The Work of the Advocate (conclusion)

Beloved, in conclusion of our theme (The Work of the Advocate”), “the Advocate” said of Ephraim (the backslider), “For I will be unto Ephraim as a lion, and as a young lion to the house of Judah: I, even I, will tear and go away; I will take away, and none shall rescue him. I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early” (Hosea 5:14-15). Beloved, the prophet Hosea agrees with the words of the apostle Paul, “For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? [those who are worthy to be excommunicated because of their sins] do not ye [the saints] judge them that are within? But them that are without [rebellious, carnal saints] God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person” (I Corinthians 5:12-13). Beloved, these scriptures clearly teach us that we cannot bring a person to repentance by ourselves. However, God can certainly influence anyone He chooses to come to repentance. Remember that He knows how to make a person return to His place, acknowledge his/her sin, and seek His face (Hosea 5:15). This teaches us, Beloved, that there are some people with whom you can reason while others can only be persuaded by “the work of the Advocate.”

Precious Ones, when God has brought offenders of the gospel to the place where they acknowledge their offences, our righteous and just Advocate is spiritually ready to bring them to court. In His court God does not sentence one to damnation, but rather shows mercy. Therefore, our Advocate, Jesus Christ, will plead him/her guilty and cast him/her upon the mercy of the court. As it is written, “I will have mercy, and not sacrifice” (Matthew 9:13). These words were spoken by our Advocate Himself!!! That is what Paul meant when he said, “There remaineth no more sacrifice for sins”(Hebrews 10:26). This does not mean that one cannot be restored, Beloved, it means that there is no need for another sacrifice. Our Advocate, Jesus Christ, died for every sin imaginable, for eternity!!! There is no penalty at all for anyone who trusts in His righteousness and believes in the efficaciousness of the blood!

Chosen Ones, in closing let me point out that we owe God praise throughout eternity for “advocating” our pitiful sins. Remember, if God does this for us, we must give our brothers and sisters the same courtesy and believe that God has done it for them as well. Praise Jesus for his “Work as an Advocate.”

Next week I will write from a new theme as God shall guide me.
I love you all SO very much.
In His Love,

Pastor William L. McCoy