's offer of salvation in eternity past, Hebrews 2:2,3. His thinking is defective. He thinks his punishment is because he has broken God's law. He has sinned. So, Satan is accusing Joshua of his personal sins, and he cites his own case as a precedent. If I'm going to burn because I sinned, what about this guy?

The Savior's Love

Joshua's case is much different. He would not be judged for his sins because our Lord would die on the Cross for all Joshua's sins. When he trusted the Lord, he was forgiven. The sins no longer exist, Isaiah 43:25; Psalm 103:12. Justice was satisfied. The case is dismissed. Although historically, Christ had not died on the Cross, but in the mind of God, this future occurrence was recognized as a present reality. He dealt with Joshua based on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the Cross, although the Cross was still five hundred years in the future.

III. Proof of Salvation - Zechariah 3:3-6

A. His Past Condition – He was a sinner-verse 3

3:3] Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and standing before the Angel.

The perfect form of the verb HAYAH [1961] indicates actions and events that have already taken place and are in a state of completion. We are to understand that verses 3-7 take a look back, before Joshua’s salvation. Here is a picture illustrating what it meant to be "a brand plucked from the fire."

B. The Imputation of Divine Righteousness-verse 4

3:4] He [God the Father] spoke and said to those who were standing before him [attending angels], saying, "Remove the filthy garments from him." Again he said to him, "See, I have taken your iniquity away from you and will clothe you with festal robes."

C. Removal of Filthy Garments – Picture of His Sins Being forgiven

In verses three and four, we have Joshua's perfect standing in grace. It is also essential to see that everything that occurs in these two verses are not something that Joshua does for himself. It is something that is done for him "in other words, by grace you are saved." It was the Angel (pre-incarnate ministry of Jesus Christ) that said take away those filthy garments. Joshua had no power to pardon himself, but when he believed God, all his sins were forgiven, past, present, and future. Simultaneously, with his redemption came the imputed righteousness of God:

Old Testament Pattern of Salvation

Genesis 15:6

Then he [Abraham] believed in the Lord [Jehovah], and He [Jehovah] reckoned it [Faith alone in Christ alone] to him as righteousness.

Rich [festal] garments are a picture of God's indwelling righteousness that was given to Joshua, just as He does for us today, 2 Corinthians 5:21; Titus 3:5; Philippians 3:9. Joshua put on the merit of Christ, and he received the rich blessings of grace. The judicial sentence of condemnation was removed. This is the work of grace. It is the work of Jesus Christ on the Cross that pardons and cleanses from sin. Joshua didn't remove his filthy garments; Jesus Christ did. There was no work on Joshua's part; he is a passive recipient of the Grace of God.

This salvation is so perfect that Satan and all his power and brilliance are not able to have it removed. It is given to us eternally the moment we believe in Jesus Christ. There are a lot of Christian denominations that are afraid of this doctrine. They imply this teaching leads to sinful living. They say people who live under the fear of losing their salvation will live holier more godly lives. So, they conjure up fear as a dominant motivator to restrain the activity of sin. This is not correct. The true motivation for living a life that pleases and glorifies God is love, not fear, 1 John 4:18,19.

D. Restored to Fellowship-verse 5

3:5] Then I said [Zechariah], "Let them put a clean turban on his head." So they put a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments, while the Angel of the Lord was standing by.

Joshua can resume his duties as High Priest of Israel. The presence of the Angel of the Lord indicates His approval.

E. Resumption of His Ministry-verses 6-7

3:6] And the Angel of the Lord, saying,

3:7] "Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'If you will walk in My ways and if you will perform My service, then you will also govern My house and also have charge of My courts, and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here.

F. Reward for Obedience

Joshua is assured of heaven's help as he ministers, Hebrews 4:16. His obedience secures the blessings of God. Not the pitiful self-serving kind that we see too often. I will obey when it is to my advantage. I will obey the Lord when I need something from God. I will obey when it is to my liking. I will obey when it suits my lifestyle. Rather obedience out of a heart that trusts God implicitly. Obedience that wells-up in a heart totally from a love for God. As Paul says, "The love for Christ constrains me. 2 Corinthians 5:14." Many times, we look for God's blessing but fail to receive it because we are looking for it in the wrong way, " 'If you will walk [live] in My [God's] ways."

Summary

1. The believer continues to sin after salvation, 1 John 1:8,10. No such thing as inherent or acquired perfection or the goodness of man.

2. Satan accumulates a sin file on every believer and periodically from that file, accuses the believer before the throne of God in heaven, Job 1: 6 -11, Zechariah 3:1,2; Revelation 12:9,10.

3. Jesus Christ is retained as legal counsel for the believer in the court of heaven, and He defends us, 1 John 2:1. So whether you confess your sins or not, you are still defended. He supports us in our times of weakness when sin has beset us, there to plead our case.

4. The basis of our Lord's defense is that our sins were judged on the Cross by God the Father, Psalm 22:1-6; 1 Peter 3:18. They were imputed to Christ while on the Cross. When Satan brings up our sins, our Lord presents the evidence of His own death for those sins, 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24.

5. Under the law of double jeopardy, the sins cannot be judged a second time, Romans 6:10.

6. Therefore every case is thrown out of court, Zachariah 3:1,2. The defense attorney in heaven who has never lost a case. He has a perfect record.

7. The sins of the believer are not a court matter; the court was the Cross. The Lord says, "Father, these sins have been judged; this is a family matter for the administration of discipline Hebrews 12:6, not eternal condemnation, Romans 8:1.

JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS ONE

This title was given to our Lord at His victory that He won over Satan on the Cross, 1 John 3:8. Our Lord possesses two kinds of righteousness. First, He lived a sinless life. He achieved what no member of the human race has ever accomplished, a righteous and impeccable human life. Indeed, He is the Righteous One. At the same time, He is God and possesses divine righteousness. ³

One final comment on the Advocacy of Christ. Some theologians hold the view that believers can lose their salvation if they continue sinning. Yet, this doctrine teaches otherwise, for when our sins are mentioned in heaven, the Lord Jesus presents His own death as sufficient judgment for that sin. For the believer, there is great comfort in knowing that our Lord is protecting us and that our salvation is eternally secured.

ENDNOTES

¹ The doctrine of The Angel of Jehovah. A theophany is a pre-incarnate appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ, not to be confused with a Christophany, which is a post-resurrection appearance of Christ. Click Here

² Chafer, L. S. (1993). Systematic theology (Vol. 5, pp. 276–277). Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications.

³ Righteousness is an attribute of deity. Our Lord being God possesses absolute righteousness. It is the foundation of His character and the very core of His being. All of his attributes and actions conform to His perfect standard. Righteousness is the quality of God that demonstrates this perfection.

Righteousness means that God has no weaknesses. His character remains at all times uncompromised. He is righteous in all His ways. Just think about all the decisions that God made to create the universe. He made no mistakes. He didn't have to create through trial and error, or remake something. No matter what charge is brought against us, He mounts a perfect defense.

In the exercise of all His attributes, righteousness demands perfection. For instance, His righteousness demands that his Justice be administered without partiality. It is not subject to the imperfections found in human Justice. He cannot be tempted with bribes or threats. His verdicts are not prejudiced. There is no shortcoming in His Justice.

Righteousness influences all of the attributes of God: His longsuffering might become indulgent of sin; His truth might become distorted, unclear, or contradictory; His wisdom might become unscrupulous; His immutability might become immobility or failure to act; His sovereignty might become tyrannical; His love might be reduced to emotional sentimentality. These magnificent perfections of God have been corrupted so that we might see the significance of His righteousness.