Verse
Context
God’s Testimony about His Son
9Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son.10Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him; whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given about His Son.
Sermons
Paris ReidheadParis ReidheadParis Reidhead
W.F. Kumuyi
David WilkersonSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that believeth on the Son of God - This is God's witness to a truth, the most important and interesting to mankind. God has witnessed that whosoever believeth on his Son shall be saved, and have everlasting life; and shall have the witness of it in himself, the Spirit bearing witness with his spirit that he is a child of God. To know, to feel his sin forgiven, to have the testimony of this in the heart from the Holy Spirit himself, is the privilege of every true believer in Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
hath the witness--of God, by His Spirit (Jo1 5:8). in himself--God's Spirit dwelling in him and witnessing that "Jesus is the Lord," "the Christ," and "the Son of God" (Jo1 5:1, Jo1 5:5). The witness of the Spirit in the believer himself to his own sonship is not here expressed, but follows as a consequence of believing the witness of God to Jesus' divine Sonship. believeth not God--credits not His witness. made him a liar--a consequence which many who virtually, or even avowedly, do not believe, may well startle back from as fearful blasphemy and presumption (Jo1 1:10). believeth not the record--Greek, "believeth not IN the record, or witness." Refusal to credit God's testimony ("believeth not God") is involved in refusal to believe IN (to rest one's trust in) Jesus Christ, the object of God's record or testimony. "Divine "faith" is an assent unto something as credible upon the testimony of God. This is the highest kind of faith; because the object hath the highest credibility, because grounded upon the testimony of God, which is infallible" [PEARSON, Exposition of the Creed]. "The authority on which we believe is divine; the doctrine which we follow is divine" [LEO]. gave--Greek, "hath testified, and now testifies." of--concerning.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that believeth on the Son of God,.... As a divine person who came in the flesh, and obeyed the law, and brought in everlasting righteousness, and obtained life and salvation for men: he that with the heart believes in him for righteousness, and eternal life, he being the Son of God, truly and properly God, and so able to save all that believe in him, hath the witness in himself; of the need he stands in of Christ, and of the suitableness, fulness, and excellency of him; the Spirit of God enlightening him into the impurity of his nature, his impotence to do anything spiritually good, his incapacity to atone for sin, and the insufficiency of his righteousness to justify him before God; and convincing him that nothing but the blood of the Son of God can cleanse him from sin, and only his sacrifice can expiate it, and his righteousness justify him from it, and that without him he can do nothing; testifying also to the efficacy of his blood, the completeness of his sacrifice and satisfaction, the excellency of his righteousness, and the energy of his grace and strength: so he comes to have such a witness in himself, that if ten thousand arguments were ever so artfully formed, in favour of the purity of human nature, the power of man's free will, and the sufficiency of his righteousness, and against the sacrifice and righteousness of Christ, the dignity of his person, as the Son of God, which gives virtue to his blood, sacrifice, and righteousness, they would all signify nothing to him, he would be proof against them. And such an one very readily receives into him the testimony God gives of his Son, of the glory and excellency of his person, and retains it in him. The Alexandrian copy and the Vulgate Latin version read, "hath the witness of God in him"; to which the Ethiopic, version agrees, and confirm the last observation: he that believeth not God; does not receive his testimony concerning his Son: the Alexandrian copy, and two of Stephens's, and the Vulgate Latin version read, "he that believeth not the Son"; and the Ethiopic version, his Son; and the Arabic version, "the Son of God"; and so is a direct antithesis to the phrase in the former clause of the verse: hath made him a liar; not the Son, but God, as the Arabic version renders it, "hath made God himself a liar"; who is the God, of truth, and cannot lie; it is impossible he should; and as nothing can be, more contumelious and reproachful to the being and nature of God, so nothing can more fully expose and aggravate the sin of unbelief, with respect to Christ, as the Son of God: because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son; at the times and places before observed.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In those words we may observe, I. The privilege and stability of the real Christian: He that believeth on the Son of God, hath been prevailed with unfeignedly to cleave to him for salvation, hath the witness in himself, Jo1 5:10. He hath not only the outward evidence that others have, but he hath in his own heart a testimony for Jesus Christ. He can allege what Christ and the truth of Christ have done for his soul and what he has seen and found in him. As, 1. He has deeply seen his sin, and guilt, and misery, and his abundant need of such a Saviour. 2. He has seen the excellency, beauty, and office of the Son of God, and the incomparable suitableness of such a Saviour to all his spiritual wants and sorrowful circumstances. 