November 9, 2004

THE WITNESS BEARER

"For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth" (John 18:37, NKJV).

In His response to Pilate's loaded question, Jesus declared, "For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth" (John 18:37, NKJV).

While on earth, Christ bore irrefutable witness to the truth about God, Himself, man, and the plan of redemption. "He came to reveal the character of the Father, that men might be led to worship Him in spirit and in truth."--Lift Him Up, p. 166. Jesus' visible presence bore witness to the truth. Everything that Jesus did or said on earth bore witness to the truth in its totality. His physical presence, His deeds and utterances--all demonstrated the truth. Before the accusing Pharisees, Jesus eloquently defended His self-witness when He declared, "Even if I bear witness of Myself, My witness is true, for I know where I came from and where I am going" (John 8:14, NKJV).

Jesus' most profound witness to the truth was what happened on the cross. This was the supreme manifestation of the character of God and the nature of His kingdom. As the true witness, Christ has given authenticity to all the claims of the gospel. Through Him we have the unequivocal certainty of salvation from sin, peace with God, eternal life, and the final restoration of all things. We know and accept the reality of all God's promises because Jesus' witness is reliable. "Christ affirmed that His word was in itself a key which would unlock the mystery to those who were prepared to receive it. It had a self-commending power, and this was the secret of the spread of His kingdom of truth. He desired Pilate to understand that only by receiving and appropriating truth could ruined nature be reconstructed."--Signs of the Times, January 24, 1900.

My Prayer Today: Lord, You came to bear witness of the truth. Because of Your reliability I am confident of my salvation. Amen.