The One Who Is Perfectly Righteous
1 John 2:1 reassures us of Jesus’s role as our advocate:
“My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.”
Jesus is called The Righteous One because He embodies perfect holiness and purity. Unlike us, He lived a sinless life, fulfilling God’s law in every way. His righteousness is not just an attribute but the very essence of who He is. Through His perfect righteousness, we find grace, forgiveness, and the strength to live as God’s children.
What Does It Mean That Jesus Is "The Righteous One"?
He Is Perfectly Sinless:
Jesus’s life on earth was completely without sin. He fulfilled every requirement of God’s law, living in perfect obedience. His sinlessness qualified Him to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins.He Is Our Advocate:
As The Righteous One, Jesus intercedes for us before the Father. When we fall short, He stands in our place, offering His righteousness to cover our imperfections. Through Him, we are declared righteous in the eyes of God.He Calls Us to Righteousness:
Jesus’s righteousness not only covers us but also compels us to live lives that reflect His holiness. Through the power of His Spirit, we are transformed to pursue righteousness in our thoughts, words, and actions.
Living Under the Righteousness of Jesus
Rest in His Advocacy:
When you stumble, remember that Jesus is your advocate. His righteousness is sufficient to cover every sin, and His grace is always available to bring you back into fellowship with God.Pursue Holiness:
Jesus’s example of righteousness inspires us to seek holiness in our own lives. While we will never achieve perfection, we are called to strive for purity and obedience, relying on His Spirit for strength.Reflect His Righteousness to Others:
As followers of The Righteous One, our lives should reflect His character. Let your actions demonstrate integrity, love, and holiness, pointing others to the hope and grace found in Jesus.
The Beauty of Jesus’s Righteousness
It Brings Us Peace with God:
Through Jesus’s righteousness, we are reconciled to God. His perfect life and sacrificial death bridge the gap that sin created, allowing us to experience peace and intimacy with the Father.It Offers Us Grace in Failure:
Jesus’s role as our advocate reminds us that failure is not the end. His righteousness covers us, offering forgiveness and the chance to begin again.It Empowers Us to Live for Him:
His righteousness is not just a covering but a transforming power. By His Spirit, we are empowered to live lives that honor God and reflect His holiness.
A Personal Reflection
How does the righteousness of Jesus encourage you in your daily walk? Are there areas where you struggle to live in alignment with His holiness?
Take time today to reflect on the grace and forgiveness offered by The Righteous One. Let His perfect life inspire you to pursue righteousness, relying on His Spirit to guide and strengthen you.
A Call to Action
Today, meditate on 1 John 2:1 and thank Jesus for being your advocate and covering you with His righteousness. Identify one area where you can seek greater holiness, and ask for His Spirit to empower you. Share this truth with someone who may need encouragement, reminding them of the grace and hope found in Jesus, The Righteous One.
Let Us Pray:
Righteous One, thank You for being my advocate and for covering me with Your righteousness. I acknowledge that I fall short, but I am grateful for Your grace and the forgiveness You offer. Help me to walk in Your ways, to seek after righteousness, and to live a life that honors You. Strengthen me to reflect Your purity and holiness in all I do. I pray in Your precious name. Amen.
As we near the conclusion of Unwrapping the Names of Jesus, let The Righteous One remind you of His sinless life and His role as your advocate. Rest in His grace, pursue His holiness, and reflect His love to the world around you.