3. He sees and admires the wisdom and love of God in preparing and sending such a Saviour to deliver him from sin and hell, and to raise him to pardon, peace, and communion with God. 4. He has found and felt the power of the word and doctrine of Christ, wounding, humbling, healing, quickening, and comforting his soul. 5. He finds that the revelation of Christ, as it is the greatest discovery and demonstration of the love of God, so it is the most apt and powerful means of kindling, fomenting, and inflaming love to the holy blessed God. 6. He is born of God by the truth of Christ, as Jo1 5:1. He has a new heart and nature, a new love, disposition, and delight, and is not the man that formerly he was. 7. He finds yet such a conflict with himself, with sin, with the flesh, the world, and invisible wicked powers, as is described and provided for in the doctrine of Christ. 8. He finds such prospects and such strength afforded him by the faith of Christ, that he can despise and overcome the world, and travel on towards a better. 9. He finds what interest the Mediator has in heaven, by the audiency and prevalency of those prayers that are sent thither in his name, according to his will, and through his intercession. 10. He is begotten again to a lively hope, to a holy confidence in God, in his good-will and love, to a pleasant victory over terrors of conscience, dread of death and hell, to a comfortable prospect of life and immortality, being enriched with the earnest of the Spirit and sealed to the day of redemption. Such assurance has the gospel believer; he has a witness in himself. Christ is formed in him, and he is growing up to the fulness and perfection, or perfect image of Christ, in heaven. II. The aggravation of the unbeliever's sin, the sin of unbelief: He that believeth not God hath made him a liar. He does, in effect, give God the lie, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son, Jo1 5:10. He must believe that God did not send his Son into the world, when he has given us such manifold evidence that he did, or that Jesus Christ was not the Son of God, when all that evidence relates to and terminates upon him, or that he sent his Son to deceive the world and to lead it into error and misery, or that he permits men to devise a religion which, in all the parts of it, is a pure, holy, heavenly, undefiled institution, and so worthy to be embraced by the reason of mankind, and yet is but a delusion and a lie, and then lends them his Spirit and power to recommend and obtrude it upon the world, which is to make God the Father, the author and abettor, of the lie. III. The matter, the substance, or contents of all this divine testimony concerning Jesus Christ: And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son, Jo1 5:11. This is the sum of the gospel. This is the sum and epitome of the whole record given us by all the aforesaid six witnesses. 1. That God hath given to us eternal life. He has designed it for us in his eternal purpose. He has prepared all the means that are necessary to bring us to it. He has made it over to us by his covenant and promise. And he actually confers a right and title thereto on all who believe on and actually embrace the Son of God. Then, 2. This life is in the Son. The Son is life; eternal life in his own essence and person, Joh 1:4; Jo1 1:2. He is eternal life to us, the spring of our spiritual and glorious life, Col 3:4. From him life is communicated to us, both here in heaven. And thereupon it must follow, (1.) He that hath the Son hath life, Jo1 5:12. He that is united to the Son is united to life. He who hath a title to the Son hath a title to life, to eternal life. Such honour hath the Father put upon the Son: such honour must we put upon him too. We must come and kiss the Son, and we shall have life. (2.) He that hath not the Son of God hath not life, Jo1 5:12. He continues under the condemnation of the law (Joh 3:36); he refuses the Son, who is life itself, who is the procurer of life, and the way to it; he provokes God to deliver him over to endless death for making him a liar, since he believes not this record that God hath given concerning his Son. IV. The end and reason of the apostle's preaching this to believers. 1. For their satisfaction and comfort: These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, Jo1 5:13. Upon all this evidence, and these witnesses, it is but just and meet that there should be those who believe on the name of the Son of God. God increase their number! How much testimony from heaven has the world to answer for! And to three witnesses in heaven must the world be accountable. These believers have eternal life. They have it in the covenant of the gospel, in the beginning and first-fruits of it within them, and in their Lord and head in heaven. These believers may come to know that they have eternal life, and should be quickened, encouraged, and comforted, in the prospect of it: and they should value the scriptures, which are so much written for their consolation and salvation. 2. For their confirmation and progress in their holy faith: And that you may believe on the name of the Son of God (Jo1 5:13), may go on believing. Believers must persevere, or they do nothing. To withdraw from believing on the name of the Son of God is to renounce eternal life, and draw back unto perdition. Therefore the evidences of religion and the advantage of faith are to be presented to believers, in order to hearten and encourage them to persevere to the end.
