Neal A. Maxwell

Multiple revelations teach us that redeeming Jesus is uniquely our "advocate with the Father," that He pleads for us, and that He makes intercession for us (see 1 Jn. 2:1; 2 Ne. 2:9; Mosiah 5:8; D&C 32:3; 45:3; 62:1; 110:4). Without this grand reality we would be helpless, and all would be truly and finally hopeless.

Jesus' personal role is unique in yet another way: "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son" ( John 5:22). "Jesus, our Redeemer," has earned this special standing, entitling Him not only to plead for us but also to judge us, which His unique suffering made possible by virtue of His agonies during the Atonement (see Mosiah 15:8; D&C 45:35). Thus, by His suffering and by divine investiture, in one sense Jesus is both advocate and judge!

Only an omniscient, all-loving God could have both roles of advocate (pleading for the petitioner) and judge (deciding the ultimate fate of the petitioner). This is because He possesses a perfect balance of the qualities of justice and mercy and all other divine attributes that make Him perfect, or complete, in all the Godly virtues. (One More Strain of Praise [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1999], p. 33)