1 John 5:6-10

Witnesses to Jesus' Sonship

The Gnostics taught that Jesus was a man, and Christ, the Deity, came upon Him at baptism and left Him before the crucifixion. John says Jesus was the same both in the waters of baptism and at the shedding of blood in His death (Matthew 3:13-17; John 19:31-35). The Spirit bore witness to Jesus' Deity by descending like a dove at His baptism (John 1:32-34). He continued, and continues, to bear witness as to Jesus' death and resurrection through the testimony of the apostles (Acts 2:1-47). His witness can be relied upon since it is true, as John personally knew and could testify (John 16:13). Thus, it can be said there are three that testify to Jesus' Lordship and Deity. The Father called him Son at His baptism, transfiguration and resurrection. The Spirit, by descending at Christ's baptism and helping in the resurrection, also testified to His Sonship. Of course, Jesus also laid claim to being God's Son (1 John 5:6-8).

Men accept the testimony of other men and should much more readily accept that of God. God has surely testified that Jesus is His Son (Matthew 17:1-5). When the Christian keeps on believing on Jesus as God's Son, the Holy Spirit abides in him as proof of his faithfulness (Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6). God's testimony in scripture is sufficient to prove Jesus is God. To reject that scriptural testimony is to reject God's witness and call Him a liar (1 John 5:9-10).