God’s Testimony about His Son
9Even if we accept human testimony, the testimony of God is greater. For this is the testimony that God has given about His Son.10Whoever believes in the Son of God has this testimony within him; whoever does not believe God has made Him out to be a liar, because he has not believed in the testimony that God has given about His Son.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(So Great a Salvation) Witness of the Spirit
By Paris Reidhead6.1K43:28Witness Of The SpiritMAT 6:33JHN 3:161JN 3:241JN 4:131JN 5:10In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the impact of John Wesley's ministry and emphasizes the importance of the witness of the Spirit to the new birth. The foundation for this truth is found in Job 32:8, which states that there is a spirit in man and the inspiration of the Almighty gives understanding. The speaker highlights the need for genuine fellowship with God, as opposed to mere fellowship with other believers. They also discuss the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing individuals from spiritual death to life and the role of believers as examples of God's grace to others.
Witness of the Spirit - Part 1
By Paris Reidhead4.3K28:28Witness Of The SpiritAssurance of SalvationJOB 32:8JHN 3:16JHN 3:24ROM 8:162CO 5:17GAL 4:4EPH 2:11PE 1:231JN 4:131JN 5:10Paris Reidhead emphasizes the significance of the witness of the Spirit in confirming one's relationship with God, drawing from John 3, 4, and 5 to illustrate how the Spirit assures believers of their eternal life. He stresses that true assurance comes from the Holy Spirit's testimony within us, rather than from external affirmations or mere profession of faith. Reidhead recounts personal experiences and historical insights, particularly from John Wesley, to highlight the importance of understanding the inner workings of the Spirit in awakening, convicting, and regenerating the human spirit. He encourages believers to guide those uncertain of their faith to seek the Spirit's confirmation through God's Word. Ultimately, the sermon underscores that only the Holy Spirit has the authority to affirm one's status as a child of God.
(John - Part 27): The Material Kingdom and the Spiritual Kingdom
By A.W. Tozer4.3K48:04ExpositionalEXO 16:15JHN 5:24JHN 6:27JHN 6:31JAS 2:191JN 5:10In this sermon, the preacher discusses the similarities between the physical world we live in and the spiritual world of God's presence. He uses the example of the four living creatures described in Ezekiel's vision to illustrate this point. The preacher emphasizes how our language and thinking are influenced by the physical world around us, but reminds us that there is another world beyond the material realm. He warns against adopting a philosophy that focuses solely on physical needs and urges listeners to seek the presence of God in their lives.
Witness of the Spirit - Part 2
By Paris Reidhead4.0K19:22Witness Of The SpiritFellowship With GodThe Witness of the SpiritJHN 1:12JHN 14:17ROM 8:152CO 1:22GAL 4:6EPH 2:18HEB 10:221JN 3:241JN 5:10Paris Reidhead emphasizes the necessity of genuine fellowship with God, contrasting it with the superficiality of modern evangelism. He challenges listeners to reflect on their personal relationship with God, urging them to seek true communion rather than mere discussions about Him. Reidhead shares the poignant story of David Brainerd, who expressed deep concern for the souls of those he preached to, highlighting the importance of ensuring that faith is genuine and not based on false assumptions. He concludes with a call for believers to recognize the Spirit's witness in their hearts, affirming their identity as children of God and encouraging them to live out their faith authentically.
The Great Cost of Unbelief - Part 1
By W.F. Kumuyi3.9K09:48MRK 16:16JHN 3:18ACT 13:381JN 5:10
This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of belief in Jesus Christ for salvation and eternal life. It contrasts the consequences of belief and unbelief, highlighting the necessity of accepting Christ as Lord and Savior to receive forgiveness of sins and justification. The message warns against rejecting Christ's sacrifice and promises, as disbelief leads to condemnation and separation from God.
