Faith that Overcomes the World (PM)

Faith is an incredible gift of God to a few, and it can overcome this doomed and sinful world, if it believes Jesus is the Son of God. When you commit to Jesus by faith, you have on your side, for mental peace and supernatural power, the Man that rules the universe and has all your needs covered.

For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world:
and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?
I John 5:4-5

Introduction:

We have just ended a study about the Bible to trust and defend its authority in an age of compromise.
The Bible is the complete revelation of everything God wants His children to know for Him and them.
The universe exists for the glory of God by the holy drama of saving sinful rebels by death of His Son.
Therefore, the Bible, while recording much history of His people, presents His Son from start to finish.
Jesus said the scriptures were about Him, and John wrote with that goal as well (John 5:39; 20:30-31).
We thank God for His use of a song, Faith Is the Victory, for triggering our thoughts about this passage.
Let us take our Bibles, our Absolute and Final Authority, to exalt and explain the verses for five goals.
Our Bible quizzers are memorizing all the verses of I John and will benefit by learning its 105 verses.

Sermon Goals:

Faith is a gift of God, by being born again, which grows by Bible preaching (James 2:5; Rom 10:17).
The Bible’s most important fact and revelation is that the Man Jesus of Nazareth is the Son of God.
The sonship controversy becomes important the more you want to know Jesus and His true identity.
Overcoming the world is by faith that Jesus is the Son of God when He and all His works are known.
Eternal life is our crucial need, and it is in and by Jesus Christ, and you can assure yourself by faith.

Faith in Jesus the Son Defeats the World – Verses 4-5

4 For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.

For whatsoever is born of God.

This chapter began with persons being born of God, so we had whosoever (I John 5:1).
But here we have a whatsoever, because the result of God’s creative work is our faith.
1. John will get back to persons in the next verse, but here it is the regenerated means.
2. How do born again persons overcome the world? By the faith given in regeneration.
Faith is an incredible gift from God (Jas 2:5; John 6:44; 10:26; Acts 11:8; II Tim 2:25).
With nothing, and always in pain, like Lazarus, faith truly makes you a rich overcomer.
God has overcome the world (no contest!), so anything born of Him will overcome it.

Overcometh the world.

What is the world? Earthly existence on a corrupting, dying planet under the bondage of sin, populated by a rebel race addicted to sinful pleasures and a reprobate philosophy.
1. We enjoy the world’s sunshine and sapphires, but we hate its schools and its system.
2. We hate everything in it that appeals to our depraved old man and comforts sinning.
3. All that is in the world is … the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, the pride of life.
4. But we also hate in comparison the best aspects of worldly existence – even a spouse.
5. You are a stranger and pilgrim walking through a defiled place God will fully burn.
6. Jesus, He that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal (John 12:25).
7. The world is decaying and dying; everything in it is in pain; it will soon be destroyed.
To overcome is to beat, conquer, defeat, and win the victory over all that is in the world.
1. Jesus overcame the world and on that basis gives peace and good cheer (John 16:33).
2. All that is in the world will dissipate and disappear in fire, but not us (I Jn 2:15-17).
3. The world never knew our King, and it does not know us as God’s sons (I John 3:1).
4. The world may hate us as Cain did Abel, but who came out on top (I John 3:12-13).
5. The world has its spirit of lies, but we have a Person and power far greater (I Jn 4:4).
6. John will conclude we are of God, His sons, but the whole world wicked (I Jn 5:19).
7. John will write about the martyrs overcoming the world by their Lamb (Rev 12:11).
With Jesus the Son of God as our Lord and Saviour and Friend … nothing can defeat us.
1. A born again child of God by faith knows all the world is vanity and vexation (Eccl).
2. A born again child of God by faith knows world’s future (I Cor 2:9; II Pet 3:10-14).
3. By faith we know all things with confidence, even the unseen (Heb 11:1; I Cor 2:9).
4. Worldlings get drunk or use drugs for life’s pain; Christians have the abundant life.
5. We shall judge angels, let alone the enemies of this world (I Cor 6:1-3; Rev 19:14).
6. They cannot touch us in any hurtful way; our King will touch them (Luke 12:4-5).
7. We have all the answers to their questions; they have no answers to our questions.
8. Death is instant spirit transportation to heaven and temporary sleep of the body.
9. How can you be an overcomer? It is very easy: believe on Jesus and never look back.

And this is the victory that overcometh the world.

What is the means given to born again children that victoriously overcomes the world?
How do we tap the great power of our Lord to have peace and good cheer (John 16:33)?
We believe! We believe that Jesus is the Son of God, our risen, reigning, returning Lord!
The world could not hold Him down even in a tomb! He is coming to put them down!
How can you be an overcomer? It is easier than you think. Believe and never look back.
If you believe, He has the power to fill you with all joy, peace, and hope (Rom 15:13).

