“For there are three that testify, the Spirit and the water and the blood, and these three are in agreement.” — 1 John 5:7-8 (NET)
God doesn’t leave us guessing about who He is or the life He offers. In His mercy, He gives us witnesses to testify to the truth of His eternal promise. These witnesses—the Spirit, the water, and the blood—all point to the fullness of life found in Him.
The Spirit is the breath of God that brings life itself. In the creation account, we see God form Adam from the dust of the earth and breathe into his nostrils the breath of life (Genesis 2:7). That same Spirit is the One who animates us today, drawing us to Christ and empowering us to live for Him. Without the Spirit, we are spiritually dead. But with Him, we experience the abundant life Jesus promised, a life filled with purpose, peace, and the very presence of God.
The water is a picture of both death and life. In baptism, we are symbolically buried with Christ, dying to our old selves, and raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). The water testifies to our transformation, declaring that we are no longer slaves to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus. It is a powerful reminder that through Christ, we are made new—a life eternal replaces the death we deserved.
The blood is the essence of life itself. Leviticus tells us, “For the life of every creature is its blood” (Leviticus 17:14). Jesus’ blood, shed on the cross, is the ultimate testimony of life—offered to us at the cost of His own. Through His sacrifice, we are washed clean, forgiven, and brought into eternal communion with God. The blood doesn’t just symbolize life; it is life, poured out so that we might live forever with Him.
Each of these witnesses—Spirit, water, and blood—agree and point us to Jesus as the source of true life. They testify to His power to create, renew, and redeem. When we look at the work of the Spirit in our lives, the symbolism of water in baptism, and the power of His blood on the cross, we see a unified message: life comes from Him, through Him, and for Him.
So, as you reflect on these three witnesses, ask yourself: Are you living in the fullness of the life they proclaim? Have you surrendered to the Spirit’s leading? Have you embraced the new life symbolized in the waters of baptism? Do you rest in the saving power of His blood? Let these witnesses remind you that Jesus doesn’t offer a partial life; He offers life in abundance—life eternal.
Merry Christmas!