Our God Can Fix Anything - Part 2
By David Wilkerson2.6K30:141JN 5:10
This sermon emphasizes the importance of unwavering faith in God's ability to fix any problem, highlighting the need for absolute conviction in God's power to restore and heal. It addresses the common tendency to give up when faced with overwhelming challenges, stressing the vital role of belief in God's miraculous intervention. Through powerful examples from the Bible, the sermon encourages listeners to trust in God's ability to resurrect dead situations, whether in relationships, family issues, or financial struggles.
(Evidence of Eternal Life - Part 7) Witness of the Spirit
By Paris Reidhead2.3K43:17JOB 32:8ROM 8:16GAL 4:41JN 3:241JN 4:131JN 5:10
This sermon delves into the importance of the witness of the Spirit in confirming one's relationship with God. It emphasizes the need for genuine conversion experiences and the role of the Holy Spirit in convicting, awakening, and regenerating individuals. The speaker shares personal anecdotes and historical references to highlight the significance of true spiritual transformation and the dangers of false professions of faith.
Evidences of the New Birth
By Paris Reidhead1.8K38:19New BirthGAL 4:61JN 1:61JN 2:31JN 2:101JN 3:241JN 5:41JN 5:10In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the evidences of eternal life as described in the first epistle of John. He emphasizes the importance of believing that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, in order to have eternal life. The preacher also highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in confirming our status as children of God and the need to overcome the world through faith. Additionally, he warns against loving the world and living in sin while claiming to be a child of God.
The Holy Spirit - Part 2
By Keith Daniel1.4K09:03JHN 16:13ROM 8:161CO 2:14GAL 5:16EPH 4:302TI 3:161JN 5:10
This sermon focuses on the importance of understanding the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian faith. It emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's primary purpose is to glorify Christ and transform believers into the image of Jesus. The message highlights the necessity of the Holy Spirit's presence in bringing life and revelation to the Scriptures, enabling believers to pray according to God's will and experience a deep burden for the lost and the Church.
Evidences of Eternal Life - Part 6
By Paris Reidhead1.0K48:39Eternal LifeMAT 6:33ROM 3:24GAL 4:41JN 3:241JN 4:131JN 5:10In this sermon, the speaker discusses the challenging and impoverished environment in which John Wesley preached the word of God. Wesley believed in the power of salvation to transform lives and make individuals into new creations. The evidence of this transformation was seen in the witness of the spirit. The speaker also highlights the closed doors Wesley faced in the churches of England and the state of the Church during his time, which was described as lacking vibrancy and spirituality.
Choose You This Day Whom Ye Will Serve
By Keith Daniel95144:20PSA 10:4PSA 14:2HOS 7:7JOL 3:14ACT 17:30ROM 6:23ROM 8:16PHP 4:7HEB 9:271JN 5:10
This sermon emphasizes the urgency of seeking God and making a decision for Christ, warning about the consequences of delaying repentance and the reality of judgment. It shares powerful testimonies of individuals facing life-altering choices and the impact of their decisions on their eternal destiny. The message calls for immediate action, highlighting the importance of surrendering to God and choosing salvation through Jesus Christ.
Cornerstone 50'th Anniversary Des Moines Conference
By Phil Clarkson68028:10ISA 61:1MAT 6:33MRK 8:24JHN 5:34JHN 14:61JN 5:10In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the story of Jesus reading from the scroll of Isaiah in the synagogue. He emphasizes the importance of receiving the witness of God, which is greater than the witness of men. The preacher highlights the significance of Jesus coming into the world to save sinners and dying on the cross for them. He also mentions that while this is the day of grace, there will come a day of judgment when God will judge the world in righteousness. The sermon concludes with the preacher expressing his understanding of the message and urging the audience to believe in Jesus for eternal life.
1 John 5:8
By John Gill3Witness of ChristThe Testimony of FaithMAT 3:16MAT 28:19JHN 3:36ACT 1:8ROM 8:161CO 11:25HEB 9:221JN 5:81JN 5:10REV 12:11John Gill expounds on 1 John 5:8, emphasizing the three witnesses on earth that testify to the truth of Christ's sonship: the Spirit, the water, and the blood. He clarifies that the Spirit refers to the Gospel and the Holy Spirit's work in believers, while the water symbolizes baptism as a public declaration of faith, and the blood represents the Lord's Supper and the martyrdom of believers. These witnesses collectively affirm the truth of Christ's divine sonship and are unified in their testimony. Gill illustrates the harmony between the Gospel and the ordinances, highlighting their central focus on Christ.
