As we continue our journey through the Epistle of 1 John, we pick up in Chapter 5. The Apostle John had proclaimed in verse 5, “Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus IS the Son of God..”
John then goes on to say there is testimony to the fact that Jesus is the Son of God, and he names three of those who testify. He says they testify and point out that: “This is the one who came by water and blood – Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is truth.” 1 John 5:6
In the interest of time, we will look at these separately. The water, and the blood, and the Holy Spirit.
Some say that John was speaking of the natural birth of a child when he spoke of the water. Perhaps so, but It was at the water of Baptism that our Father God spoke from heaven and said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:17) This was a confirmation for John the Baptist, and all who will believe, that this son of man Jesus, was truly the Son of God.
John the Baptist had been sent to baptize with water those who wanted to repent and turn from their sins. Jesus was without sin, but He went to John, and asked to be baptized. (Matt 3:13) He used the baptism of water as an outward expression for all who would choose to turn from the way of the world, and choose to follow Him. (It is not a requirement for salvation, but rather an outward commitment to Christ. Salvation comes from the born again experience by the Holy Spirit within.) It was at the water of baptism that the Holy Spirit came upon Jesus to anoint Him. The Word says, “As soon as Jesus was baptized, He went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and alighting on Him. And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son.” (Matthew 3:16) It was from this water of baptism that Jesus went into His appointed task of bringing the Good News to the world. The Good News that tells us “God is Love”, and has sent His Son to show it.
If there is one reading this today, and has not followed Christ Jesus into the water of baptism, but feels impressed to do so because you have accepted Christ as Savior, I pray that you will go ahead and do just that. If there is someone who was baptized but had not really asked the Lord into their life before they were baptized, and feels impressed to be baptized again, as was my experience, I encourage you to do so. Just let the Holy Spirit lead you. Baptism is simply telling the world “I believe that Jesus is the Son of God. I choose to follow Him.”
Blessings and Love, and grace, and mercy, and prosperity, and perfect health upon you, and yours, through Christ Jesus, God’s Beloveds.
Poppa B.