“This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witness, because the Spirit is truth.”– 1 John 5:6 (KJV)
“And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by the blood on the cross. Not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony.”– 1 John 5:6 (NLT)
“Jesus, the Anointed One, was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by the blood he shed on the cross—not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms this with his testimony.”– 1 John 5:6 (MSG)
What Does 1 John 5:6 Mean?
To grasp the meaning of 1 John 5:6, we must recognize its context in the larger narrative of the New Testament. This verse emphasizes the dual testimony of water and blood concerning Jesus Christ. Water refers to His baptism, marking the beginning of His ministry and serving as a public declaration of His identity. The blood represents His sacrificial death, affirming His role as Savior and Lord. Both the water and blood are vital components of Jesus’s authority and truth. This passage assures us that Jesus was truly God’s Son and that His life, ministry, and sacrifice hold great significance for all believers.
Furthermore, the Spirit is mentioned as the one who bears witness to this truth. The role of the Holy Spirit is crucial, as He confirms the reality of Jesus’s identity through the signs and wonders during Jesus’s ministry, in the lives of the believers, and through the glorious work of salvation. Thus, the passage reinforces our faith in Christ, reminding us that multiple witnesses back up the truth of who He is.
1 John 5:6 Explanation and Commentary
The testimony mentioned in 1 John 5:6 reflects a rich tapestry of truth about Jesus. The Apostle John, as he writes this epistle, wants us to understand that genuine faith is based not only on theological insight but also on historical reality. The baptism of Jesus marked His entrance into a life of public ministry where He would manifest the love and power of God. His subsequent crucifixion represents the ultimate act of love for humanity, illustrating the depth of His commitment to redeem us.
In this verse, we discover how both elements—the baptism and the crucifixion—work together to define Jesus’s mission. The words “water and blood” remind us of the sacred events that took place during His life and ministry. When Jesus was baptized in the Jordan River by John the Baptist, God affirmed His presence with a voice from heaven: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17). This divine affirmation lent considerable weight to Jesus’s identity and mission.
Yet, Jesus’s journey did not conclude with His baptism. His crucifixion exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice He made, shedding His blood for our sins, a theme amplified throughout Scripture. Paul notes in Romans 5:8 that “God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This unwavering love is where we find hope, knowing that Jesus’s death and resurrection provide a bridge for us to have a relationship with God.
To complement the water and blood testimonies, the Holy Spirit serves as a constant companion, speaking truth into our lives. When we come to faith in Christ, the Spirit lives within us, affirming our identity as children of God. He guides us, comforts us, and empowers us to live according to the truth of God’s Word. As believers, this passage assures us that we are not alone; we have the active presence of the Spirit confirming and sealing our faith.
Context of 1 John 5:6
Understanding 1 John 5:6 requires a broader view of the surrounding text and themes. The Apostle John emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus as the Christ and understanding the implications of His life and sacrifice. In the earlier chapters, John distinguishes between truth and falsehood, urging believers to remain steadfast in their faith. The culture of his time included many false teachers who claimed various teachings about Jesus, and John wanted Christians to hold firmly to the foundational truths.
In chapters 4 and 5, John focuses on love as an essential aspect of faith, tying it back to Jesus’s example. The commandment to love one another is not just a moral directive; it is tied to our understanding of God’s love through Christ’s actions. Thus, the water and blood motif in 1 John 5:6 cannot be separated from this overarching theme of love. By illustrating the various ways in which Jesus demonstrated love for humanity, John provides believers with a model of how they should live.
This context emphasizes that faith is not merely an intellectual agreement; it is an active response to the love God has shown us. John is encouraging an authentic faith that leads to real-world actions like love and kindness toward others. Our belief in Jesus’s identity as the Son of God should transform how we interact with the world around us.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of 1 John 5:6
When we examine the critical aspects of 1 John 5:6, we can identify several components that enhance its meaning. The phrase “Jesus Christ came by water and blood” indicates a twofold witness regarding His mission. Each element provides insight into who Jesus is and the purpose He fulfilled on earth. The water is representative of His identity and the divine initiation of His public ministry. It signifies recognition and acceptance, both from John the Baptist and the heavenly Father. Water symbolizes grounding in human experience—much like our own baptism signifies our identification with Christ.
Blood, on the other hand, signifies sacrifice and redemption. In Hebrews 9:22, we are reminded that “without the shedding of blood there is no remission of sins.” Jesus’s blood was the payment for our sins, making it vital to our salvation. These two elements together affirm Jesus as both fully divine and fully human, bringing reconciliation for humanity.
The mention of the Spirit bears witness introduces the dynamic and active work of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The Spirit reveals the truth of Jesus to our hearts, making us aware of our need for a Savior. Through His action in our lives, we can experience the transformative power of our faith. It’s the Holy Spirit who comforts us, convicts us, and cultivates our relationship with God.
In sum, each part of this verse works in harmony to present a holistic view of who Jesus is: our Savior, our Lord, and the embodiment of love. We are encouraged to embrace and share the truth of this witness as we interact with others.
Lessons to Learn From 1 John 5:6
As we reflect on 1 John 5:6, several important lessons emerge. This verse affirms that our faith is rooted in historical events: the baptism of Jesus and His crucifixion. These events are not mere stories; they are the foundation of our belief in Christ. The significance of baptism in our own lives is profound, symbolizing a public declaration of our faith and a new beginning in our relationship with God. By participating in baptism, we identify with Christ’s death and resurrection, making it a cherished part of our spiritual journey.
Additionally, the blood of Jesus is a constant reminder of His sacrificial love. When we face struggles or challenges in our faith, remembering the price He paid can encourage us to persevere. It reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles; God understands our pain and walks alongside us. We can rest in the assurance of His grace and forgiveness because of His sacrifice, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.”
The role of the Holy Spirit is another critical lesson here. The Spirit bears witness to the truth of Christ and helps us navigate life’s ups and downs. We are invited to rely on His guidance and comfort. The more we learn to listen and respond to the Spirit, the more we will grow in our faith. Just like we experience God’s love through our interactions with others, we can also do so through the Spirit’s work within us.
Ultimately, this verse calls us to a life of love and authenticity. As we experience God’s love through Jesus, we are encouraged to share that love with those around us. John emphasizes that genuine faith entails both belief and action. We are prompted to love one another, reflecting how Christ has loved us, and this can change the world around us in beautiful ways.
Final Thoughts
1 John 5:6 encapsulates vital truths about who Jesus is and why His life matters to us as believers. By establishing Jesus as the Son of God through His baptism and sacrificial death, we find a solid foundation for our faith. As we meditate on this verse, let us embrace the hope and assurance of our identity in Christ. His life and work provide us with direction, purpose, and meaning.
In the essence of our faith lies the call to embody love, affirming our connection to the Gospel. As we reflect on the significance of water and blood, we must also remember the active presence of the Holy Spirit, offering us the power to live out our faith in everyday life. We are reminded that God desires a relationship with us, and we can find joy and strength in Him.
Let us continue to grow deeper in our understanding of Scripture and who God is. Explore more enlightening topics on the Bible and discover how God’s Word can transform your life. We have a beautiful journey ahead, filled with love, grace, and truth, guided by the stories and lessons contained in Scripture.