How do "the Spirit, the water, and the blood" testify to Christ's divinity? 1 John 5:8—The Threefold Witness “the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement.” The Spirit—God’s Own Voice • John 15:26: “When the Advocate comes … the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify about Me.” • John 16:13-14: The Spirit “will glorify Me.” • Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” • Acts 2:32-33: At Pentecost the Spirit publicly confirmed the risen Christ. Why this proves divinity – The Holy Spirit is God; His testimony carries divine authority. – He affirms that Jesus is “Lord” (1 Corinthians 12:3), a title reserved for Yahweh. – Internal witness: every believer’s assurance comes from God Himself, not human opinion. The Water—Baptism That Revealed the Son • Matthew 3:16-17: He came “up out of the water,” the Spirit descended, and the Father declared, “This is My beloved Son.” • John 1:29-34: John the Baptist saw and bore witness that “this is the Son of God.” • 1 John 5:6: “He came by water and blood—Jesus Christ.” • John 19:34: Water flowed from His pierced side, linking baptism and crucifixion. How the water testifies – Baptism marked the start of His public ministry with an audible divine endorsement. – It affirmed real incarnation: He entered human history “in the flesh,” contrary to early Gnostic denial. – Only the divine Son can impart the cleansing and life symbolized by baptism (Ephesians 5:26; Titus 3:5). The Blood—Atonement Only God Could Provide • Hebrews 9:14: “Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God.” • Romans 5:9: “Having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him.” • Revelation 1:5-6: His blood frees us and makes us “a kingdom and priests to His God and Father.” Why the blood confirms deity – The Law required a flawless sacrifice; only the sinless Son qualifies (1 Peter 1:19). – Eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12) demands infinite worth; finite blood could not purchase it. – Prophecies place the Messiah on God’s throne (Isaiah 9:6-7), fulfilled through the cross and resurrection. Three Witnesses in Perfect Agreement • Deuteronomy 19:15: A matter is established by two or three witnesses; God supplies three. • 1 John 5:9-10: “If we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater.” • The Spirit (divine person), the water (public inauguration), and the blood (ultimate sacrifice) converge to declare the same truth: Jesus is the eternal Son of God. Living in the Light of This Testimony – Confidence: Our faith rests on God’s own evidence, not speculation. – Worship: The triune God draws us to adore the Son who is fully divine. – Obedience: “Whoever has the Son has life” (1 John 5:12); therefore we live under His lordship. |
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