~ A Fourfold Witness of Jesus
Christ, the Messiah, in One Passage ~
The
Scriptures repeatedly tell us that two or three witnesses are enough to
establish credibility (i.e., Deuteronomy 17:6, 19:5; Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians
13:1, 1 Timothy 5:9). Perhaps that is why we find more than three witnesses regarding the truth of Jesus Christ.
While on
earth Jesus Christ proclaimed that He was the Son of God—the Messiah. In one
statement He spoke of four witnesses to this reality (John 5:31-47).
(1) The
Witness of John the Baptist ~ “If I [Jesus Christ] bear witness of Myself, My witness is
not true. There is another [John the Baptist] who bears witness of Me, and I
know that the witness which he witnesses of Me is true. You have sent to John,
and he has borne witness to the truth. Yet I do not receive testimony from man,
but I say these things that you may be saved. He was the burning and shining
lamp, and you were willing for a time to rejoice in his light” (John 5:31-35).
(2) The
Witness of His Works ~ “But I have a
greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to
finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me”
(John 5:36).
(3) The
Witness of God the Father ~ “And the Father
Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at
any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His Word abiding in you,
because whom He sent, Him you do not believe” (John 5:37-38).
(4) The
Witness of the Scriptures ~ “You search the
Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they
which testify of Me” (John 5:39).
Conclusion ~ “But
you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life. I do not receive
honor from men. But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. I
have come in My Father's name, and you do not receive Me; if another comes in
his own name, him you will receive. How can you believe, who receive honor from
one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God? Do not
think that I shall accuse you to the Father; there is one who accuses you—Moses,
in whom you trust. For if you believed Moses, you would believe Me; for he
wrote about Me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe My
words?” (John 5:40-47).
Jesus
Christ spoke directly about a fourfold witness as seen above. How about you?
Can you witness (first-hand knowledge) about Jesus Christ? Is He your Messiah? Are you reading the
Scriptures which testify of Him? Are you living a life which pleases Him?
It begins
with your attitude which affects your actions resulting in a life which pleases
God. “Your attitude should be the same as that of
Christ Jesus … and became obedient … for
it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:5, 8, 13, NIV).
the key question:
“Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15). This is the most important
question you will ever answer. If you do not answer it, or answer it
incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!
~ Robert
Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE
NOW