Even our faith.

Faith is an incredible gift from God (Jas 2:5; John 6:44; 10:26; Acts 11:8; II Tim 2:25).
By faith we know everything with confidence, even unseen things (Heb 11:1; I Cor 2:9).
God has revealed His deep things; we know all things that the world has no clue about.
Faith is far more than mental assent or lip service, as the Hall of Faith lists great exploits.
Start by believing Jesus is the Son of God … then love Him … then obey and serve Him.

5 Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?

Who is he that overcometh the world.

The previous verse used whatsoever to focus on the faith, but here it is those with faith.
1. We appreciated whatsoever in the previous verse, for faith as a result of regeneration.
2. Faith is not something drummed up by evangelists, but a choice of God (James 2:5).
We overcome the world by knowing the truth, as the world believes and promotes lies.
1. We have answers to every question that plagues them and that they cannot answer.
2. We have questions they have never imagined, and we can answer those questions.
We have a Leader and Commander over the entire universe they cannot even dream of.
1. Not only is Jesus the King of kings, we are His brethren and equal heirs with Him.
2. They can feed us to lions or stretch us on the rack, but we have final and total victory.
3. Our Leader, unknown to most, is unbelievably glorious and great. Read His resume!
4. Stephen overcame his stoning, seeing and giving his spirit to Jesus (Acts 7:55,59).
5. We are more than conquerors over seven things including death (Romans 8:34-37).
6. The whole creation groans in pain but will soon get our liberty (Romans 8:17-25).
7. He is the Stronger Man that easily delivered us from a strong one (Luke 11:21-22).
8. He took the devil on many ways and openly triumphed over him, even saving us from the fear of death that Satan used against us (Col 2:15; Heb 2:14-15; I Jn 3:8).
9. Jesus stood with Paul for his life before the greatest worldly power (II Tim 4:17-18).
Faith and obedience in baptism gains Holy Spirit presence and power over their god.
The worst they can do is light affliction for a moment compared to eternity’s weight.
Death is their greatest fear – king of terrors – but our Jesus is Prince of life (Acts 3:15).

But he that believeth.

The previous verse used whatsoever to focus on faith, but here it is the ones with faith.
Knowing Jesus the Son of God, especially as our Lord and Savior has incredible power.
Paul wrote about Christians and apostles being more than conquerors (Rom 8:34-37).
True believers are confident in the Lamb’s blood and their record of Him (Rev 12:11).

That Jesus is the Son of God.

This is the most important fact in the universe and the most important fact of the gospel.
1. Gabriel told Mary her conception was by God to birth the Son of God (Luke 1:35).
2. God declared from heaven Jesus was His Son at least two times (Matt 3:17; 17:5).
3. Peter declared that Jesus was the Son of God by divine revelation (Matthew 16:16).
4. Peter again declared confidence in Jesus as Son of God when many left (John 6:69).
5. The Ethiopian eunuch qualified for baptism by declaring this great fact (Acts 8:37).
6. As soon as Saul of Tarsus could see and was fed, he preached the fact (Acts 9:20).
7. The N.T. is glorious superior to the O.T. by the Son greater than angels (Heb 1:1-6).
8. We are completely protected and comforted by this Son as our priest (Heb 4:14-16).
9. The knowledge of this fact is by God’s salvation and for assurance (I John 5:20,13).
10. A favorite (Matt 14:33; Mark 15:39; John 1:14,34,49; 3:16; 5:25; 11:27; 20:31; Rom 1:4; Gal 2:20; Eph 4:13; Heb 7:3; I John 3:8; 4:15; 5:10; II John 1:3; Rev 2:18; etc.)?
This powerful fact and personal truth of God’s Son is key to the drama of the universe.
1. Read His resume from the past … creation, virgin birth, resurrection, ascension, etc.
2. Read His resume at present … at God’s right hand, ruling nations, interceding, etc.
3. Read His resume for future … return to destroy all, judge all creatures, recreate all.
The absolute and final authority of the Bible should cause us to demand true sonship.
1. The doctrine of incarnate sonship of Jesus Christ only shows Jesus the Son of God.
2. It is perfectly consistent with the testimony of scripture (Luke 1:35; John 1:1; 1:14).
3. The heresy of eternal sonship has the Word of God become the Son in past eternity.
4. The heresy of eternal sonship ends up with a begotten God, not a Son (John 1:18).
5. They invent heresies like eternal generation, Christophanies, consubstantial, etc.
6. No other book in the Bible is as densely dedicated to the proper identity of Jesus the Son of God as this epistle (I John 1:1-3; 2:18-27; 4:1-3; 5:1,6-9,20; John 1:1-18).
7. For much more truth of Jesus Christ’s sonship against heresies … The Christ Wars, Sonship Simplified and Settled, here.
Jesus was an overcomer in every respect and every way, and believers in Him are also.
1. He was cruelly and falsely judged and condemned by men but glorified by God.
2. He was killed dead and buried … but His spirit went to God while His body slept.
3. He ripped that tomb open and rose from the dead and proved His life for forty days.
4. He is the firstfruits of dead believers; He will resurrect His own (I Cor 15:20-23).
5. He is at the right hand of God forever, but He will soon rise from it to return for us.
God will now reveal through John all the ways in which He testified of His Son Jesus.
1. He gave three witnesses on earth during the lifetime of Jesus of Nazareth (I Jn 5:6).
2. He has three eternal Persons in heaven bearing record of the same truth (I John 5:7).
3. He has three witnesses on earth at present that agree together about Jesus (I Jn 5:8).
4. He also gave an internal witness by regeneration and the Spirit (I Jn 5:10; Gal 4:6).

