Scripture Text: 1 John 5:6–12
The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn’t have the Son of God does not have life.
1 John 5:12 (HCSB)
In a court case, both sides may call on expert witnesses to explain a complex situation. If the witnesses disagree, the lawyers focus on their credibility. Who has more relevant experience? Who demonstrates the most valid understanding? In other words, who is more trustworthy?
John wrote in today’s passage that three witnesses testify that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and the Savior of the world (vv. 7–8). The first is the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Godhead. The Spirit is at work both within us and out in the world. He testifies to the fact that Jesus came by the water and the blood (v. 6). The verb “testify” means that He calls all to affirm the truth in a spirit of praise and worship. Human testimony, such as that of John and the other apostles, has value but God’s own testimony is more valuable, reliable, and certain (v. 9).
The second witness is the water of baptism. When Jesus was baptized, the entire Trinity was present. The Father spoke His approval from heaven, and the Holy Spirit descended in the form of a dove. The third witness is the blood of Christ, which enables spiritual rebirth. His public ministry began at His baptism and ended with His death on the Cross.
Believers accept these three witnesses or testimonies (v. 10). Our faith is not subjective or based on mere feelings. It is reasonable, based on actual events in history. In fact, not to believe the evidence is to call God a liar.
God has given us salvation through His Son (vv. 11–12). To believe this truth is to accept His gift of eternal life. Not to believe is to opt for death. Every person must choose!
Reflect
1. How does genuine love for God manifest in our daily lives?
2. What are some practical ways where we can demonstrate our love for God through obedience to His commands?
3. What are some challenges that we may face in maintaining strong faith, and how can we overcome them with the help of God?
Remember
It is necessary for us to acknowledge the importance of believing in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and the source of eternal life. The passage highlights the various testimonies that support this belief: the Spirit, the water, and the blood. These elements signify the truth of Jesus' identity and mission.
If you have never accepted salvation by faith in Christ, there’s no reason to delay! If you’re already a believer-follower of Christ, give thanks today for this “indescribable gift.”
Read
Psalm 25:12-14; Matthew 26:26–28; John 1:32–34, 15:26; 2 Corinthians 9:14–15
Pray
Heavenly Father, thanks be to You for Your indescribable gift of salvation! I believe and joyfully confess that Jesus is the Son of God. Make me bold, increase my courage, make me as compassionate as Your Son Jesus to the lost, to those seeking and dying without hope to proclaim this truth to others who have not heard the gospel! In Your Son Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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