1 John 5:9
Verse
Context
God’s Testimony about His Son
8the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement.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







Summary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If we receive the witness of men - Which all are obliged to do, and which is deemed a sufficient testimony to truth in numberless cases; the witness of God is greater - he can neither be deceived nor deceive, but man may deceive and be deceived.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If, &c.--We do accept (and rightly so) the witness of veracious men, fallible though they be; much more ought we to accept the infallible witness of God (the Father). "The testimony of the Father is, as it were, the basis of the testimony of the Word and of the Holy Spirit; just as the testimony of the Spirit is, as it were, the basis of the testimony of the water and the blood" [BENGEL]. for--This principle applies in the present case, FOR, &c. which--in the oldest manuscripts, "because He hath given testimony concerning His Son." What that testimony is we find above in Jo1 5:1, Jo1 5:5, "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God"; and below in Jo1 5:10-11.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If we receive the witness of men,.... The witness of a sufficient number of credible men, of men of good character and report, is always admitted in any case, and in any court of judicature; it was allowed of in the law of Moses; everything was proved and established hereby; upon this men were justified or condemned, cognizance was taken of men's sins, and punishment inflicted, yea, death itself, Deu 17:6; and even in this case concerning the Son of God, his coming into the world, and the dignity of his person, the testimony of men is credited; as that of the wise men, who declared that the King of the Jews was born, and his star had been seen in the east, which Herod himself gave credit to, and upon it summoned the chief priests, and inquired of them where he should be born; and also of the shepherds, who testified to the appearance of angels, who told them that there was then born a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord, and who also related that they themselves saw the infant at Bethlehem; and especially of John the Baptist, whose testimony was true, and could not be objected to by the Jews themselves, who sent to him, before whom he bore a plain and faithful witness. Now if an human testimony may be, and is received, the testimony of God is greater; more valuable, surer, and to be more firmly depended on, since it must be infallible; for God can neither deceive, nor be deceived: for this is the witness of God, which he hath testified of his Son; even the witness of the Spirit, the water, and the blood, is the testimony, not of men, but of God; the Gospel, attended with the Spirit of God, is the testimony of God; and so the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper, which bear witness of Christ, are not of men, but of God; and especially the witness of the Father, the Word, and the Spirit, must be the testimony of God, since, though three persons, they are one God; particularly the witness which God the Father testified of his Son Jesus Christ at his baptism and transfiguration, must be allowed to be the testimony of God, and far greater than any human testimony, and therefore to be received.
1 John 5:9
God’s Testimony about His Son
8the Spirit, the water, and the blood—and these three are in agreement.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
This Is the Message
By T. Austin-Sparks1.7K54:56MessageMAT 6:33JHN 20:301JN 1:51JN 2:251JN 3:231JN 5:9In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of life in relation to the teachings and works of Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes that the purpose of Jesus' actions and teachings was to bring about life, and that this is the crucial test of our own relationship with Him. The speaker references the Gospel of John, particularly chapter 20, where John sums up his writings by emphasizing the issue of life. The speaker also highlights that true Christianity involves a battle, as believers are engaged in a conflict when they enter into a living and enlightened relationship with Jesus.
The Doctrine of Christ
By Arno Clemens Gaebelein01JN 1:71JN 3:81JN 4:21JN 4:91JN 5:51JN 5:91JN 5:131JN 5:20Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the importance of holding fast to the doctrine of Christ, emphasizing that denying the deity of Jesus Christ is denying God Himself and leads to being without hope in the world. He urges believers to have a divine jealousy for the honor and glory of Christ, separating from those who deny His true nature. Gaebelein highlights the blessings and comforts that come from abiding in the doctrine of Christ, leading to deeper fellowship with the Father and the Son.
