25. Testimony of God.

Just as the Spirit testifies about Jesus, so also God the Father has testified about his Son. Thrice the voice of God was heard testifying about his Son. Recalling one of the incidents, Peter wrote, ‘For he received honour and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory saying, “This is my Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” We ourselves heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with him on the sacred moutain.’ – (2 Peter 1:17-18/Matthew 17:5) Referring to these three incidents, John wrote : ‘For there are three that testify: the SPIRIT, the WATER and the BLOOD; and the three are in agreement.’ – (1 John 5:7-8) The WATER refers to his baptism, BLOOD to his death on the cross and the SPIRIT to the Holy Spirit who descended on him. God has testified about his Son by the means of these three substances:

1. Spirit: John gave this testimony about Jesus: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him” because he was told, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ – (John 1:32-33) Therefore John declared, “I baptize you with water for repentance. But after me will come one who is more powerful than I, … He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.” – (Matthew 3:11) The authority to receive and impart the substance of the Spirit, testifies to his Lordship. “Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and poured out what you now see and hear.” – (Acts 2:33)

2. Water: God has testified to the Sonship of Jesus by the means of water. ‘As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went out of the water … And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” – (Matthew 3:16-17) No one knew the identity of the Son of God, not even John the Baptist, until he was revealed to Israel on the day he was baptized in water. John gave this testimony: “I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he …’ I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God.” – (John 1:33-34)

3. Blood: God has testified to the Christship of Jesus by the means of blood which symbolises his death. Once while speaking to the crowds about his impending death, his heart was troubled and he said, “What shall I say? Father, save me from this hour? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven saying, “I have glorified it and will glorify it again.” The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to him. Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.” – (John 12:27-30) Even the manner of his death bore testimony to his identity! ‘When the Centurion … heard his cry and saw how he died, he said, “Surely this man was the Son of God!” – (Mark 15:39)

‘We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart.’ – (1 John 5:9-10) And it is the confession of this testimony that saves us! – (Romans 10:9-10, Revelation 12:11) Amen.