If the first verse of this chapter suggests that Jesus presents the case for our defence, the second verse makes it clear that Jesus IS the case for our defence: “he himself – Jesus – is an atoning sacrifice for our sins”. Our good deeds and attempts to keep God’s law can never be enough to atone for our multitude of sins and failures; only Jesus’ atoning death can provide the ‘ransom’ needed to rescue us from the pit. It is not even clear that John imagines Jesus actually speaking on our behalf; his actions – or rather, his passion – has already spoken louder than even his words could. The Father only has to see the marks of crucifixion still evident on him, ascended and glorified though he is, to be reminded that, for the Christian who puts his faith in Christ, there is no case to answer.
Thursday, 29 December 2011
PARAKLETOS 1 (c) Jesus our sacrifice
If the first verse of this chapter suggests that Jesus presents the case for our defence, the second verse makes it clear that Jesus IS the case for our defence: “he himself – Jesus – is an atoning sacrifice for our sins”. Our good deeds and attempts to keep God’s law can never be enough to atone for our multitude of sins and failures; only Jesus’ atoning death can provide the ‘ransom’ needed to rescue us from the pit. It is not even clear that John imagines Jesus actually speaking on our behalf; his actions – or rather, his passion – has already spoken louder than even his words could. The Father only has to see the marks of crucifixion still evident on him, ascended and glorified though he is, to be reminded that, for the Christian who puts his faith in Christ, there is no case to answer.
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