TESTIFY
1 John 5:6-12, ESV
Part 18 of the sermon series on the letters of John.
The apostle mentioned the words “born of God” or something similar to it several times in the epistle. He also mentioned it in the gospel account. Other words similar to it are “born from above” or “born again.” The doctrinal term is “regeneration.” Regeneration is about God giving us a new heart; it is God writing His laws in our hearts. John wrote that everyone who believes has been “born of God” (1 Jn 5:1). The apostle would reinforce that their message bears the testimony of water, blood, and Spirit. One would surmise that they also refer to the Father’s testimony about Christ.
Spirit, water, and blood
John mentions the water and the blood. It was probably to address a false teaching. However, what do the water and the blood mean? The most probable would be the testimony of His death. The blood has often been referred to Christ’s death, but the water may have several connotations.
1 John 5:6-8: This is he who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not by the water only but by the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree.
John 19:34-35: But one of the soldiers pierced his side with a spear, and at once there came out blood and water. 35 He who saw it has borne witness—his testimony is true, and he knows that he is telling the truth—that you also may believe.
John 7:37-39: On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’” 39 Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
In John’s writings, water may refer to Christ’s baptism. It may also refer to the Holy Spirit as the “living water” given to believers (Jn 7:37-39). And as stated earlier, water and blood may refer to Christ’s death. These three perspectives seem to be the most viable.
The Testimony of God
The apostle witnessed the Father’s work in the Son; He believes that the Father Himself testifies of the Son. Thus, whoever believes in the Son of God upholds the testimony of the Father. But whoever does not, calls God a liar.
1 John 5:9-10: If we receive the testimony of men, the testimony of God is greater, for this is the testimony of God that he has borne concerning his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God has the testimony in himself. Whoever does not believe God has made him a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has borne concerning his Son.
John highlights that the Holy Spirit testifies of the Son; the apostle also states that the Father testifies of the Son. There should be no doubt that Jesus is the Son of God.
Eternal Life in the Son
After discussing the testimony for the Son, John writes about the assurance of eternal life in the Son. With simple clarity, he states that whoever has the Son has life, and whoever does not does not have life.
1 John 5:11-12: And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
John calls the Lord Jesus Christ the eternal life. There is no eternal life elsewhere. Therefore, one must believe in the Son as testified by the apostles and prophets. Without Christ, there can be no eternal life.
Application
1. We believe and proclaim the testimony of the Father and Spirit about the Son. We believe in the testimony of the death and resurrection of the Son. The Scriptures make it clear. Thus, we make it clear to others.
2. We must reject all false teachings about Christ. Our commitment is to know Christ according to the Scriptures and to make Him known. We do so as a community of faith, for that is God’s will.
3. Let us examine ourselves to see if we truly have the Son in our lives. Do we live for Him? Do we serve Him? Do we believe in Him? Do we obey Him? Do we love the community of faith?
Poem
TESTIMONY by Ed Pilapil Jr The Christ came by water and blood His baptism or living springs Death relates to water and blood It’s not of inanimate things They’re a testimony of God Greater than man’s testimony We believe in the Son of God Jesus, we trust persistently The Holy Spirit testifies Of Christ from beginning to end God, the Triune God, testifies The unbelievers are condemned Those who have the Son have the life Unbelievers call God a liar Believers have eternal life They trust in Him who is higher
Study Guide
1. Explain the possible meanings of water and blood.
2. From John’s perspective, who calls God a liar? Explain.
3. John stated that God gave “us” eternal life. Explain the “us” based on the whole letter of John (1 John). (e.g. they do not love the world)
