Our testimony is woven into that of Jesus. Born of water in full humanity as Jesus was, we enter faith relationship with him and accept his sacrifice to cover our sins forever. Our baptism declares our story, and we receive the ever-present Spirit as our seal and hope.
6 This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth. 7 For there are three that testify: 8 the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son.
1John 5:6-9 NLT
Three things testify about Jesus coming as Messiah: the water, the blood, and the Spirit. We know from Nicodemus’ conversation with Jesus in John 3 that everyone is born of water. One must be born of the Spirit to enter the kingdom of God. Jesus asked the Father to send the Spirit when he ascended to heaven. The Spirit came to the followers of Jesus to take his place as teacher and counsellor and comforter.
Jesus also came by blood, referring perhaps to his shedding of blood on the cross. There is a satisfaction of the law relating to forgiveness of sin in Jesus’ death (Leviticus 17:11). This was done for you and for me, as we are unable to offer a lasting sacrifice for our own sin.
And in addition to Jesus being born of water, he also baptized with water. The cleansing act of repentance, in which a new direction was set, was part of the story of Jesus’ disciples. This became part of the testimony of Jesus. It is God’s testimony also, as he gave it about his Son.
As we follow him, we bear this testimony also. We are born of water as Jesus was. We enter a relationship with him in faith, and we are baptized in water to publicly declare what has happened to us: We are cleansed by his blood for the forgiveness of our sins. The presence of the Holy Spirit is our seal and confirmation of the hope we hold.
This wonderful testimony intersects with our lives to knit us into the life of God…
Amen.
Marc Kinna
marckinna 