God’s Nine Witnesses of Jesus Absolute – Verse 6-8

Note: Exalting faith in Jesus the Son of God by regeneration, John went further to prove the fact! The next eight verses give two lessons of certainty that Jesus is the Son of God and the only means of eternal life for God’s elect. God wants His children to overcome the world by faith, so He gave powerful evidence for this certain truth with plenty of creative beauty. The witness of God is greater than any evidence or testimony of men for anything. But only those born of heaven with an internal witness will believe the proofs of God’s Son, so faith in Jesus Christ becomes the evidence of eternal life. But faith is much more than evidence, it is also means of total life victory.

6 This is he that came by water and blood, 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.

This is he.

The context, small and large, immediate and distant, is clear – Jesus is the Son of God.
1. The epistle began directly with Jesus Christ as the Word made flesh (I John 1:1-3).
2. It continued up to the previous verse about Jesus as the Son of God (I John 5:4-5).
3. This point is throughout (I John 1:3,7; 2:22-24; 3:8,23; 4:9-10,14-15; 5:5,9-13,20).
What is the lesson and point that John introduced this way – God’s witness of His Son.
The doctrine and revealed truth about Jesus is not mere speculation, for God proved it.
We must continue to grow in our knowledge of the Son of God (Matt 11:27; Jn 17:2-3; II Cor 4:6; Eph 4:13; Phil 3:8; Col 2:2; II Peter 1:1-3; 2:20; 3:18; I John 5:13,20).

That came by water and blood.

We reject foolish speculations by men to trust the words of God and the history of Jesus.
1. Once men think they can alter God’s words, they will boldly invent all kinds of junk.
2. Always remember, most commentators are not Baptists, so they dislike immersion.
3. Paul’s baptism for the dead totally confounds them, and it should do so (I Cor 15:29).
4. Jesus’ born of water overwhelms them with natural birth or with heresies of baptism.
5. The three difficulties or dilemmas to ignorant souls are solved by Baptist immersion.
6. The water and blood are not childbirth or a pierced side but baptism and crucifixion.
7. See below for the easy and obvious proof of this position in agreement with scripture.
How did Jesus come by these things or anything? How was He proved the Son of God?
1. Use of came need not be arrival in the womb, in life, in the temple, in Jerusalem, etc.
2. The present tense Spirit’s witness must match the Son’s coming by water and blood.
3. Or reversed, Jesus Christ’s coming is defined and explained by the Spirit’s witness.
4. The context should drive interpretation, and the coming is knowledge of His sonship.
5. The key testimony, witness, and record is Jesus the Son of God (I John 5:5; 5:9-13).
6. For this verse and the seven following, the lesson and point are Jesus the Son of God.
7. Note how this verse uses witness, the next record, the next witness, the next testify and witness, the next witness and record, the next record, and the last understanding!
8. This point is throughout (I John 1:3,7; 2:22-24; 3:8,23; 4:9-10,14-15; 5:5,9-13,20).
9. Daniel’s unto Messiah or John’s be made manifest … are both revelation, not arrival, though we ourselves use arrived or came on the scene to mean coming to be known.

Even Jesus Christ.

Who is the Son of God (I John 5:5)? Jesus Christ is the Son of God (I John 5:9-13,20).
Only those born of God will believe such stupendous truth, so we do (I John 4:15; 5:1).
Hear the eunuch in a KJ Bible, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God (Acts 8:37).

Not by water only.

