Go! And Believe the Witness! - 1 John 5:7–8
INTRODUCTION: THE COURTROOM OF ETERNITY
Imagine standing in a courtroom. The air is tense. The judge is on the bench, and you are not the observer—you are the one on trial. Evidence is being presented. Witnesses are called. The question is: What will the verdict be concerning Jesus Christ?
Today, I invite you to step into the courtroom of your heart and listen closely, because God has placed within history—and even within you—three unshakeable witnesses to the truth of Jesus Christ. And these witnesses cry out for your belief, your repentance, and your surrender.
Let us turn to our key passage:
1 John 5:7–8 (NLT): “So we have these three witnesses—the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and all three agree.”
1 John 5:7–8 (NLT)
I. CONTEXT: THE EPISTLE OF ASSURANCE
The Apostle John wrote this letter to believers in Asia Minor to combat false teaching and to assure Christians of eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ.
1 John is written like a father speaking to his children, reminding them of who Jesus is—not just the man from Nazareth, but the Son of God, fully divine, fully human.
In the surrounding verses (1 John 5:1–13), John is driving home the certainty of our salvation in Christ and the truthfulness of the Gospel. The courtroom language—“witnesses”—is legal in nature, echoing Deuteronomy 19:15, where two or three witnesses establish a matter.
So what are these three witnesses? The Spirit, the water, and the blood. Let’s examine each.
II. THE WITNESS OF THE SPIRIT (1 John 5:7)
“And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony.” (v.6b)
The Greek word for “Spirit” is p?e?µa (pneuma)—meaning breath or wind—symbolising life, power, and the very essence of God.
John says the Holy Spirit testifies. This is a courtroom word: µa?t???? (martyreo)—to give testimony, to bear witness.
The Holy Spirit testifies:
Through the Scriptures He inspired (2 Peter 1:21).
Through conviction of sin, righteousness, and judgement (John 16:8).
Through transformation in the lives of believers.
John Piper: “The Holy Spirit doesn’t merely point us to truth. He opens our eyes so that we see the truth is glorious.”
That’s the heart of it. The Spirit does not just tell us Jesus is Lord; He convinces our souls of it! The Spirit is not just an informant—He is the divine persuader, breathing life into dead hearts.
Have you silenced the witness of the Holy Spirit in your life? Or are you listening and responding?
III. THE WITNESS OF THE WATER (1 John 5:8)
The “water” here is almost universally understood as referring to the baptism of Jesus—the moment when His public ministry began.
“After his baptism, as Jesus came up out of the water, the heavens were opened… And a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my dearly loved Son, who brings me great joy.’” (Matthew 3:16–17, NLT)
God Himself spoke from Heaven—a divine declaration of Jesus’ identity. The water bears witness.
The Greek for baptism, ß?pt?sµa (baptisma), literally means to be fully immersed. At Jesus’ baptism, the Father, Son, and Spirit were present—the Triune God revealed in perfect unity.
Charles Stanley: “Baptism does not make you a believer—it shows that you already believe. It’s a public declaration of a private transformation.”
While baptism does not save us, Jesus’ baptism is a declaration to us. It marks Him as the Lamb of God who would take away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Are you testifying to the world that you belong to Jesus? If you’ve never been baptised—what’s stopping you?
IV. THE WITNESS OF THE BLOOD (1 John 5:8)
The “blood” refers to Jesus’ atoning death on the cross.
“Without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness.” (Hebrews 9:22, NLT)
“God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (Romans 5:8, NLT)
Jesus did not just die—He died for us. His blood cries out louder than Abel’s (Hebrews 12:24). The Greek for blood, a?µa (haima), is used throughout the New Testament to speak of sacrifice and cleansing.
Max Lucado: “God took one look at your sin and then looked at His Son and said, ‘That’s enough.’”
The blood of Jesus settles it. It ends the debate. It declares, “You are forgiven—if you trust in Me.”
Are you trusting in Christ’s finished work? Or still trying to earn salvation by works? The blood says: “It is finished.”
V. ALL THREE AGREE: GOD’S CASE IS SEALED
1 John 5:8 concludes, “And all three agree.”
In Greek: e?? t? ?? e?s?? (eis to hen eisin)—they are unto one, they are unified, giving the same testimony: Jesus is the Son of God. He is Saviour. He is Lord. He is the Christ.
VI. THE PARACHUTE
Imagine boarding a plane. Halfway through the flight, someone hands you a parachute. Would you just place it on your lap and admire it? No—you’d put it on, trusting it will save your life when you leap.
Faith in Christ is not admiration—it is application. It is saying, “I believe the witnesses. I repent. I surrender. I trust.”
VII. THE BURNING HOUSE
If your house was on fire and someone pulled you out, saving your life, would you ever forget them? No! You’d speak of them often, honour them, and live differently because of them.
Jesus didn’t just pull you out of a burning house—He walked into the flames and died in your place. He is worthy of your whole life.
VIII. THE GOSPEL: THE ULTIMATE WITNESS
Jesus, the sinless Son of God, lived the life we couldn’t live and died the death we deserved.
He was crucified. Buried. And on the third day, He rose again.
That empty tomb is the final witness that seals the truth: Jesus is Lord.
IX. A CALL TO REPENTANCE AND FAITH
If you’ve never trusted in Jesus Christ for salvation, hear me:
You are not saved by church attendance, kindness, or good works.
You are saved by grace through faith in Jesus alone.
“If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9, NLT)
If the Spirit is stirring your heart… respond. Repent. Turn to Jesus. Surrender your life today.
X. A CHALLENGE TO BELIEVERS
Believer, the three witnesses still speak—and you are called to echo their testimony.
Live by the Spirit.
Walk in obedience.
Trust the power of the blood.
“And we have seen and testify that the Father sent his Son to be the Saviour of the world.” (1 John 4:14, NLT)
Will you live as a faithful witness?
CLOSING BENEDICTION
May you go today filled with the Spirit, covered by the blood, and confident in the testimony of God.
May you walk boldly, speak truthfully, and live passionately—for Jesus Christ, your Lord and Saviour.
