“This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth.7 For there are three that testify: 8 the[a] Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 9 We accept human testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. 10 Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar,because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. 11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” 1 John 5.6-12
I love this last verse — “Whoever has the Son has life, whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” It’s beautiful. It’s powerful and it’s true. If you “have” the Son, if you soul is one with his soul, if his spirit resides in you, if you believe in his name — you have life, meaning purpose and a future.
But many do not “have” the Son. It’s not because they haven’t been offered, although I know that some have not heard about life in Jesus throughout the world — it’s because they have not believed. This is why John makes such a case for Jesus coming by water and blood (human birth) and that the Spirit testifies because the Spirit’s testimony is true. And in addition, God himself testifies that Jesus is the Son of God. This in itself, according to John, is all the proof we need.
What has God given us? Eternal life. John defines this as “life in the Son.” So, eternal life begins today for those of us who have received and believed that Jesus is the Son of God. This gift is available to all people — also nations, creeds, colors and communities. We must only open the gift of eternal life.
I don’t know about you but this is my hope. It is my joy and my purpose for living. Won’t you consider opening this gift of eternal life as well. Live for God. Put your own desires on hold and cling to the one who died for you.
“O Lord God, I desire life in you. I praise you for the life of Jesus that you gave for the sins of the world. I praise you that you raised him from the dead and that sin could not hold him. Come now, Lord Jesus, reign among us. Have you way with us. Turn your favor upon your people and unleash your power. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen