Six Superlative Witnesses That Jesus Is the Son of God

1 John 5:9-10

John continues his parade of witnesses, calling to the stand at this point the strongest witness of all: God the Father. The "testimony" of the Father resounds again and again in verses 9-10 as the apostle employs what we call a "lesser to greater" argument. In the everyday affairs of life, "we accept the testimony of men." In the Jewish context, as we have noted, the testimony of two or three witnesses was necessary and sufficient to confirm something as true (Deut 17:6; 19:15). If that is so, how 134much more should we believe God Himself, especially when He has just supplied His own threefold witness of the Spirit, water, and blood (v. 8)? The testimony of God is indeed greater—superior in source, status, and significance—than the testimony of any human persons. It is more reliable and trustworthy because it comes from the God, who cannot lie (Heb 6:18).

The testimony given by God is a testimony "He has given about His Son" (v. 9). I think John is saying that the abiding testimony of Jesus' baptism, His crucifixion, and that of the Holy Spirit is God's historical witness that Jesus is His Son. Never did God give such a witness concerning anyone else in all of history. The Father's witness concerning His Son is singular and unique. Therefore, it demands a response from each and every one of us. Neutrality and indecision is not an option. In fact, to not believe that Jesus is the Son of God is to not believe God and to make Him "a liar, because [you have] not believed in the testimony God has given about His Son" (v. 10). John says that believing in Jesus as the Son of God is equivalent to accepting God the Father's testimony about His Son. To reject Jesus as God's Son is equivalent to charging God with perjury. It is that simple, and John is that straightforward. Again, Spurgeon is our helper:

135Jesus said in John 5:37, "The Father who sent Me has Himself testified about Me." I believe the words of Jesus. I believe the witness of the Father.

We Have the Witness of Our Conversion

1 John 5:10

John now does a very interesting and strategic thing. He ties together our outward confession of Jesus as the Son of God to the inner witness we now have within ourselves. What we confess with our mouth, God makes real in our hearts. Paul said this as well in Romans 10:9-10:

And in Romans 8:16 he adds, "The Spirit Himself testifies together with our spirit that we are God's children."

The internal witness of God's Spirit in the heart confirms to the child of God that he or she was right to believe that Jesus is the Son of God who alone gives the gift of eternal life (1 John 5:11-12). This internal testimony or witness is the personal presence of God in us, and it beautifully balances and complements the external and historical witness of the baptism and crucifixion of Jesus, all witnessed by the Holy Spirit. Plummer well says, "The external witness faithfully accepted becomes internal certitude" (The Epistles of John, 162).

In the context of pastoral theology and practical application, this verse is of great value. John does not point us back to a prior experience. He leads us to look now, today, to a present testimony and witness. Whom are you trusting today? Whom are you believing in today? Where is your hope and confidence today? Is it Christ? If so, then rest assured that you have the Son and His gift of eternal life. Not knowing the exact moment you were converted does not mean you are not saved. A past experience can be helpful, but it is present-day testimony that provides the confirmation and assurance that God wants you to enjoy and that your soul longs to have. "I am believing in Christ and only in Christ." You will find that confession to be a blessed avenue of assurance that will cause you to proclaim with passion and conviction, "Jesus is the Son of God."

We Have the Witness of Eternal Life

1 John 5:11-12

John calls his final witness to the stand to testify to the truth that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. This is a fascinating witness. It is the witness of "eternal life." The connection between having the Son and having life is so essential that John will mention "the Son" seven times in verses 9-13 and "life" five times in verses 11-13.

Eternal life is a God-quality, God-kind of life. It has a particular character or essence as well as a never-ending duration. Having Jesus, the Son of God, equals having eternal life. This is God's testimony. This is God's gift ("God has given us eternal life"; 5:11). This life is in His Son, and again it is found in no one else (cf. John 14:6). In fact, to have the Son is to have life. To not have the Son of God means you do not have life. Having the Son of God equals life. Not having the Son of God equals spiritual death. To not have the Son means you are a walking, talking dead man. You are a spiritual corpse in a physical body. James Boice notes:

The Bible teaches that you do not have to hope you have eternal life or even think you have eternal life. It says you can know you have eternal life when you know you have the Son of God, Jesus Christ, as your Savior. This witness, this gift of eternal life, testifies to the eternal Son, for only He who is eternal can give you what is eternal.

Conclusion

I began this study with a quote from my hero from the past, Charles Spurgeon. Let me end with one as well. What is at stake in all of this? If137 our six superlative witnesses have testified to the truth, then what does all of this mean for you, for me, and for the world? Here it is in sum:

So I ask, do you believe the testimony of these six superlative witnesses? Do you have this testimony in yourself? "The one who has the Son has 138life. The one who doesn't have the Son of God does not have life." I plead with you this day: Choose life. Choose Jesus.

Reflect and Discuss