As we discussed in the last post, it is our faith that we are “born of God [that] overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith” (1 Jn 5:4). Christ’s love within us is perfected by Him, so that it is made visible in deeds. When we have this love, then we will have confidence for the day of judgment (1 Jn 4:17). How we love others is our testimony.

One of the most common experiences of life is to act upon the word or testimony of another person. Just think about acting on recommendations of friends, and even ads on television. In God’s Word, we have the witness of the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit (1 Jn 5:6-8). If we will take the word of a stranger and act on it, can we not believe the Word of God, especially when He has caused the testimony to be written down by the eyewitnesses of these events?

Haven’t we all had the experience of being let down by people? God is faithful and dependable, even when we aren’t. “The saying is trustworthy, for: If we have died with Him, we will also live with Him; if we endure, we will also reign with Him; if we deny Him, He also will deny us; if we are faithless, He remains faithful—for He cannot deny Himself.” (2 Tim 2:11-13)

When faith is exercised on the basis of that objective testimony, a confirmation of the Spirit is given within that makes it wholly believable. Do we exercise faith on that basis? John says, “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. He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he has not believed the testimony that God has given of His Son.” (1 Jn 5:9-10)

And here is His testimony: “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.” (1 Jn 5:11-12) Jesus also testified to this when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)

By faith in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus as the Son of God is the only way we can have eternal life, with a restored relationship with the Father. No matter what else we may have or how religious we may be, if we have not received the Son, we don’t have life. That’s the peace and rest that Jesus offers us. “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matt 11:28-29)

Thank You, Father, for this powerful reminder that my salvation is secure because You cannot lie. Grant to me the faith to take Your promise at face value, and perfect Your love in me so that others may come to know You by Your light and love through me. In the precious name of Jesus, amen.

Source: Does God Lie?