Jesus of Nazareth was revealed as the Son of God at baptism in Jordan (Matt 3:13-17).
1. There was the audible declaration from heaven of God claiming Him as His Son.
2. There was the visible symbol of the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove upon Him.
3. In case you missed it before, Jesus prayed in the context of this event (Luke 3:21).
John the Baptist explained God had told him exactly how to identify the Son of God, which sign he then observed and bore record of the fact (John 1:19-36). Note
Prior to that event, He was son of Mary, perceived son of Joseph, with many siblings.
Daniel prophesied Messiah anointed in 26AD, a half week before death (Dan 9:24-27).
What a glorious proof of identity of Jesus Christ; it exceeds anything of any other man.
For more of Daniel’s prophecy of Christ and John’s detailed record of Him … Six Things Determined, The Gospel Of John Chapter 1.

But by water and blood.

Since we have gotten water out of the way as Jesus’ baptism, we now take up the blood.
1. The notes above show that Jesus coming by these means was the revelation of Him.
2. Another event in His life also revealed to all not blind that He was the Son of God.
Jesus of Nazareth was seen the Son of God at His bloody crucifixion (Matt 27:50-54).
1. The combination of events at Calvary caused the Roman centurion to confess Him.
2. Even while helpless on the cross, the thief humbly recognized His unique Person.
Pilate knew he had a unique and innocent Man before him, and his wife also knew it.
The resurrection from His bloody death was further confirmation (Rom 1:4; I Tim 3:16).
The water and blood combination here is not what John saw at Calvary (Jn 19:31-37).
1. The point in that place is John noting two scriptures fulfilled (Ex 12:46; Zech 12:10).
2. His bloody death was certainly what John had in mind, for he witnessed it firsthand.
3. There are two witnesses – water and blood – not a combination; we need to see three.
4. When these witnesses are carried to verse 8, we clearly see need for three witnesses.
5. In what sense did Jesus come by the water and blood of John 19:34? It does not fit.
6. The lesson is identity as the Son of God, which His baptism and death each declared.
7. Only Mary truly knew Jesus was the Son of God by the angel’s word (Luke 1:35).
8. For details of what this John saw and recorded at the crucifixion’s piercing.
It is disgusting the junk that men come up with by the blood and water (John 19:34-35).
1. Blood should not surprise anyone, if a spear is plunged into the side of a man’s body.
2. Water could easily accumulate from pericardial effusion and/or pleural effusion.
3. If the spear’s angle into Him was upward, it could easily have pierced lung and heart.
4. Blood and water coming from such a wound is fully consistent with natural effects.
5. Many commentators try to be spiritual beyond scripture and invent deep meanings.
6. By the rent in His side you can see love flaming there and our names written there.
7. They see both Adams’ sides opened, the first in innocence and sleep to prepare a bride and then in the sleep of death to redeem a bride and espouse her to Himself.
8. They see the blood being an emblem of communion and the water being of baptism.
9. They see the blood denoting justification and the water symbolizing sanctification.
From start of His ministry (water) to the end of it (blood), He was truly the Son of God.

And it is the Spirit that beareth witness.

The present tense witness of Jesus the Son of God by the Holy Spirit began at Pentecost.
1. The Holy Spirit’s purpose from Pentecost forward was of Jesus Christ (John 15:26).
2. Note the incredibly similar language of the Spirit used by John both there and here.
3. The apostles witnessed by the Holy Spirit, and He was given to believers (Acts 5:32).
4. John had taught this Spirit witness in his audience (I Jn 2:20,27; 3:23-24; 4:4-6,13).
We would not know Jesus’ identity as God’s Son at baptism and death without scripture, which is given by the Spirit moving men of God to record it for us (II Peter 1:16-21).
We could not know Jesus’ identity as God’s Son at baptism and death without preachers.
We would not know Jesus’ identity as God’s Son in our own hearts without the Spirit.
1. John will mention this internal, personal ministry of the Spirit shortly (I John 5:10).
2. Paul wrote about the same internal witness of the Spirit (Rom 8:14-16; Gal 4:4-6).

Because the Spirit is truth.

The Holy Spirit, which witnesses in all the ways as noted above, only testifies the truth.
John had earlier identified another spirit that testified antichrist lies in men (I Jn 4:1-6).
God is the only God of truth, and His Spirit bears true witness (Jn 14:17; 15:26; 16:13).
The Spirit is the Spirit of truth, and He proved Jesus Christ in many ways (I Tim 3:16).
Therefore, there is no reason not to believe by faith in Him, for truth has been declared.

7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.

For there are three that bear record in heaven.

