"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. This is the one who came by water and blood- Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood: and the three are in agreement. We accept man's testimony, but God's testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son." I John 5:1-9
I'll admit it. This is one of the passages of Scripture that makes me say, "Huh?" I know there is much written about the significance of the Spirit, the water and the blood. One commentary states that the water refers to his water baptism, and the blood refers to his crucifixion. Both of those are powerful truths and I daily rely upon the power of his blood! But for the purpose of today's discussion, we will not dig any deeper. Though I see it as a point of future study for me. And, if it interests you, grab your concordance and commentary and get started!
When discussing the testimony of God, there are several important things we can glean from Scripture. When talking about the baptism of Christ, recall the confirming signs that accompanied this beautiful event. When Jesus was being baptized by John, the voice from heaven (God) spoke and said "You are my Son, who I love: with you I am well pleased!" (Luke 3:22) And the dove (a bodily symbol of the Holy Spirit) came and lighted upon him. Here is one awesome testimony to the deity of Christ! And also a powerful confirmation of the "trinity" of the Godhead. The person of Christ is in the water, the person of the Father is speaking affirmingly from heaven, and the person of the Holy Spirit makes a visible manifestation. When something like this occurs in Scripture, we cannot afford to overlook the significance of such an event.
A second example of this occurs at what we commonly refer to as the "transfiguration". This is when Peter, James and john observed Jesus talking with Moses and Elijah, with the glory resting upon them. And then a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and voice came from the cloud saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him." (Luke 99:26-36) Although this time the Holy Spirit is not mentioned, it is the same message from Almighty God. Jesus is his Son! He is the chosen one! Listen to him. Earlier he had said I am well pleased with him! What a powerful testimony!
The Jews knew that they were awaiting the Messiah. Many of them did not recognize Christ as the one for whom they were waiting. But in his love and righteousness, the Father himself gave the testimony: "This is him! The One I sent!" (paraphrase mine.)
The Bible is a such a truthful, intricately woven story of God's love affair with man. He shows how he made man, how he intervened on behalf of man and how he made the ultimate sacrifice to save man. It is all summed up in John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life." He gave his Son. He gave the testimony. Will you believe it today? Will you tell the truth to others?
Dear Lord, thank you for watching over your will and Word to perform it. Thank you for sending Jesus and confirming to us His importance. Help me to be a faithful witness to this truth as well. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Sherri