Freely Come; Freely Abide
By Miles J. Stanford2JHN 6:29JHN 15:42TH 1:111JN 5:10Miles J. Stanford emphasizes the importance of abiding in the Lord Jesus, highlighting that it is not about our own works but about yielding, trusting, and waiting for Him to work in and through us. He contrasts the common misconception of grace as merely a starting point for Christian living with the truth that abiding in Jesus is a continual act of letting Him work in us through His redeeming love. Stanford stresses the significance of God's testimony about His Son rather than focusing on our own shortcomings, leading to peace and glorifying the Name of the Lord Jesus in our lives.
Deeply Personal
By A.W. Tozer1Authentic FaithInner WitnessPSA 51:10JHN 14:17JHN 16:13ROM 8:161CO 2:122CO 1:22GAL 4:6EPH 1:13HEB 10:221JN 5:10A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of the inner witness of the Holy Spirit for true Christian assurance, arguing that many believers today are weak and uncertain due to a lack of this profound experience. He critiques the tendency of some Christian workers to simplify the process of coming to faith into a formulaic approach, which can lead to superficial conversions devoid of genuine inner conviction. Tozer expresses that the complexities of spiritual life cannot be reduced to mere techniques or manipulative practices, as this undermines the authenticity of one's relationship with God. He calls for a deeper understanding and experience of faith that transcends mere intellectual assent or emotional manipulation.
Faith
By Harmon A. Baldwin1MAT 7:21ACT 15:8ROM 10:17GAL 2:20EPH 2:81TH 5:23HEB 11:1JAS 2:191JN 5:10Harmon A. Baldwin preaches about the importance of genuine faith in the process of salvation and sanctification, emphasizing the need to distinguish between true faith and its counterfeit forms. He highlights that faith is not merely mental assent or resting on promises, but a deep, transformative trust in God's power to cleanse and purify the heart. Baldwin warns against misconceptions such as believing without evidence or relying on easy-going feelings, stressing the necessity of a Spirit-filled life and true surrender to God's work of sanctification.
Assurance of Salvation
By Catherine Booth1JHN 14:23JHN 15:4ROM 7:41CO 1:181CO 2:142CO 5:17GAL 5:22EPH 5:311JN 5:10Catherine Booth preaches about the vital importance of being united with Christ, emphasizing that true assurance of salvation comes from a genuine, living union with Him. She highlights that mere knowledge or belief is not enough, but rather, it is the power that comes from being married to Christ that enables believers to bring forth fruit unto God. Through this union, believers receive power over sin, the world, and the temptations of the Devil, allowing them to resist and overcome with the strength that comes from abiding in Christ.
Unbelievers Contemn the Glory and Excellency of Christ
By Jonathan Edwards1PSA 2:1PSA 66:3PSA 110:2MAT 18:6JHN 3:18ACT 4:112TI 3:131JN 5:10Jonathan Edwards preaches about how unbelievers contempt the glory and excellency of Christ, highlighting their refusal to acknowledge the greatness of Christ's person, work, and office. Edwards emphasizes that unbelievers do not honor, love, desire, or seek to be conformed to Christ's glory and excellency, showcasing their lack of respect and reverence towards Him. He points out the heinousness of unbelief, convicting natural men of their guilt and danger in setting at nought the infinite worthiness and dignity of Christ, leading them to see the worthlessness of their desires, efforts, and excuses in coming to Christ, and highlighting how justly God could refuse to give them an interest in Christ due to their contempt and disregard for His glory.
Christ in You, the Hope of Glory
By Paris Reidhead0Indwelling ChristPersonal Relationship with JesusJHN 15:25ACT 10:10ROM 8:152CO 13:5GAL 4:4COL 1:27HEB 4:151JN 3:241JN 5:101JN 5:12Paris Reidhead emphasizes the profound truth of 'Christ in you, the hope of glory,' as revealed in Colossians 1:27. He explains that this mystery, once hidden, signifies that both Jews and Gentiles share the same relationship with God through Christ. Reidhead stresses that true Christianity is not merely about doctrines or rituals, but about a personal, transformative relationship with Jesus Christ, who is our life, wisdom, and righteousness. He encourages believers to recognize that the presence of Christ within them is the source of their hope and strength, both for the present and the future. Ultimately, he calls for a deeper understanding of this relationship, urging the congregation to invite Christ into their hearts and lives.
