Fellowship with each other and with Jesus our Advocate with the Father … such a unique description of faith. As we continue to understand and define authentic Biblical Christianity we must include descriptions of relationships with the Creator, our Father, the Son and each other. These relationships run deeper than “surfacey” outward appearances, laws and rules, and dogma. In fact at its core or heart, is fellowship (koinōnia) with the Father and “one another.”
So in essence, the reason for Biblical “laws and rules” center around maintaining and restoring relationships with our Father in heaven and one another. These “rules and laws” aren’t meant to control or manipulate, but rather to support the new testament “law of love.” Violations, or sins disrupt these relationships, hence the need for the Son’s payment from the cross and our need to forgive when wronged and reconcile when we have wronged others. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21)
The Father’s Son paid the price for our sins so that our relationships can be restored with Him and each other. Further, “… if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; and He Himself is the propitiation for our sins;” (1 John 2: 1-2a) The greek word for advocate is paraklētos. The Word Study Dictionary describes paraklētos as a legal advisor, pleader, proxy, or advocate, one who comes forward in behalf of and as the representative of another. Paraklētos originates from parakaléō (Strong’s G3780), to comfort, encourage or exhort. It is properly a verbal adjective referring to an aid of any kind. “But one who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and consolation.” (1 Corinthians 14:3)
Who else could be better qualified to represent us? This is a just God, a loving God.
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