We believe and trust the KJV for spiritual, scriptural, manuscript reasons … Proving the King James Version, here.
Our absolute and final authority of the Bible is the KJV Bible with this glorious verse.
The first verse you should check in any Bible in any language is this acid test (I Jn 5:7).
1. The claim is that there is no old Greek manuscript evidence for the verse like others.
2. Some claim Erasmus put it in his third New Testament translation without authority.
3. Others with more integrity claim that he put it in his translation only from the Latin.
4. The words, “in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth” are called the Johannine Comma, rejected as an interpolated phrase without enough authority to be scripture.
5. For an unbelieving view of the controversy, see Wikipedia’s faithless entry.
The examples of how different Bible versions handle the Comma remind us of Babel.
1. The ASV (1901) reads, “And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is the truth.”
2. The NIV (1978) reads, “For there are three that testify:”
3. Bible translations based on the Textus Receptus, or Received Text, have the verse.
4. For more evidence modern versions translate poorly … Bible Babel, here, Proverbs Babel, Why Does the Bible Contradict Itself?, Modern Bibles Corrupt Best Verse on Baptism, Every Word of God.
The reasons why anyone might not want the text help us appreciate why it is scripture.
1. It is the clearest statement and definition of God as a Trinity anywhere in the Bible.
2. It is the Word in heaven that bears record of the Son, not Son bearing it of the Son.
3. Since the Word is the eternal God both in John’s Gospel and here, it exalts Jesus.
4. John made it clear in this epistle that attacks against the full deity of Jesus existed.
5. By the Word being the entry in the Trinity here, He is eternal God before incarnation.
We absolutely trust I John 5:7 and consider it as much inspired scripture as any other.
1. Why? Because by faith, fruit, facts, and fools, the King James may be trusted … here.
2. We appreciate and praise God for the translators not using italics (see I John 2:23).
3. Begotten god, eternal sonship advocates deny this testimony in annual Bible sequels.
For defense of I John 5:7 as authoritative scripture … here, here, here, here, here, here, here.
Three divine Persons in one Godhead in heaven bear record Jesus is the Son of God.
1. From the very beginning of Moses in Genesis, we see plural Persons (Gen 1:26-27).
2. The verse here by a coordinating conjunction for includes the Trinity with the Spirit.
3. The Holy Ghost is the Spirit of Jehovah God, and all members of the Godhead agree.
4. But beyond agreement, they are one in nature, for there is only one God Jehovah.
5. The entire Godhead is committed to the confirmation of Jesus as the Son of God.
6. Jesus’ baptismal formula and Paul’s blessing are a trinity (Matt 28:19; II Cor 13:14).

The Father.

We were introduced in this epistle to the Father right at the beginning (I John 1:2-3).
We are baptized in the name of Jesus Christ and a Trinitarian formula (Matt 28:18-20).
God’s relationship to His Son is glorious and should be prized (Heb 1:1-5; Phil 1:9-11).
God is Father in creation of Adam (Luke 3:38) and the angels (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7).
God is Father of Jesus Christ (Luke 1:35; Romans 1:3) and us (Rom 8:15; Gal 4:4-6).
God as Father in the O.T. is rare, usually of Israel or prophetic of Christ, but not often.
God as Father of Jesus teaches incarnation at least and Father of us by His adoption.

The Word.

The Word is God and was with God in the beginning and is Creator of all (John 1:1-3).
The Word is eternal God also here in this epistle, for it is how John opened (I Jn 1:1-3).

And the Holy Ghost.

The three are one in nature and testimony, for the ultimate three witnesses (Matt 18:16).
Places like II Corinthians 13:14; I Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 4:4-6; Matthew 28:19.

And these three are one.

