The concept of the Advocacy of Christ is deeply rooted in the New Testament, where Jesus Christ is portrayed as the ultimate advocate for humanity before God the Father. This advocacy is primarily understood in terms of His intercessory role, His atoning sacrifice, and His ongoing presence at the right hand of God.

Intercessory Role

Christ's advocacy is first and foremost seen in His role as an intercessor. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:34, "Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus, who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us." This passage highlights the continuous nature of Christ's intercession, emphasizing that His advocacy is not a one-time event but an ongoing ministry. Similarly, in Hebrews 7:25, it is stated, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." This underscores the perpetual and efficacious nature of Christ's intercession.

Atoning Sacrifice

The advocacy of Christ is also intricately connected to His atoning work on the cross. In 1 John 2:1-2, the Apostle John writes, "My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He Himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world." Here, Christ's advocacy is directly linked to His role as the propitiation for sin, highlighting that His sacrificial death is the basis for His advocacy. This atonement is not limited but is sufficient for the sins of the entire world, demonstrating the universal scope of His advocacy.

Presence at the Right Hand of God

The New Testament frequently emphasizes Christ's exalted position at the right hand of God as a key aspect of His advocacy. In Ephesians 1:20-21, Paul describes how God "raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in the present age but also in the one to come." This exaltation signifies Christ's supreme authority and His unique position to advocate on behalf of believers. His presence at the right hand of God assures believers of His continual intercession and His sovereign ability to mediate on their behalf.

The Holy Spirit as Another Advocate

In the Gospel of John, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, whom He refers to as "another Advocate" (John 14:16). This indicates that while Christ is the primary advocate in heaven, the Holy Spirit serves as an advocate on earth, guiding, teaching, and reminding believers of Christ's teachings. The dual advocacy of Christ and the Holy Spirit provides a comprehensive support system for believers, ensuring that they are never without divine assistance.

Implications for Believers

The advocacy of Christ has profound implications for believers. It assures them of their secure standing before God, as Christ's intercession guarantees that their sins are forgiven and that they are continually represented before the Father. This advocacy also encourages believers to approach God with confidence, as stated in Hebrews 4:16, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." The knowledge of Christ's advocacy provides comfort, assurance, and motivation for holy living, knowing that they have a faithful advocate who pleads their cause before the Father.