The Witness of the Spirit
By A.W. Tozer0Spiritual AwarenessIntuitive Knowledge of GodPSA 46:10JHN 10:27JHN 14:17ROM 8:161CO 2:12GAL 4:6EPH 1:17HEB 11:12PE 1:31JN 5:10A.W. Tozer emphasizes that true knowledge of God comes from spiritual experience rather than intellectual reasoning. He explains that this awareness is intuitive and deeply rooted in the consciousness of the believer, which transcends mere thought. Tozer critiques Descartes' philosophical approach, asserting that self-awareness and knowledge of God precede rational thought. The inward witness of the Spirit provides a profound understanding of God that is beyond words, resulting from faith and obedience to Scripture. This experience is the essence of true religion, highlighting the importance of a personal relationship with God.
Getting Properly Started
By John Hames0JHN 3:7ROM 8:9GAL 5:221JN 4:131JN 5:10John Hames emphasizes the importance of obtaining a clear, definite witness from God that our sins are forgiven and under the blood, highlighting the necessity of the 'New Birth' experience. He warns against the misconception that joining a church or living a moral life is enough for salvation, stressing the need for a personal encounter with God's Spirit. Hames reminds his audience that true Christianity involves a radical transformation marked by a hatred for sin, a love for righteousness, and a genuine care for others.
Faith Is Trusting the Word of God
By William MacDonald0FaithTrust in God's PromisesHEB 11:1HEB 11:61PE 1:71JN 5:10William MacDonald emphasizes that faith is an implicit trust in the Word of God, rooted in the conviction that God's promises are true and will come to pass. He clarifies that faith is not a blind leap but is based on the sure evidence found in God's revelations. MacDonald argues that true faith transcends mere belief and enters the realm of the impossible, asserting that believing God is the most rational choice one can make. He acknowledges the challenges of faith, including trials and waiting for God's promises, but insists that these difficulties strengthen faith. Ultimately, he concludes that without faith, it is impossible to please God, as disbelief equates to calling Him a liar.
Epistle 372
By George Fox0ISA 9:7JHN 1:9ROM 4:251CO 15:47HEB 2:101JN 5:10REV 22:13George Fox preaches about Christ's government and peace reigning in the hearts of believers, emphasizing that those who accept Christ's light and life come under His rule, while those who reject His light reject His order and justice. He highlights the importance of receiving Christ's grace and truth, which leads to salvation and establishes His government in the hearts of His followers. Fox stresses the significance of being led by the Spirit of God, being baptized into one body, and keeping unity in the spirit to experience Christ's established peaceable government.
Evidence by Which One May Know That He Is Entirely Sanctified
By Randolph S. Foster0MAT 7:20ROM 8:161CO 2:12GAL 5:221TH 5:232TI 1:7HEB 12:141JN 3:241JN 5:10Randolph Sinks Foster delves into the question of how one can know if they have truly attained holiness after following the prescribed means, emphasizing the importance of seeking a reasonable certainty in matters of personal holiness. He discusses the distinctive marks of each stage of religious progress, from conviction for sin to entire sanctification, highlighting the necessity of inward and outward authentication of religious experiences. Foster also explores the direct and indirect evidences of sanctification, including the joint witness of the Divine Spirit, the fruits of the Spirit, and the absence of sin as proof of sanctification.