Epistle 103
By George Fox0DEU 1:17DEU 25:15PSA 89:14PRO 16:11ROM 2:15ROM 13:32CO 1:122CO 10:14COL 4:6JAS 3:171PE 2:141JN 5:9George Fox preaches about the importance of staying within God's boundaries and fearing Him to receive divine wisdom, enabling believers to order their lives to glorify God and reflect His witness in all interactions. He emphasizes godly sincerity, simplicity, meekness, patience, humbleness, justice, truth, and mercy as qualities that honor God and serve as a praise to those who do well, while being a terror to evildoers. Fox warns against straying from God's witness within one's conscience, urging listeners to maintain the just weight, measure, balance, and true understanding to uphold God's principles.
Epistle 104
By George Fox0JHN 1:13JHN 6:54ROM 6:4GAL 3:16EPH 4:242TI 2:21HEB 7:16JAS 4:11JN 5:9REV 6:16George Fox preaches about the importance of dwelling in the power of God, which tames unruly spirits and brings wisdom to order one's life to the glory of the Lord. By living in God's power, one experiences His dread, fear, and majesty, leading to cleansing, regeneration, and sanctification. This power enables believers to live in truth, newness of life, and love and unity with others, ultimately knowing the kingdom of the Most High.
Epistle 123
By George Fox0EZK 47:12JHN 10:4EPH 2:2COL 4:61JN 5:9REV 6:13George Fox preaches about the everlasting seed of God that brings steadfastness, life eternal, and reigns over all that changes in the world. He emphasizes the importance of being in Christ, the second Adam, to find rest, peace, and freedom from the turmoil of the fall in Adam. Fox highlights the contrast between those in the fall, filled with lusts and worldly desires, and those in Christ, filled with light, truth, and righteousness. He encourages listeners to heed the voice of Christ, the unchanging shepherd, who gives abundant eternal life to those who follow Him.
Epistle 214
By George Fox0DEU 13:13PSA 12:4ROM 14:19PHP 4:8JAS 5:22PE 2:201JN 5:9REV 2:14George Fox preaches about the power of the Lord God being over those who pray sincerely, contrasting it with those who pray insincerely with an earthly, dark spirit. He warns against setting up idols and stumbling blocks that draw people's focus away from God's truth within themselves. Fox emphasizes that the power of God will break down these false constructs and that those who follow an earthly, dark spirit will be corrupted and hardened in heart, leading to division and lack of unity in truth.
Epistle 217
By George Fox0EXO 34:24ISA 11:2ISA 59:8ISA 63:10DAN 4:3JHN 4:24JHN 8:44ROM 8:26ROM 14:13ROM 14:171CO 15:58EPH 4:16EPH 4:30PHP 2:1COL 2:23COL 4:61TH 5:192TI 3:16HEB 2:14HEB 3:5HEB 10:20HEB 12:91JN 5:9REV 3:11George Fox preaches about living in the power of God, which brings unity, peace, and joy, and overcomes strife and the works of the devil. He emphasizes the importance of dwelling in the truth, answering it in every person, and maintaining fellowship in the spirit of God. Fox encourages believers to pray, praise, and glorify God in the spirit of wisdom, avoiding actions that grieve or quench the spirit of God. He urges them to be led by the spirit, keep their fellowship with God, and preserve their meetings in the spirit against worldly influences.
Epistle 232
By George Fox0GEN 1:27GEN 18:18JHN 7:38JHN 17:5ROM 12:14EPH 4:24HEB 10:25HEB 13:81PE 2:221JN 5:9REV 21:23George Fox preaches to all friends gathered in the name of Jesus Christ, emphasizing the contrast between those who have fallen from righteousness and holiness and those who remain in Christ, the one who never fell. He highlights the journey from the confusion of the fall to the blessed state in Christ, where safety and peace are found. Fox urges believers to walk in the light of the Lamb, avoiding false teachings and traditions, and to keep their focus on Christ who is unchanging and the source of life and peace.
Six Literal Days - Really?
By Anton Bosch0GEN 1:5PSA 14:1PSA 19:1ROM 1:20ROM 3:41JN 5:9Anton Bosch addresses the conflict between the Genesis account of creation and the theories of science, emphasizing the importance of trusting God's Word over man's interpretations. He highlights the flawed approach of many scientists who begin with the assumption that there is no God, leading to biased conclusions. Bosch challenges Christians not to compromise the literal truth of the Bible to fit in with scientific theories, stressing the significance of believing in the infallible testimony of God as the Creator.
