1 John 5:6 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.
Historical background – Docetists and gnostics said that Jesus did not have a real physical body and did not really die on the cross, but only appeared to die. (Islam says the same thing).
In opposition to this false teaching, John insists on the following facts about Jesus
- His baptism (came by water) – the beginning of his ministry, when Holy Spirit testified clearly to his identity
- His sufferings (came by blood)
- The water and blood that flowed from his side when he was pierced (evidence that he really died). John 19:34-35
1 John 5:7-9 For there are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood; and these three agree. 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.
When and how did God testify openly to who Jesus is?
- At his baptism
- Through his miracles
- At his transfiguration
- At his trials before the Sanhedrin, before Herod and before Pilate
- At his death, by revealing to the centurion who Jesus was
- At his resurrection
1 John 5:10 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.
What does John mean by saying that anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in himself?
- Holy Spirit within us testifies to who Jesus is
- Testimony of a changed life
1 John 5:11-12 And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
We have not yet been raised from the dead. What does John mean by saying that we (already) have eternal life?
