What role do the "three that testify" play in our faith journey? The Setting: John’s Courtroom Scene 1 John 5:7–8 frames salvation as a legal proceeding: “For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement”. God never leaves us to guess about Jesus; He provides triple corroboration so our faith rests on solid evidence, not wishful thinking (Deuteronomy 19:15). The Three Witnesses at a Glance • The Spirit – the living, personal voice of God. • The Water – Jesus’ baptism and the cleansing it pictures. • The Blood – Christ’s atoning death that secures redemption. Each speaks to a different dimension of our salvation, yet all confirm the same truth: Jesus is the Son of God and the sole source of eternal life. The Spirit: God’s Immediate Testimony • John 15:26: “The Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father will testify about Me.” • Romans 8:16: “The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” What He does in our journey – Illuminates Scripture (1 Corinthians 2:12–13). – Imparts inner assurance, silencing doubt. – Empowers obedience and witness (Acts 1:8). – Seals believers for the day of redemption (Ephesians 1:13–14). Our part – Yield to His promptings. – Trust His witness over shifting feelings. The Water: Cleansing and Identification • Matthew 3:16 / John 1:32–34 – the Spirit descends on Jesus at His baptism, declaring Him Messiah. • Titus 3:5 – “the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” What it means to us – Represents the sinless life Jesus lived on our behalf. – Symbolizes the purification we receive at conversion (Acts 22:16). – Marks our public allegiance to Christ (Romans 6:3–4). Our part – Remember our baptismal commitment when temptation calls. – Let the Word keep washing us daily (Ephesians 5:26). The Blood: Finished, Sufficient, Powerful • John 19:34 – blood and water flow from His side, uniting the witnesses. • Hebrews 9:14 – His blood, offered “through the eternal Spirit,” purifies our consciences. • Revelation 1:5 – He “released us from our sins by His blood.” What it accomplishes – Satisfies divine justice (Romans 3:25). – Opens bold access to the Father (Hebrews 10:19–22). – Overcomes the enemy (Revelation 12:11). Our part – Rest in its sufficiency; nothing can add to the cross. – Run to God, not from Him, whenever sin surfaces. How the Three Witnesses Work Together • Past Foundation – The blood secures our justification. • Present Assurance – The Spirit indwells and guides. • Public Confession – The water identifies us with Christ before the world. Their unified testimony gives every believer – Confidence in Jesus’ true identity. – Certainty of salvation anchored in divine fact. – Daily resources for growth: cleansing, power, and access to God. Living Daily in the Harmony of Their Testimony • Begin each day acknowledging the Spirit’s presence. • Rehearse the cleansing symbolized in your baptism. • Thank God for the blood whenever guilt whispers. As these three voices echo together, they form a chorus of assurance that carries us from first belief to final glory. |
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