The Testimony of Jesus Christ (Pt. 2)
By Allan Halton0EXO 25:22DEU 31:26JHN 14:6ACT 7:44ROM 3:212CO 3:6HEB 8:6HEB 9:141JN 5:9REV 19:10Allan Halton delves into the captivating phrase 'the testimony of Jesus Christ,' exploring its significance in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Covenant, the testimony was symbolized by the tabernacle of witness and the ark of the testimony containing the ten commandments, representing God's character and His expectations for His people. Despite Israel's inability to fully keep the Law, God provided a way for redemption through the New Covenant, where the testimony of God is now intertwined with the powerful Name of Jesus Christ.
The Nature of Justification, and the Nature and Concern of Faith in It
By Samuel Davies0GEN 3:21GEN 8:20ROM 1:16ROM 3:211CO 10:20GAL 3:12EPH 1:191JN 5:9Samuel Davies preaches about the nature of justification and the concern of faith in it, emphasizing the importance of the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel as the only sufficient foundation for the salvation of sinners. He explains that no righteousness but that revealed in the gospel is adequate for justification, as it must be perfect and fully conform to the divine law. Davies highlights that the gospel alone unveils such a righteousness, contrasting it with the inadequacies of human wisdom, sacrifices, repentance, and reformation. He urges the audience to examine their hope, ensuring it is solely grounded on the righteousness of Christ by faith, offering strong encouragement and consolation to those who have embraced this divine righteousness.
Life Is the Basis of Everything
By T. Austin-Sparks0JHN 10:10JHN 17:3ROM 6:41CO 12:26EPH 2:10PHP 4:13COL 3:11JN 5:9T. Austin-Sparks preaches on the importance of eternal life as the evidence of God's witness, emphasizing the need for believers to have a personal experience and awareness of this life within them. He explains that eternal life is not just about living forever but about a new consciousness, direction, and power that comes from Christ. This life also leads believers to true fellowship with other Christians, highlighting the unity and interconnectedness of all believers in Christ.
The Knowledge of Salvation
By George Cutting0NUM 23:19PSA 119:89PSA 119:113JHN 6:47ROM 4:31JN 5:91JN 5:13George Cutting emphasizes the importance of knowing that believers have eternal life through faith in the Son of God, contrasting the uncertainty of man's feelings with the certainty of God's Word. He illustrates this with the story of the Passover in Egypt, showing how the sprinkled blood made the Israelites safe, but it was God's spoken word that made them sure of their salvation. Cutting stresses that true faith is not based on works or emotions, but solely on trusting in the trustworthy Person of Jesus Christ and relying on His finished work for eternal security.
Repentance: According to 2 Corinthians 7:11
By John Calvin0JHN 20:31ACT 6:31CO 15:58HEB 11:11JN 5:9F F Bruce discusses the concept of 'martureo' which refers to being a witness, testifying, giving evidence, and bearing record of facts. The divine commendation received by men and women of faith in Hebrews 11:1 serves as an example for future generations. The word 'martureo' is used in various contexts to affirm something based on personal knowledge or belief and to testify favorably. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, knowing that their witness for Jesus will have the intended effect, even if the world opposes them.
Epistle 252
By George Fox0Unity in ChristHumilityPSA 129:6ISA 40:4ISA 42:6JER 3:9ROM 10:8ROM 13:121CO 1:241CO 9:172CO 5:19EPH 6:12COL 4:61TH 2:191TI 4:12HEB 12:231JN 5:9REV 17:14George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious speech, remaining faithful to God's calling. Fox warns against division and encourages unity among believers, highlighting the need to demonstrate the new life in Christ to those still in darkness. He calls for ministers to be valiant for the truth and to preach the light of Christ to all nations, equipping themselves with the armor of God to stand against unrighteousness. Ultimately, he reminds them that the Lamb will have the victory, and they should be each other's joy in the Lord.