There is no difference in nature between the three Persons in the one solitary Godhead.
The nature of God is the category of attributes that makes Him distinctly God (Gal 4:8).
When three are said to be one, as they are here, they are one in essence and nature.
1. All three are credited with creation (Job 33:4; John 1:1; Heb 1:3; Revelation 4:11).
2. All three are credited with regeneration (I Peter 3:3; 1:23; John 5:25; Titus 3:5).
3. All three are credited with resurrection (Galatians 1:1; Romans 1:4; John 10:18).
4. God is Holy, all three Persons are holy (Is 6:3); God is spirit, all three Persons are spirit (Jn 4:24); but one is called the Holy Spirit; the name is relational, not of nature.
5. God has seven Spirits (Rev 3:1; 4:5; 5:6). Why? For the seven churches in context.
6. Do not think God has only seven candlesticks or stars (Rev 1:20), or we are plumb out of blessings and hope. Right?
7. The Bible reveals the Trinity to us in words descriptive of redemption … Father (of Jesus and us) … Word (declarer and revealer of God and truth) … the Holy Spirit (the internal, invisible, hidden operator of holiness and power).
There is only one God. Period. There can only be one totally Supreme Being as God.
1. The scriptures declare it very clearly (Deut 6:4; Isaiah 43:10; 44:6,8; I Cor 12:4-6).
2. God is eternal in both directions without end (Deut 33:27; Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 57:15).
3. For much material in great detail about His attributes as God Jehovah, see … here.
Our God is self-existent, self-subsistent, infinitely, eternally independent (Ex 3:14).
1. Before this revelation, I AM THAT I AM, He was Almighty God (Exodus 6:3).
2. Our God’s special name is Jehovah, and He infinitely transcends all other gods.
3. His special name of Jehovah is His memorial to all generations (Exodus 3:15).
4. Love every occurrence of Jehovah or its derivatives (Psalm 68:4; Rev 19:1,3,4,6).
5. For much more about God’s name Jehovah and Jesus derived from it.
Yet, the Bible also indicates and declares a plurality in the Godhead of Jehovah.
1. Note God created man based on plural and singular pronouns (Gen 1:26-27).
2. They are the Highest, the Word, and the Spirit (Luke 1:32; John 1:1; Is 48:16).
3. They are also Father, Son, Holy Ghost (Matt 3:16-17; 28:19-20; II Cor 13:14).
4. They are also Spirit, Lord, and God operating in the church (Ephesians 4:4-6).
5. Or they can be the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man of Daniel (Daniel 7:13).
6. All three participated in different ways at our Lord’s baptism (Matthew 3:16-17).
The Bible trinity is far superior to the speculative trinities of any other origin.
1. The Nicene Creed (RCC) and its adoring followers hold to a heretical trinity.
2. The Bible has all three Persons without any distinction at all in their nature.
3. The Bible knows nothing of “God of God” and similar human speculations.
4. The Bible does not know a begotten god, turning the trinity into paganism.
5. Rome, John Calvin, and others slander us for denying their manmade trinity.
6. They proudly say we must use Origen’s, not God’s, words to be orthodox.
They are named for their given roles in creation or especially in our redemption.
1. They did not need names for each other; they were part of the same nature.
2. Their names are for us; their names do not alter their absolute equality of nature.
3. God is not Father of the Word; the Word does not declare Him to the Spirit.
4. Names are descriptive, Almighty God, Ancient of Days, King of kings, etc.
5. What is God’s name? It is Jehovah, I AM THAT I AM, for all three Persons.
6. God is Father in creation of Adam (Lu 3:38) and angels (Job 1:6; 2:1; 38:7).
7. God is Father of Jesus Christ (Lu 1:35; Ro 1:2) and us (Ro 8:15; Gal 4:4-6).
8. God as Father in the O.T. is rare, usually of Israel or prophetic of Christ.
9. God as Father of Jesus teaches incarnation at least and Father of us adoption!

8 And there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

And there are three that bear witness in earth.

Embrace each of these three verses with their respective categories of certain evidence.
After three Persons of the Godhead being one in nature for truth, we have ordinances.
1. There are three ordinances standing the test of time to confirm Jesus the Son of God.
2. False religions have a Legion of ordinances that disappeared or were totally changed.
The present tense verb are is for the things they and we observe after our Lord ascended.

The Spirit.

The Spirit is the divine testifier of Jesus the Son of God to apostles and us (John 15:26).
How does the Spirit bear witness in earth? By inspired scriptures to declare gospel facts.
1. Holy men of God wrote what the Spirit inspired for truth in writing (II Peter 1:21).
2. Jesus said the scriptures were about Him, and John wrote of Him (John 5:39; 20:31).
3. It is this inspired record that Christ’s preachers declare to believers (II Tim 3:16-17).
4. Perilous times bring fables and entertainment, but they preach truth (II Tim 4:1-4).
How does the Spirit bear witness in earth? By gifts of the ministry for gospel preaching.
The great company of preachers sent truth through the world (Rom 10:18; I Tim 3:16).

And the water.

We identify with Jesus and accept the record God gave of Him at baptism (Rom 6:3-6).
1. The eunuch’s prerequisite – missing in modern Bibles – is the fact here (Acts 8:37).
2. We are baptized in the name of Jesus; Paul rebaptized those of John (Acts 19:1-7).
This ancient rite has been kept up in earth for 2000 years, in spite of great opposition.
Baptism is answer of a good conscience to God for Jesus’ life, death, life (I Peter 3:21).
We take effort and time, pain and trouble, to make sure Bible baptism is fully grasped.

And the blood.

The Lord’s Supper shows common union in the Son’s Person and work (I Cor 10:16).
The Passover symbolism was fulfilled by Jesus the Lamb dying for us (I Cor 5:7-8).
This ancient rite has been kept up in earth for 2000 years, in spite of great opposition.
Communion is no light matter; it is the corporate event by which we confess our faith.
1. The cup is to remember His shed blood – by Jesus the Lamb and Son of God.
2. The cup is to remember the new covenant – by Jesus the Son of God and Testator.

And these three agree in one.

These three things – Spirit, baptism, and communion – agree Jesus is the Son of God.
What a testimony in His life, in heaven by divine Persons, in the church’s ordinances.
Let us never lose sight of what we do and why we do it – preeminence of Jesus Christ.