Our Fear of Emotions
By A.W. Tozer0Inward WitnessEmotional SpiritualityPSA 34:8PSA 51:10ISA 61:3JHN 7:38ACT 3:8ROM 8:162CO 5:17GAL 5:22PHP 4:41JN 5:10A.W. Tozer addresses the fear of emotions in the Christian experience, emphasizing that the neglect of the inward witness has led to a decline in spiritual vitality. He critiques the tendency among evangelicals to suppress feelings and experiences out of fear of losing dignity or becoming fanatical. Tozer argues that this cautious approach is counterproductive and likens it to absurd measures taken to control the dead. He calls for believers to open their hearts to receive God's work and to boldly declare His glory, encouraging a more authentic and vibrant faith.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
He that believeth on the Son of God - This is God's witness to a truth, the most important and interesting to mankind. God has witnessed that whosoever believeth on his Son shall be saved, and have everlasting life; and shall have the witness of it in himself, the Spirit bearing witness with his spirit that he is a child of God. To know, to feel his sin forgiven, to have the testimony of this in the heart from the Holy Spirit himself, is the privilege of every true believer in Christ.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
hath the witness--of God, by His Spirit (Jo1 5:8). in himself--God's Spirit dwelling in him and witnessing that "Jesus is the Lord," "the Christ," and "the Son of God" (Jo1 5:1, Jo1 5:5). The witness of the Spirit in the believer himself to his own sonship is not here expressed, but follows as a consequence of believing the witness of God to Jesus' divine Sonship. believeth not God--credits not His witness. made him a liar--a consequence which many who virtually, or even avowedly, do not believe, may well startle back from as fearful blasphemy and presumption (Jo1 1:10). believeth not the record--Greek, "believeth not IN the record, or witness." Refusal to credit God's testimony ("believeth not God") is involved in refusal to believe IN (to rest one's trust in) Jesus Christ, the object of God's record or testimony. "Divine "faith" is an assent unto something as credible upon the testimony of God. This is the highest kind of faith; because the object hath the highest credibility, because grounded upon the testimony of God, which is infallible" [PEARSON, Exposition of the Creed]. "The authority on which we believe is divine; the doctrine which we follow is divine" [LEO]. gave--Greek, "hath testified, and now testifies." of--concerning.
John Gill Bible Commentary
He that believeth on the Son of God,.... As a divine person who came in the flesh, and obeyed the law, and brought in everlasting righteousness, and obtained life and salvation for men: he that with the heart believes in him for righteousness, and eternal life, he being the Son of God, truly and properly God, and so able to save all that believe in him, hath the witness in himself; of the need he stands in of Christ, and of the suitableness, fulness, and excellency of him; the Spirit of God enlightening him into the impurity of his nature, his impotence to do anything spiritually good, his incapacity to atone for sin, and the insufficiency of his righteousness to justify him before God; and convincing him that nothing but the blood of the Son of God can cleanse him from sin, and only his sacrifice can expiate it, and his righteousness justify him from it, and that without him he can do nothing; testifying also to the efficacy of his blood, the completeness of his sacrifice and satisfaction, the excellency of his righteousness, and the energy of his grace and strength: so he comes to have such a witness in himself, that if ten thousand arguments were ever so artfully formed, in favour of the purity of human nature, the power of man's free will, and the sufficiency of his righteousness, and against the sacrifice and righteousness of Christ, the dignity of his person, as the Son of God, which gives virtue to his blood, sacrifice, and righteousness, they would all signify nothing to him, he would be proof against them. And such an one very readily receives into him the testimony God gives of his Son, of the glory and excellency of his person, and retains it in him. The Alexandrian copy and the Vulgate Latin version read, "hath the witness of God in him"; to which the Ethiopic, version agrees, and confirm the last observation: he that believeth not God; does not receive his testimony concerning his Son: the Alexandrian copy, and two of Stephens's, and the Vulgate Latin version read, "he that believeth not the Son"; and the Ethiopic version, his Son; and the Arabic version, "the Son of God"; and so is a direct antithesis to the phrase in the former clause of the verse: hath made him a liar; not the Son, but God, as the Arabic version renders it, "hath made God himself a liar"; who is the God, of truth, and cannot lie; it is impossible he should; and as nothing can be, more contumelious and reproachful to the being and nature of God, so nothing can more fully expose and aggravate the sin of unbelief, with respect to Christ, as the Son of God: because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son; at the times and places before observed.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
