“We accept man’s testimony, but God’s testimony is greater because it is the testimony of God, which he has given about his Son. Anyone who believes in the Son of God has this testimony in his heart. Anyone who does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because he has not believed the testimony God has given about his Son. And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” 1 John 5:9-11 (NIV)
In any court case, every effort is made to certify that evidence given truly constitutes fact. And the jury is expected to determine fact from fiction. A case will usually hinge upon who the jury believes is telling the truth.
The issue in today’s passage: Whose testimony has the greatest element of veracity? Human testimony is what humans normally believe, but God’s testimony is greater because his testimony is about his Son.
John says that if we believe God’s testimony about his Son, the testimony will remain in our hearts. The evidence of truth is not only contained in the Word of God, it is implanted in the heart of the believer. And the testimony is this: God has provided eternal life through his Son, Jesus Christ.
Yet, some will refuse to believe the most plausible evidence. They reject God’s testimony of his Son. By their unbelief they are accusing God of giving a false testimony (i.e., calling God a liar). “Whose report will you believe? I will believe the report of the Lord!”
Dear Father, thank you for your Son who takes away the sin of the world. Empower us with steadfast faith in your testimony. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in God’s testimony,