Faith in Jesus Most Reasonable and Life – Verse 9-13

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.

If we receive the witness of men.

We do receive the witness of men in matters that we have little way of proving as truth.
We accept human testimony for things we cannot prove e.g. Genghis Khan, Christopher Columbus, George Washington, court cases, astronomy, doctor’s findings, and so forth.
Yet, the axiom of scripture is certain, Let God be true, but every man a liar (Rom 3:4).
1. The heart is deceitful above all things, so men lie to you and you believe it (Jer 17:9).
2. In any field of study, the number of ridiculous lies that have been believed is Legion.
We do receive the witness of men in matters we cannot prove, so we better believe God.

The witness of God is greater.

The witness, testimony, record God gave of His Son Jesus is far greater than any man.
What more could have been done than the nine witnesses listed in three previous verses?
God is a God of truth without proclivity or possibility of lying or changing (Deut 32:4).
The Spirit is the divine testifier of Jesus the Son of God to apostles and us (John 15:26).
There are numerous events and witnesses with a 2000-year history to confirm our faith.
He put it in writing, which makes it more sure than any human word (II Peter 1:16-21).

For this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son.

What is the witness? The nine-fold divine testimony in heaven and earth (I John 5:6-8).
What is the witness? It is confirmed by the Spirit inside us as follows (I Jn 3:24; 4:4,13).

10 He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

He that believeth on the Son of God.

If you believe Jesus is the Son of God, you embrace His nine-fold witness (I Jn 5:6-8).
If you believe Jesus is the Son of God, it is by the Spirit in you (I John 3:24; 4:4,13).
By the initiating work of faith in regeneration and then conversion, you embrace truth.
Do you believe the testimony God gave of His Son? If you do, then you will surely live a changed life, for the testimony of Jesus is the highly exalted Ruler of the universe.

Hath the witness in himself.

The Spirit is the divine testifier of Jesus the Son of God to apostles and us (John 15:26).
We believe and respond to God by the Holy Spirit in us (Romans 8:14-16; Gal 4:4-6).
John taught the same by the internal witness of the Holy Spirit (I Jn 3:23-24; 4:13; 5:10).
Remember, this has been a key argument of John against the seducers (I John 2:20-27).
Though initiated by the Holy Spirit, faith becomes your own confirmation of the truth.
You need, and Paul prayed for, many ministries of the Spirit, especially of Jesus … here.
The power of the Spirit to testify of Jesus can fill you with all the fulness of God … here.

He that believeth not God hath made him a liar.

But those that reject God’s multiplied testimony of Jesus His Son makes Him a liar.
We believe the testimony of men, but they have less credibility or evidence than God.
This acid test of salvation and character should always be remembered and emphasized.
1. It is easy to talk about God, as sports figures and others do easily on a daily basis.
2. But to talk of God’s Son Jesus Christ is far different, proving the divine truth of it.

Because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.

What more could God have done? He gave you a nine-fold testimony of Jesus His Son.
With this powerful and persuasive record, an unbeliever rebelliously makes God a liar.
But the truth is rather, Let God be true, but every man liar, which is the truth (Rom 3:4).

11 And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

And this is the record.

There is another record beyond Jesus of Nazareth being the Son of God – eternal life.
With overwhelming evidence by the Spirit through the apostles we know God’s gift.
1. What is the record? The gospel good news of salvation by His Son (II Tim 1:7-12).
2. It is not enough that Jesus of Nazareth is God’s Son. What did the Son come to do?
3. The record is not just that God saved elect sinners, but that He did it by Jesus Christ.

That God hath given to us eternal life.

Eternal life is God’s gift from election through legal justification and vital regeneration.
1. This verse clearly puts the focus on God’s role in giving eternal life through Christ.
2. It was never an offer of eternal life, but rather a gift to rebels (Jn 10:26-29; 17:1-3).
3. Paul made the gift gloriously simple and profoundly powerful (Rom 6:23; 5:12-19).
4. For greater detail about eternal life as a gift and not an offer … here, Seven Proofs of Unconditional Salvation, Five Phases of Salvation: When Were You Saved?, The Two Adams.
We are given eternal life by God’s sovereign choice for union with Christ (I Jn 4:9-10).
God’s choice for us was made from eternity, putting us in Him (Eph 1:3-6; I Cor 1:30).
Jesus died and rose again for those God gave Him, not for all (John 6:37-39; 10:26-29).
Then dead in trespasses in sins, He regenerates us by the Spirit (John 1:13; 3:8; 5:24).

And this life is in his Son.

