Topical Bible: Truth: John Bears Witness To

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In the New Testament, the concept of truth is a central theme, particularly in the writings of the Apostle John. John's Gospel and his epistles emphasize the nature of truth as it relates to Jesus Christ, the Word of God, and the life of believers. The Berean Standard Bible provides a clear articulation of these themes.

The Testimony of John the Baptist

John the Baptist, a pivotal figure in the New Testament, is portrayed as a witness to the truth of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, he is described as a man sent from God to bear witness to the Light, which is Christ Himself. John 1:7 states, "He came as a witness to testify about the Light, so that through him everyone might believe." John the Baptist's role was to prepare the way for the Messiah and to testify to His divine nature and mission.

John the Baptist explicitly identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). This declaration underscores the truth of Jesus' redemptive work and His identity as the Savior. Furthermore, John the Baptist affirms the preexistence and supremacy of Christ, saying, "He who comes after me has surpassed me because He was before me" (John 1:15).

Jesus as the Embodiment of Truth

In John's Gospel, Jesus is presented as the embodiment of truth. In John 14:6 , Jesus declares, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." This statement highlights the exclusive and absolute nature of truth as found in Christ. Jesus is not merely a teacher of truth; He is the truth incarnate.

The Gospel further illustrates this in John 1:14 , which states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." The incarnation of Christ is the ultimate revelation of God's truth to humanity, demonstrating His grace and faithfulness.

The Spirit of Truth

John's writings also emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit as the Spirit of Truth. In John 16:13 , Jesus promises His disciples, "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all truth." The Holy Spirit's work is to lead believers into a deeper understanding of the truth revealed in Christ and to empower them to live according to that truth.

Truth in the Life of Believers

The Apostle John extends the concept of truth to the life of believers. In his first epistle, he writes, "If we say we have fellowship with Him yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth" (1 John 1:6). Here, truth is not only a matter of belief but also of conduct. Walking in the truth involves living in accordance with God's commandments and reflecting the character of Christ.

John further emphasizes the importance of truth in 3 John 1:4 , where he expresses joy in hearing that his children are "walking in the truth." This phrase indicates a lifestyle that is consistent with the teachings of Christ and the apostles, marked by love, obedience, and integrity.

Conclusion

The writings of John present a comprehensive view of truth as it relates to Jesus Christ, the Holy Spirit, and the life of believers. Through the testimony of John the Baptist, the teachings of Jesus, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the truth is revealed as a divine reality that transforms lives and leads to eternal fellowship with God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

John 5:33
You sent to John, and he bore witness to the truth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

John Chapter viii. 13, 14
... Whence also the same John says, "We all have ... is everywhere present, because the truth
is everywhere ... Therefore the light bears witness to itself; it opens the ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xxxv john chapter viii.htm

Inward Witness to the Truth of the Gospel.
... Here is a mystery; but his own actual and too bitter experience bears witness to
the truth of the declaration; he feels the mystery of iniquity within him. ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon viii inward witness to.htm

The Prophets Bore Witness to Christ and Foretold Many Things ...
... The Saviour gives the name of martyr to every one who bears witness to the truth
He declares; thus at the Ascension He says to ... Footnotes: [4760] John 1:7. ...
/.../origens commentary on the gospel of john/28 the prophets bore witness.htm

The Holy Spirit Bearing Witness to Jesus Christ.
... in the Scriptures, but beside this the Holy Spirit bears witness directly to ... work
to bear witness to Him who is the truth, that is Jesus Christ (John 14:6 ...
/.../torrey/the person and work of the holy spirit/chapter viii the holy spirit.htm

Apostolic Inspiration.
... it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the Word ... John's Gospel. The Epistle
to the Romans bears witness to a different inspiration from that of the ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxi apostolic inspiration.htm

Above his Changeable Mind, He Discovers the Unchangeable Author of ...
... that the soul of man, though it bears witness of the ... derive their blessed life, and
the light of truth, from the ... was a man sent from God, whose name was John. ...
/.../the confessions and letters of st/chapter xvii above his changeable mind.htm

This Third Book Shows a Third Fall of Eunomius, as Refuting
... that are made exist by no other but by Him (and John bears witness that nothing ...
understanding as not to see in the Evangelist's proclamation the truth, that He ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 1 this third book.htm

Homilies of St. John Chrysostom,
... homilies of St. John Chrysostom,. ... "Whereof," saith he, "ye heard before in the word
of the truth of the Gospel." And he bears witness to its truth. ...
/.../homilies of st john chrysostom 2.htm

1 John v. 10
... consciousness. He bears the divine witness in himself. ... contradiction. From these
words of John we may deduce a truth most important for our own age. That ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john v 10.htm

The Antichrist Will be the Son of Satan
... and just as the third person in the Holy Trinity, the Spirit, bears witness to the ...
is the direct antithesis of the real Christ, who is "the Truth" (John 14:6 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the antichrist/ii the antichrist will be.htm