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. For there are three that testify: the Spirit, the water and the blood; and the three are in agreement. 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. Whoever 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. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
1 John 5:6-12
Water and Blood
The probes that go to the other planets in our solar system are looking for a lot of things, and one of them is always water. People think that if water is found, there is the chance of finding life. Without water, you can't really have life.
When Jesus came to give us life, he began his public ministry with his baptism by water and the Spirit at the hand of John the Baptist. God told us at that time that Jesus is his beloved Son, and we believe that testimony because the Spirit has worked faith in our hearts through the power of baptism. Whoever believes in Jesus has eternal life.
The probes that check our health look at a lot of things, and one of them is always our blood. Healthy blood is important; there is life in the blood. Loss of blood can lead to loss of life.
When Jesus came to give us life, he shed his blood for us. His death on the cross paid the punishment for our sins, fulfilling and ending the need for the animal sacrifices that God had commanded. Without the shedding of that blood, there would have been no forgiveness. Now we have forgiveness through Jesus, and where there is forgiveness of sins, there is also life and salvation.
The Son of God lived and died for you. You have life in him.
Prayer:
Lord God, thank you for providing your Son, Jesus Christ, who came for me by water and blood. Lead me to live a life of service to you now until I join you in perfect everlasting life. Amen.
The devotions on Thursdays and Fridays in September, October, and November are based on the book of 1 John.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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