One of the most common words in the Greek New Testament is the
word “de.” It’s a conjunction which translates into the English
conjunction “but.” “But” is one of the most common words in our language
as well. We use it in pretty much all our conversations.
It always brings clarity to what we’re saying. It gives a comparison or
a contrast. That’s what makes it one of the most important words in the
Bible. The two verses above contain two very important “buts” – “But if
anyone does sin, we have an advocate with
the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” and “not for ours only but also
for the sins of the whole world.”
Because Jesus was resurrected to everlasting life, we are promised a
similar outcome. Death has no power over us, eternal life is our future.
In a world full of doubt and speculation about our origins and our
final destination, we have the rock-solid truth
of Jesus. He is the Alpha and the Omega – the beginning and the end. He
is the ADVOCATE. Forever in heaven, Jesus defends our cause before the
Judge, God the Father. He died so that we might live. Jesus Christ is
the RIGHTEOUS. Through faith, Christ’s righteousness
has been ascribed to us, thereby justifying us – declaring us not
guilty. And finally, He is the PROPITIATION – the satisfactory payment
for the sins of the entire world – “the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses
us from all sin!”
This is the Good News of Christ. The message of our Resurrected Lord
brings us undeniable joy. Joy in this life as we endure the sorrows of
this sin-tainted world, and the joy of the next life where there will be
no more sorrow and no more tears. He is risen!
Death has no claim on us! |
