JESUS CAME BY WATER AND BLOOD

THURSDAY 26 MAY 2022

John the Evangelist wrote that Jesus Christ is the Son of the living God who came to earth by water and by blood, which is attested by the Holy Spirit. So the grace of God through Christ and the testimony of the Spirit agree together. Let's find out more!

Reference: 1 John 5:6 New International Version (NIV)

"This is the one who came by water and blood—Jesus Christ. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth."

The Scripture records that Jesus came by water and blood, thereby informing us that Jesus accomplished His mission on earth through both means. God's eternal plan for the salvation of mankind was successfully completed on earth by Christ's coming and He executed the plan by water and blood.

Now watch this: The order of importance is worthy of notice. Our referenced Scripture didn't say that Jesus Christ came by blood and water, rather it says that He came firstly by water and secondly, by blood. What does this imply? During His ministry on earth, Jesus started by water baptism and then completed His assignment by blood shed. Did you get it? Let me explain it further below!

Before Jesus Christ was born, He had a forerunner, namely, John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for His coming. And in those days, John the Baptist preached in the wilderness where He baptised with water. When Jesus was about to start His ministry, He came there to be baptized by John. Although John tried to deter Him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" Jesus said, "It should be done, for we must carry out all that God requires. So John agreed to baptize him." As soon as Jesus came out of water, God's voice from heaven confirmed His coming and identity, under the influence of that water baptism, before He fasted and started His ministry (See Matthew 3:13-15). . Our referenced Scripture noted that Christ did not come by water only, but by water and blood. By "blood" means that the finished work of Christ was accomplished through His perfect sacrifice on the cross. 1 John 2:2 reads, "He [Christ] is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world" (NIV). So the only means God could permanently deal with the sin of mankind was through the blood of the Lamb, Christ. In an act of grace, the shedding of Christ's blood was requisite in making atonement for sin and so it was a bloody ending for Christ but a glorious resurrection for our eternal benefit.

Also watch this: The latter part of our referenced Scripture reads: "And it is the Spirit who testifies, because the Spirit is the truth." Now why mention the Spirit? It means that Christ's journey would have never been complete without the Spirit. Jesus Christ accomplished His mission on earth - by the inspiration of the Spirit. So it is not surprising that Jesus once said, "...The words I have spoken to you—they are full of the Spirit and life" (John 6:63 NIV). Did you get it? The Spirit was made manifest in His speech.

As the Son of man, Jesus functioned by the wisdom and eloquence granted to Him by the Spirit, which is the reason He so much succeeded in His divine accomplishment, more than what any human could have achieved by means of worldly intelligence or human skills. Christ's brainpower was characterized by divine wit and deep erudition. His supernatural aptitude for choosing His words was exceptional and it was the same with the perspicacity of His remarks, while addressing any question from His disciples, the Pharisees and many another. His wisdom did not spring up from earthly principles because He didn't serve an earthly purpose.

In a nutshell, concerning the fulfilment of Christ's ministry on earth, the Holy Spirit was a striking proof. This is why John the Evangelist wrote in the subsequent verses saying, "So we have these three witnesses - the Spirit, the water, and the blood - and all three agree"(1 John 5:7-8). Where do the three agree? On earth, not in heaven. They bear witness that the Son of God came to earth. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - Acts 19:4; 1 Corinthians 12:13; Hebrews 9:12-14; 1 Peter 3:21; Hebrews 13:12; 1 John 5:9-10.

Exuberant Declaration: I acknowledge that Christ Jesus came by water and by blood to save and purify my heart, and to make me righteous and blameless before God. By the testimony that God has given about Him, I believe that Jesus is true and I've received Him as my Saviour and Lord. Therefore, I testify that I am in Christ, Christ lives in me and I have eternal life which is in Christ Jesus. Hallelujah!