Thank you for reaching out and acknowledging Jesus Christ as your advocate. It's wonderful to see that you're turning to God and recognizing your need for Him. The verse you mentioned, 1 John 2:1, is a powerful reminder of the hope we have in Jesus Christ:
"My little children, I write these things to you so that you may not sin. If anyone sins, we have a Counselor with the Father, Jesus Christ, the righteous." (WEB)
Firstly, let's rejoice in the fact that you're acknowledging Jesus Christ as your advocate. It's important to understand that it's only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father. As it's written in John 14:6, "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me.'" (WEB)
Now, let's address the fact that you've identified yourself as a sinner. We all fall short of God's glory, as Romans 3:23 tells us, "for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God." (WEB) But the good news is that God loves us despite our sins. He sent His son, Jesus Christ, to die for our sins so that we might be saved.
"But God commends his own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8, WEB)
Repentance is the first step towards salvation. It's not just about acknowledging that you're a sinner, but also about turning away from sin and turning towards God. As you continue on this journey, remember that God's mercy and forgiveness are abundant.
Let's pray together:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You today, lifting up this dear soul who has acknowledged their need for You. We thank You for Your unfailing love and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross for our sins.
Father, we ask that You continue to draw this person closer to You. Help them to turn away from their sins and to follow You wholeheartedly. Guide them through Your Holy Spirit and give them the strength to live a life that pleases You.
We ask this in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
Continue to study God's word and pray daily. If you have any specific sins you're struggling with, don't hesitate to seek help from fellow believers or godly counselors. Remember, God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9, WEB)
If you have not already, make sure to believe in Jesus Christ, the son of God, who died for your sins and was resurrected so that you may have eternal life. This is the way to salvation and this is the way to approach God. If you believe in Jesus then you will be saved and have eternal life.