The Advocate

In Section 45 of the Doctrine and Covenants, Jesus says:

3 Listen to him who is the advocate with the Father, who is pleading your cause before him—
4 Saying: Father, behold the sufferings and death of him who did no sin, in whom thou wast well pleased; behold the blood of thy Son which was shed, the blood of him whom thou gavest that thyself might be glorified;
5 Wherefore, Father, spare these my brethren that believe on my name, that they may come unto me and have everlasting life.

At first read, my shame causes me to wonder: Why does Jesus have to plead for God to spare me? It almost makes it seem that God is this stern judge who is ready to throw the book at me at the least indication of my guilt. Unfortunately, I’ve pictured God that way for much of my life—angry and harsh. 

But Jesus didn’t need to plead my cause in order to pacify God, to calm Him down. The truth is, justice cannot be robbed and God must uphold the law of justice. But because Jesus paid the price, the law of justice is satisfied, and the law of mercy is able to take effect for me. 

Elder Holland taught: Remember that God is on your side. He is not an angry, vicious God trying to trip you. He is for you—not against you. He is your Father. He is anxious to do everything possible to bless you. He hears your prayers and desires to make your life all that it can be.

In the “court of law” metaphor, God is the Judge and Jesus is the defense attorney. Because I have sinned, I don’t deserve Heaven; I haven’t earned it. But Jesus has earned it, and He does deserve it. And because He is my Advocate, my Mediator, my Intercessor, He is also able to be my Deliverer, my Redeemer, and my Savior. His blood has atoned for me. 

To continue the metaphor, Satan would be the prosecuting attorney. Scripture calls him “the accuser” (Rev. 12:10). He’s the one pointing the finger. 

My perfectionistic propensity tempts me to also point my finger at others, and to be judgmental of them. Part of my healing is to recognize that I need to be less concerned about how others are “the problem.” I need to be concerned about my relationship with Him. He can help me solve the problems and challenges I experience. 

How great, how glorious, how complete,
Redemption’s grand design,
Where justice, love, and mercy meet
In harmony divine!
(Hymns, #195)

To be continued . . . with Part 74