We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given 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. 1 John 5:9-12
I have been spending time contemplating the words in 1 John chapter 5. Normally I can comment on a chapter at a time, but I find myself over the last three days, pausing and camping out here. The truths are deep and eternal. We will believe an individual who gives a testimony (either before a court or just in public) and out of trust we give them the benefit of the doubt, especially if there is some evidence supporting their claim or better yet another witness to the facts they assert. How much more should we believe the gospel that describes the life, miracles, teaching, death and resurrection of Jesus? God has testified to the validity of Jesus as the Son of God. And whoever “has Jesus” (come into a personal relationship with Him by accepting His sacrificial death on the cross as payment for their sins and committed to follow Him all the days of their life), “has eternal life”.
Have I accepted the testimony of God about Jesus? Yes, I became fully persuaded when I was 18 years old. I saw my sin for its sinfulness and had no answer on my own. I sensed that something was true about the gospel and began to look at the testimony and evidence that supported Jesus claims. It was then that I put my faith and trust in Him and was baptized as a sign that I would follow Him all the days of my life.
God, what an amazing life You have given me. Having Jesus in my life and having the eternal life, the high life, has been nothing short of incredible. Everything has meaning and purpose. Optimism is on tap every day. What do you want to do today?
