DAY 28—Jesus came by water and by blood, and the Spirit of God bore witness to Him.

 

While most of I John is of a practical message, in this part of the Epistle the Apostle becomes more theological. Take note what he says about the salvation that becomes ours in which the Water and the Blood and the Spirit are significant parts. He says, This is He that came by water and blood. Jesus was attested to be the Son of God and promised Messiah by water, that is, His baptism. It was then that the Spirit of God came down from heaven upon Him and said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. He came also by blood which He shed for the remission of our sins.

I John 5:5-8—Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God? This is He that came by water (the baptism of His identification with us) and blood (His atoning death on the cross), even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is Truth. For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word (this is the eternal Word that became flesh and dwelt among us), and the Holy Spirit: and these Three are One. And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit (that comes upon us when we confess Jesus as Savior), and the water (in which we make our confession by baptism), and the blood (the blood of Jesus by which we are redeemed): and these three agree in one.

I John 5:9—If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which He hath testified of his Son.
NIrV—We accept the witness of people. But the witness of God is more important because it is God Who gives it. He has given witness about His Son.

DEAR LORD, I praise You that You would identify with us sinners by being baptized as though You were one yourself. I praise You for giving Your life blood for us sinners. I praise You for sending Your Spirit upon us to make our salvation real and effective. Please let these I now name before You come to know this wondrous salvation which is for every person on earth.

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