This word, translated “Comforter,” occurs John 14:16, 20; 15:26; 16:7, and refers to the Holy Ghost. Also in 1 John 2:1, referring to Christ. It signifies “one who carries on the cause of another.” When we sin, Jesus, on the ground of established righteousness by His finished work, intercedes with the Father for those who are truly God’s children, for whom the question of sin in its condemning power has been forever settled, for He who is our Advocate has by Himself purged our sins, and His one offering has perfected us forever. If we sin now it does not upset our relationship as children of God, nor our righteous standing before Mm, and acceptance with Him, for that depends upon Christ’s perfect and unfailing work. Sin is now, not a judicial but a family question. We have to do with God as a Father, not as a judge. It is the children’s sins which the Advocate answers for, the sins which hinder our communion, and rob us of our joy and peace. Satan may point to these sins and question our right to go into the presence of a just and holy God, but the Advocate points to the mercy seat and the sprinkled blood. “He is the propitiation for our sins.” This office of Christ is clearly understood when we remember that Satan, on the other hand, is the “accuser of the brethren” (Rev. 12:10). Advocacy is not the same as priesthood, which is exercised more towards us, whereas advocacy is entirely with God. Observe also, we have a priest with God, an advocate with the Father.