How does 1 John 5:7 connect with Matthew 28:19 on the Trinity? Placing the Two Passages Together “For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement.” “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” Shared Pattern: Three-in-One Testimony • Both texts present a triad acting with a single voice or authority. • In 1 John the three “testify” as one harmonious witness. • In Matthew the three Persons share one singular “name,” revealing one unified divine essence. How 1 John 5:7 Illuminates Matthew 28:19 • Unity in Plurality – The singular verb idea in 1 John (“testify”) mirrors the singular “name” in Matthew—multiple witnesses/Persons, one undivided testimony. • Divine Authority Confirmed – John anchors assurance of salvation in the threefold witness; Matthew grounds the church’s mission in the threefold Name. Both texts rest the believer’s confidence on the full Godhead. • Progressive Revelation – Matthew openly lists Father, Son, Spirit. 1 John echoes that triune structure by emphasizing a triple, harmonious witness, reinforcing the same truth from a different angle. Echoes Elsewhere in Scripture • 2 Corinthians 13:14—grace of the Lord Jesus, love of God, fellowship of the Holy Spirit. • Ephesians 4:4-6—one Spirit…one Lord…one God and Father of all. • John 14:16-17—Jesus asks the Father to send another Counselor, the Spirit of truth. What This Means for Followers of Christ • Assurance: Salvation rests on the unified testimony of the full Godhead. • Baptismal Identity: Believers are marked by the single Name shared by Father, Son, and Spirit. • Worship: Devotion rightly honors the Three together, acknowledging their one essence and united work. |
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