Can you see the two-part, powerful lesson here? Jesus is His Son and also your Savior.
God has testified and witnessed this record by His Spirit in scripture and also in you!
1. Paul wanted to preach this same glorious gospel to believers in Rome (Rom 1:8-17).
2. Paul also taught the internal witness of the Spirit in them (Rom 8:14-16; Gal 4:4-6).
3. John taught the same by the internal witness of the Spirit (I Jn 3:23-24; 4:13; 5:10).

12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

He that hath the Son hath life.

Eternal life is God’s gift from election through legal justification and vital regeneration.
1. The previous verse put the focus on God’s role in giving eternal life through Christ.
2. It was never an offer of eternal life, but rather a gift to rebels (Jn 10:26-29; 17:1-3).
3. Paul made the gift gloriously simple, profoundly powerful (Romans 6:23; 5:12-19).
4. For greater detail about eternal life as a gift and not an offer … here, Seven Proofs of Unconditional Salvation, Five Phases of Salvation: When Were You Saved?, The Two Adams.
How do we know we have God’s gift of eternal life? By faith, love, obedience in Him.
1. The emphasis right here and right now by the apostle is God’s gift, not the evidence.
2. The context before and after of faith for assurance is enough; here the focus is Christ.

And he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

If God has not chosen a person in Christ or assigned Him to them, he is a lost reprobate.
What is the point? It is huge. Eternal life is God’s gift based upon Jesus the Son of God.
Therefore, and only after understanding God’s gift, do we bring up faith for assurance.

13 These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God.

This clear statement denies and rejects the common Arminian ignorance about scripture.
1. From beginning of the epistle, John has addressed his audience as Jesus believers.
2. To whom were the New Testament epistles written? Believers, never unbelievers.
3. John did not write to get the lost eternal life or to get their names in the book of life.
The apostles wrote to elect believers for them to know their salvation and to obey Christ.
1. Think about the epistles of the apostles, especially Paul’s letters, to churches of elect.
2. God is not the Father of all men; God does not love all men; Jesus did not die for all.
To take facts or promises made to elect believers and offer them universally is not right.
1. For example, this epistle has grand and great statements of God’s love and our adoption (I Jn 3:1; 4:9-10), but neither was ever offered in all of Acts by the apostles.
2. Paul worked for the elect’s sakes that he might benefit them practically (II Tim 2:10).
3. Paul prayed against men without faith to find others (II Thess 3:1-2; Acts 17:1-3).
What does it mean to believe on the name of the Son of God? To truly believe on Jesus.
1. The name of the Son of God is Jesus (Christ); the argument from 5:5 is still the key.
2. Mere intellectual assent or mental agreement is not nearly enough, for devils do so.
3. It must be faith resulting in discipleship, for baptism following true faith states such.
4. It must agree with the rest of the Bible about including good works (James 2:14-26).
5. Faith (and baptism) in the N.T. often brought persecution, thus a costly commitment.
6. Therefore, true faith in Jesus the Son of God is a commitment of life discipleship.
7. Faith short of that is not the life of an overcomer as Jesus taught in Revelation 2–3.
But the most important matter here is a question to you … Have you believed on Jesus?
1. You do not need to come forward, but you better be forward to declare and show it.
2. Have you been baptized, since it is the first act of obedience of faith (Acts 8:36-37)?
3. If you believe this greatest fact, how do you show it? How often do you declare it?

That ye may know that ye have eternal life.

What can better fulfill overcoming this world and its future damnation than eternal life?
Consider how much eternal life overcomes many of the negative aspects of present life.
This verse addressed believers; John did not offer eternal life, but rather confirmed it.
As John wrote plainly, faith is not the means but rather the evidence (I Jn 4:15; 5:1,20).
The more you learn about Jesus the Son of God, your faith and assurance will grow.
For great assurance of eternal life, make use of previous preaching, here, here.

And that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

Greater faith is key, for eternal life is not just a decision, but a life of faith (Jn 8:31-32).
For assurance of eternal life, he pressed for more faith and love (I Jn 3:18-19; 4:15-17).
For this apostolic goal, we can help each other to greater faith (Heb 3:12-13; 10:23-25).
John wrote, like Paul and others, for God’s elect believers to believe more (John 20:31).
Let us ask the most important question again … Have you believed on Jesus Christ?
1. You do not need to come forward, but you better be forward to declare and show it.
2. Have you been baptized, since it is the first act of obedience of faith (Acts 8:36-37)?
3. If you believe this greatest fact, how do you show it? How often do you declare it?

Conclusion:

God has focused the drama of the universe on the gift of His Son for sinners and His rule over all.
Your victory in life and death is by faith in Jesus the Son of God and His many factors for your profit.
The most important effect or result of this sermon should be your faith or your greater faith in Jesus.
Bow to the Leader and Commander of our religion and declare your confidence and allegiance to Him.
For detailed expository preaching of this chapter, see the seven sermons and outline from 2022.