WITNESS

1 John 5:10: "He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son."

This God given, unique witness distinguishes true Biblical Christianity from all other religions in the world.

It is not something that is "hyped up", and it is more than an emotional feeling. It is a supernatural activity of the Holy Spirit of God, acting upon our conscience. It makes us aware of the Lord's Presence within us!

It is a deep seated, firm knowing that we are saved by the Grace of God, per Eph.2:8-9. That gives us great assurance, and causes eager desire to be more acquainted with our Lord Jesus. That witness is also active in guiding us. It helps us in times of temptation by making us know that its wrong to do what we are tempted with.

Of course, God can guide us in other ways, and bout other things. But the witness of the Holy Spirit will accompany those other ways also.

The Bible is God's first way of instruction and guidance to mankind. The inward witness from God agrees exactly with it.

The Bible is the indestructible, eternal, and credible words from God to man. It reveals Him to us, and it reveals His will for us. It is true not only for believers, but also for unbelievers.

In this way, God gives us a double witness and reference. Therefore, we can KNOW that we are right with God, through the Lord Jesus Christ. Being right with God gives us rest, and peace of heart and mind. Such believers demonstrate a third witness, i.e., a God pleasing, holy life.

Notice 1 Tim.1:5: "Now the end of the commandment is charity (love) out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned." The witness of the Holy Spirit works in us to help bring us into that status.

Also, the witness of the Holy Spirit in us causes us to have love, joy, and peace. That is fruit of the spirit, per Gal.5:22-23. Such fruit pleases God, blesses and comforts us, and blesses others around us. It is ours when we believe the Lord.

In addition, the witness of the Holy Spirit can help us gain the power of Jesus Christ for our physical and material needs. He affirms 1 Peter 2:24 ("...by Whose Stripes ye were healed.") and Phil. 4:19: "But My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus."

The Lord Jesus made Divine Healing available to us at the time He was crucified. The Holy Spirit ministers that power to us, when we believe and receive it by faith.

Such healing is not to be confused with the work of so called "faith healers." Their efforts come from a source besides Jesus Christ. They ought to be avoided, as they are usually demonic. They do not glorify Jesus Christ, and they do not administer His grace. Divine healing from God does glorify Jesus Christ and administer His grace.

Thus, the inward witness that believers have within ourselves is a stable, reliable reference for us. It makes it possible for us to know and follow the Lord Jesus Christ. We are not left to follow empty religious rituals and confusion. We can know Him.

On the basis of the personal revelation of Jesus Christ and of the Gospel to the Apostles, Apostle John wrote: "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life." (1 John 5:20.)

Following Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior is a fulfilling, satisfying RELATIONSHIP with the Lord Jesus Himself. He LIVES within us, by means of the Holy Spirit's Presence in our heart.

God offers us eternal life through faith in Christ. Death is NOT the end of human experience! EVERY person WILL experience eternal blessing with the Lord Jesus, OR eternal pain and sorrow in hell. Which one depends on our response to Jesus Christ. Jesus said:  "He that believeth (the Gospel of Christ) and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." (Mark 16:16).

I love you, God bless you.