Dictionary of Biblical Words:
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.
Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(calling to). In N. T., helper, intercessor, or comforter. Jews did not have advocates, or attorneys, till after the Roman conquest (John 14:16; 15:26; 16:17; Acts 24:1).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
This word signifies one who takes up the cause of another, 1 John 2:1. The same Greek word is translated “Comforter” in John 14:16,26; John 15:26; John 16:7. From this we learn that the word applies both to the Lord Jesus and to the Holy Spirit. “If any man sin we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” This applies to Christ in the glory. He is not an advocate for the unconverted, but for the Christian if he should sin; and it is with the Father, for the one who sins is a son. Sin breaks the communion, and the advocacy of Christ is to restore it. He is the Paraclete in heaven, who takes up the cause of the saint, and the Holy Spirit is the same on earth to secure the spiritual welfare of God’s people. See HOLY SPIRIT.
Related Books and Articles:
Narrator:
David Wandelt
Duration:
29min