Epistle 178
By George Fox0Unity in the SpiritFaithfulness to TruthMAT 18:15LUK 1:33JHN 8:321CO 9:121CO 12:13GAL 4:29EPH 4:5COL 4:61TH 5:19HEB 6:4HEB 12:91PE 1:221JN 5:9George Fox emphasizes the importance of being partakers of God's power and the heavenly gift, which fosters unity, peace, and a kingdom without end. He warns against the division caused by those who possess the words of scripture but lack the spirit and power that originally inspired them. Fox encourages believers to remain faithful, obedient to the truth, and to spread it widely, addressing the witness of God in all people. He stresses the necessity of coming together in one body through the baptism of the Spirit, and the importance of resolving conflicts privately to maintain the integrity of the truth. Ultimately, he calls for wisdom that preserves unity and peace among believers.
Epistle 185
By George Fox0Obedience to GodAuthority in ChristMAT 5:17MAT 7:29JHN 8:44ROM 8:6GAL 4:61JN 5:9George Fox emphasizes the necessity of obedience to the power of God, which surpasses all earthly authority and darkness. He urges believers to recognize their authority derived from God's power, enabling them to confront and overcome the forces of evil. Fox warns against relying on mere words or human wisdom that lack divine power, encouraging a focus on the true authority found in Christ. He contrasts the authority of the scribes and Pharisees with that of true believers who embody the life of Christ, highlighting the importance of living in accordance with God's will. Ultimately, he calls for a deep connection to the seed of God to truly fulfill the law and the prophets.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
If we receive the witness of men - Which all are obliged to do, and which is deemed a sufficient testimony to truth in numberless cases; the witness of God is greater - he can neither be deceived nor deceive, but man may deceive and be deceived.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
If, &c.--We do accept (and rightly so) the witness of veracious men, fallible though they be; much more ought we to accept the infallible witness of God (the Father). "The testimony of the Father is, as it were, the basis of the testimony of the Word and of the Holy Spirit; just as the testimony of the Spirit is, as it were, the basis of the testimony of the water and the blood" [BENGEL]. for--This principle applies in the present case, FOR, &c. which--in the oldest manuscripts, "because He hath given testimony concerning His Son." What that testimony is we find above in Jo1 5:1, Jo1 5:5, "Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God"; and below in Jo1 5:10-11.
John Gill Bible Commentary
If we receive the witness of men,.... The witness of a sufficient number of credible men, of men of good character and report, is always admitted in any case, and in any court of judicature; it was allowed of in the law of Moses; everything was proved and established hereby; upon this men were justified or condemned, cognizance was taken of men's sins, and punishment inflicted, yea, death itself, Deu 17:6; and even in this case concerning the Son of God, his coming into the world, and the dignity of his person, the testimony of men is credited; as that of the wise men, who declared that the King of the Jews was born, and his star had been seen in the east, which Herod himself gave credit to, and upon it summoned the chief priests, and inquired of them where he should be born; and also of the shepherds, who testified to the appearance of angels, who told them that there was then born a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord, and who also related that they themselves saw the infant at Bethlehem; and especially of John the Baptist, whose testimony was true, and could not be objected to by the Jews themselves, who sent to him, before whom he bore a plain and faithful witness. Now if an human testimony may be, and is received, the testimony of God is greater; more valuable, surer, and to be more firmly depended on, since it must be infallible; for God can neither deceive, nor be deceived: for this is the witness of God, which he hath testified of his Son; even the witness of the Spirit, the water, and the blood, is the testimony, not of men, but of God; the Gospel, attended with the Spirit of God, is the testimony of God; and so the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper, which bear witness of Christ, are not of men, but of God; and especially the witness of the Father, the Word, and the Spirit, must be the testimony of God, since, though three persons, they are one God; particularly the witness which God the Father testified of his Son Jesus Christ at his baptism and transfiguration, must be allowed to be the testimony of God, and far greater than any human testimony, and therefore to be received.