In those words we may observe, I. The privilege and stability of the real Christian: He that believeth on the Son of God, hath been prevailed with unfeignedly to cleave to him for salvation, hath the witness in himself, Jo1 5:10. He hath not only the outward evidence that others have, but he hath in his own heart a testimony for Jesus Christ. He can allege what Christ and the truth of Christ have done for his soul and what he has seen and found in him. As, 1. He has deeply seen his sin, and guilt, and misery, and his abundant need of such a Saviour. 2. He has seen the excellency, beauty, and office of the Son of God, and the incomparable suitableness of such a Saviour to all his spiritual wants and sorrowful circumstances. 3. He sees and admires the wisdom and love of God in preparing and sending such a Saviour to deliver him from sin and hell, and to raise him to pardon, peace, and communion with God. 4. He has found and felt the power of the word and doctrine of Christ, wounding, humbling, healing, quickening, and comforting his soul. 5. He finds that the revelation of Christ, as it is the greatest discovery and demonstration of the love of God, so it is the most apt and powerful means of kindling, fomenting, and inflaming love to the holy blessed God. 6. He is born of God by the truth of Christ, as Jo1 5:1. He has a new heart and nature, a new love, disposition, and delight, and is not the man that formerly he was. 7. He finds yet such a conflict with himself, with sin, with the flesh, the world, and invisible wicked powers, as is described and provided for in the doctrine of Christ. 8. He finds such prospects and such strength afforded him by the faith of Christ, that he can despise and overcome the world, and travel on towards a better. 9. He finds what interest the Mediator has in heaven, by the audiency and prevalency of those prayers that are sent thither in his name, according to his will, and through his intercession. 10. He is begotten again to a lively hope, to a holy confidence in God, in his good-will and love, to a pleasant victory over terrors of conscience, dread of death and hell, to a comfortable prospect of life and immortality, being enriched with the earnest of the Spirit and sealed to the day of redemption. Such assurance has the gospel believer; he has a witness in himself. Christ is formed in him, and he is growing up to the fulness and perfection, or perfect image of Christ, in heaven. II. The aggravation of the unbeliever's sin, the sin of unbelief: He that believeth not God hath made him a liar. He does, in effect, give God the lie, because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son, Jo1 5:10. He must believe that God did not send his Son into the world, when he has given us such manifold evidence that he did, or that Jesus Christ was not the Son of God, when all that evidence relates to and terminates upon him, or that he sent his Son to deceive the world and to lead it into error and misery, or that he permits men to devise a religion which, in all the parts of it, is a pure, holy, heavenly, undefiled institution, and so worthy to be embraced by the reason of mankind, and yet is but a delusion and a lie, and then lends them his Spirit and power to recommend and obtrude it upon the world, which is to make God the Father, the author and abettor, of the lie. III. The matter, the substance, or contents of all this divine testimony concerning Jesus Christ: And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son, Jo1 5:11. This is the sum of the gospel. This is the sum and epitome of the whole record given us by all the aforesaid six witnesses. 1. That God hath given to us eternal life. He has designed it for us in his eternal purpose. He has prepared all the means that are necessary to bring us to it. He has made it over to us by his covenant and promise. And he actually confers a right and title thereto on all who believe on and actually embrace the Son of God. Then, 2. This life is in the Son. The Son is life; eternal life in his own essence and person, Joh 1:4; Jo1 1:2. He is eternal life to us, the spring of our spiritual and glorious life, Col 3:4. From him life is communicated to us, both here in heaven. And thereupon it must follow, (1.) He that hath the Son hath life, Jo1 5:12. He that is united to the Son is united to life. He who hath a title to the Son hath a title to life, to eternal life. Such honour hath the Father put upon the Son: such honour must we put upon him too. We must come and kiss the Son, and we shall have life. (2.) He that hath not the Son of God hath not life, Jo1 5:12. He continues under the condemnation of the law (Joh 3:36); he refuses the Son, who is life itself, who is the procurer of life, and the way to it; he provokes God to deliver him over to endless death for making him a liar, since he believes not this record that God hath given concerning his Son. IV. The end and reason of the apostle's preaching this to believers. 1. For their satisfaction and comfort: These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, Jo1 5:13. Upon all this evidence, and these witnesses, it is but just and meet that there should be those who believe on the name of the Son of God. God increase their number! How much testimony from heaven has the world to answer for! And to three witnesses in heaven must the world be accountable. These believers have eternal life. They have it in the covenant of the gospel, in the beginning and first-fruits of it within them, and in their Lord and head in heaven. These believers may come to know that they have eternal life, and should be quickened, encouraged, and comforted, in the prospect of it: and they should value the scriptures, which are so much written for their consolation and salvation. 2. For their confirmation and progress in their holy faith: And that you may believe on the name of the Son of God (Jo1 5:13), may go on believing. Believers must persevere, or they do nothing. To withdraw from believing on the name of the Son of God is to renounce eternal life, and draw back unto perdition. Therefore the evidences of religion and the advantage of faith are to be presented to believers, in order to hearten and encourage them to persevere to the end.