The Witness Of Christ Series

The Witness of Christ

1 John 5: 6-12

As I read these verses I was reminded of the difficulties of that day. John lived during the early days of the church, while she was yet in her infancy. The Gospel was being shared and many were saved, but false doctrine and heresy abounded as well. Many denied the finished work of Jesus, refusing to embrace Him as the Christ. Others rejected any mention of the true and living God. The world was under Roman dominance, influenced by the philosophies and doctrines of the many gods they worshiped.

John knew the truth; he was settled on the Gospel message, and yet he realized others were skeptical. He boldly and confidently presents Jesus as the Christ. He emphasizes the irrefutable evidence to substantiate his message. The world looked for truth and assurance and John sought to provide that for them.

We live in a world that shares many of the same similarities. The Gospel is embraced by many, and even accepted as truth by others even if they aren’t born again in Christ. However, many other faiths and doctrines are being promoted and taught today. Some question the Gospel truth and wonder how it is possible to know for sure. As believers we are settled in our faith, but we must realize all are not as we are. Many have more questions than answers. This passage provides the evidence that substantiates our claim.

Let’s consider the assertions John makes as we think on: The Witness of Christ.

I. Christ’s Gracious Ministry (6a) – This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. John speaks of the testimony of Christ’s ministry here on earth. Consider:

A. His Service (6a) – John refers to Jesus coming by water and by blood. His coming by water speaks of His baptism of John the Baptist in the Jordan River. This marked the beginning of His public ministry here on earth. Jesus lived His life in service to others, not having a place to call His own, meeting the needs of those He met rather than having others wait upon Him. It is impossible to study the life of Christ and miss the great service the Son of God rendered to humanity.

The life our Lord lived here on earth bears testimony of His being who He claimed to be. Clearly He performed miracles and spoke with wisdom mere humans could never obtain. Every action, gesture, and word spoken revealed His position as the Christ. Doubters remain today, but the evidence proves Jesus was the Christ. His earthly ministry bears witness to that fact.

B. His Sacrifice (6a) – We also find reference to His coming by blood. There can be no doubt John refers to His great sacrifice as He bled and died upon the cross. Many in John’s day were skeptical of Jesus, but His crucifixion bears irrefutable evidence of His genuinely being the Christ. Had He been an imposter, He could’ve denied He was the Son of God and been released. We know He could’ve escaped the cross if He had desired, but He chose to die for our sin. He could’ve called legions of angels to free Him, but He chose the suffering for our salvation.

John doesn’t specifically mention the miracles surrounding Calvary, but they are substantial. There was darkness over the earth in the middle of the day. The great veil of the Temple was rent in twain. The earth shook and trembled, breaking great rocks in pieces. The tombs were opened and the dead walked within the city of Jerusalem. These were not haphazard events, but great miracles that testified the Son of God had fulfilled the work of redemption!

II. Christ’s Glorious Deity (6b-8) – Here John refers to the witness of the deity of Christ. It is confirmed through many witnesses. Notice:

A. The Heavenly Witness (6b-7) – And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth. [7] For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. This testimony is declared by three witnesses. It is declared by:

The Father – There is no doubt God the Father affirmed Jesus as the Christ. He was His only begotten Son. We know that God affirmed Christ at His baptism and on the Mount of Transfiguration. The Father bore witness of Christ’s deity throughout His ministry on earth. John 8:18 – I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. John 12:28 – Father, glorify thy name. Then came there a voice from heaven, saying, I have both glorified it, and will glorify it again.