Just or Righteous One

  Got sin?  If we do, Jesus will speak to the Father in our defense for he is the "Just One" which is also translated as the "Righteous One" (1 John 2:1).  He can speak on our behalf, as our defense lawyer, because he himself made the atoning sacrifice for our sins.  So if he pleads us as "not guilty" then that is what we are.  In fact, that is what justification means - we are declared "not guilty."
  I find this to be an amazing thing.  Not that Jesus is just or righteous, but that, even though I am guilty, he says I am not.  And Jesus is willing to say so, not just privately to me, but also to his Father.
  This does not give us a big stack of "Get Out of Jail Free" cards and license to do whatever we want.  No.  We might take notice that the authors of Scripture often say, "If you sin."  The clear expectation is that we will not sin.
  For Reflection:  Also see 1 John 2:12, 28, 29; Acts 7:52; Romans 4:4-8; Romans 8:33-34; Hebrews 7:25.
  Let us pray.  Jesus, you are righteous in all your ways.  You are loving toward all you have made.  You are near to all who call upon you. You know my wickedness and still you defend me.  There is no one else like you.

---