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The testimony of God
We can get different types of testimony—but which is the greatest and most important?
The testimony of God
It is said of Enoch that he was taken away so that he did not see death, for he received the testimony that he pleased God (Hebrews 11:5). We must assume that Elijah received the same testimony from God when he went up to heaven in the whirlwind with a chariot of fire and horses of fire (2 Kings 2:11).
Wasn't this the same testimony that Jesus received both at the river Jordan and on the mountain? “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17; Matthew 17:5. Yes, God confirmed that Jesus was faithful in all things. That is why God's good pleasure rested upon Him (Luke 2:40). Now it is a question of how we live. Are we walking worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him (Colossians 1:10)?
The testimony of people
It is written in 1 John 5:9: “If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son.”
When we live righteously in this world, we will have the testimony of men. It is written of the overseer that he must have a good testimony from those who are outside (1 Timothy 3:7). Therefore, it is required of a servant of the Lord that "the outward testimony" is in order. When we then receive this testimony, the apostle says that the witness (testimony) of God is greater. Consequently, we must strive to obtain the greatest and the most glorious testimony.
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The testimony of the water and the testimony of the blood
“This is He who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ; not only by water, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.” 1 John 5:6.
John the Baptist came with water, which was an external cleansing, a testimony to people. Jesus, on the other hand, came not only with water, but with water and blood. The blood cleanses internally and is a testimony to God. It says that the hidden is for the Lord, and what is revealed for people. This shows the greatness of the testimony of the blood, which gives us the testimony of God. Apollos only knew the baptism of John. That is why Priscilla and Aquila took him took him aside and explained to the way of God more accurately to him (Acts 18:25–26).
Demetrius had a good testimony from all and from the truth itself (3 John 1:12). He had, of course, the testimony of the water and the testimony of the blood.
The testimony of the Spirit
If we are faithful in secret and take every thought captive in obedience to Christ, we will receive the testimony of the blood, and God will give us His testimony. Our words and our deeds are then anointed by God. Then we can testify and speak in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. We will not feel strong in ourselves, but the Spirit will truly be our Helper. The Spirit bears powerful witness and anoints the message, so that it becomes a great blessing. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” Romans 8:16.
We may pray and ask for the Spirit and anointing, but have we taken such care in the hidden life that God is pleased with us and gives us His testimony?
This article has been translated from Norwegian and was first published with the title “Guds Vitnesbyrd” in the periodical Skjulte Skatter (Hidden Treasures) in December 1982.
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Scripture taken from the New King James Version®, unless otherwise specified. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.