1. First John Lesson 15: God’s Testimony Concerning Jesus Antioch Christian Fellowship Spring 2012 Rev. Christopher J. Respass

2. God’s Testimony Concerning Jesus (1 John 5:6-12) A.The Old Testament teaches that the truth of a matter should be established by 2 or 3 witnesses (Deut. 19:15). A single witness shall not suffice against a person for any crime or for any wrong in connection with any offense that he has committed. Only on the evidence of two witnesses or of three witnesses shall a charge be established.

3. God’s Testimony Concerning Jesus (1 John 5:6-12) B.John offers three witnesses that testify of the true identity of Jesus Christ: the water, the blood and the Spirit (v.7-8). C.These witness offer testimony on God’s behalf (v.9).

4. God’s Testimony Concerning Jesus (1 John 5:6-12) D. Witness 1: The Water—Jesus’ Baptism. 1. The identity of Jesus was confirmed at his baptism. 2. John the Baptist prophesied of Jesus during his ministry. (Matt. 3:11-12). 3. Jesus’ identity and divinity confirmed (Matt. 3:13-17).

5. God’s Testimony Concerning Jesus (1 John 5:6-12) E. Witness 2: The Blood—Jesus’ Death 1. The death of the Messiah, Jesus, was prophesied in the Old Testament (e.g., Isa. 53:2-9, Psalm 22:1, 7-8, 16-18). 2. Jesus’ actual death and the supernatural events thereafter testify of Him (Matt. 27:45-54).

6. God’s Testimony Concerning Jesus (1 John 5:6-12) F.Witness 3: The Spirit—Jesus’ Life & Ministry. 1. His Conception (Matt. 1:18-21). 2. His Baptism (Matt. 3:13-17). 3. His Temptation (Luke 4:1-2) 4. His Ministry (Luke 4:16-21, Acts 10:34-38).

7. God’s Testimony Concerning Jesus (1 John 5:6-12) II.The Purpose of God’s Testimony A. The purpose of God’s testimony though the water, blood and Spirit is that sinners might receive Eternal Life. God is all about saving souls. (2 Peter 2:9) The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

8. God’s Testimony Concerning Jesus (1 John 5:6-12) B. While Eternal Life does include never- ending life chronologically, in its fullness, eternal life is the believer’s participation in the blessed, everlasting life of Jesus Christ.

9. God’s Testimony Concerning Jesus (1 John 5:6-12) C.Only those who have the son have eternal life, for they have believed God’s testimony about the Son. Those who do not have the Son— absolutely do not have eternal life. Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6)

10. God’s Testimony Concerning Jesus (1 John 5:6-12) I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life. (I John 5:13)