Threefold Witness on Earth

“And there are three that bear witness on earth, the Spirit, and the water and the blood. (I John 5:8)

Not only are there three witnesses in heaven that bear witness as to the person of Jesus, there are three who bear witness on earth.

First, there is the witness of the Holy Spirit. At Jesus’ baptism the Spirit like a dove descended on Him and a voice from heaven saying, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:16-17)  For the Christian, "His Spirit bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God." (Romans 8:16)

Second, we go back to the Jordan River to His baptism and see Him give a graphic picture of His coming death, burial and resurrection. When we are baptized, symbolically we are buried with Him in the waters of baptism and raised to walk in newness of life. The water of baptism is our declaration that we are identifying with Him.

Third, we go to Calvary and see Him as He gives His blood for the remission of sin.  At the Passover meal in the Upper Room observed by the disciples, He spoke of the contents of the cup and said, "This is my blood of the New Testament which is shed for many for the remission of sins." (Matthew 26:28)