Topical Encyclopedia
The title "Witness" ascribed to Christ is a profound testament to His role in revealing and testifying to the truth of God. In the Scriptures, Jesus is depicted as the ultimate and faithful witness, bearing testimony to the nature, will, and redemptive plan of God the Father.
The concept of Christ as a witness is rooted in His divine mission to make known the truth of God to humanity. In the Book of Revelation, Jesus is explicitly referred to as "the faithful witness" (
Revelation 1:5), underscoring His reliability and truthfulness in conveying God's message. This title emphasizes His role in affirming the truth of God's word and His unwavering commitment to the divine mission, even unto death.
In the Gospel of John, Jesus frequently speaks of His role as a witness. He declares, "I am one who testifies about Myself, and the Father, who sent Me, also testifies about Me" (
John 8:18). Here, Jesus highlights the dual testimony of Himself and the Father, affirming His divine authority and the truth of His message. His life, teachings, and miracles serve as a testament to the reality of God's kingdom and His redemptive work.
Furthermore, Jesus' role as a witness is intricately connected to His identity as the incarnate Word of God. In
John 1:14 , it is written, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." As the living Word, Jesus embodies the truth of God, providing a perfect revelation of the Father to the world.
The witness of Christ is not limited to His earthly ministry but extends to His ongoing work through the Holy Spirit. In
John 15:26 , Jesus promises the coming of the Advocate, the Spirit of truth, who will testify about Him: "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me." This assurance highlights the continuity of Christ's witness through the Spirit, empowering believers to bear witness to Him in the world.
The title "Witness" also carries eschatological significance, as Christ will ultimately bear witness to the deeds of humanity at the final judgment. In
Revelation 3:14 , Jesus is called "the Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Originator of God's creation." This designation affirms His authority and role in the consummation of God's redemptive plan, where He will testify to the truth and execute righteous judgment.
In summary, the title "Witness" as applied to Christ encapsulates His mission to reveal the truth of God, His embodiment of divine truth, and His ongoing testimony through the Holy Spirit. As the faithful and true witness, Jesus stands as the ultimate testament to God's love, grace, and truth, calling all to believe in Him and bear witness to His name.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Isaiah 55:4Behold, I have given him for a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
More Particularly, in what Respect Christ is Called the Truth.
... He is the Truth in this regard, that he fully answers all the titles and names which
he ... As he was called Christ, so was he anointed with the Spirit without ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xi more particularly in.htm
He Produces Testimonies to the Same Doctrine from the Apostle Paul ...
... a distinction of power from the different names given to ... make a difference of Person
owing to variety of titles. You cannot say: Christ was born of Mary, but ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter iv he produces testimonies.htm
He Brings Forward the Witness of God the Father to the Divinity of ...
... pleased: that the addition of the titles might denote ... that the special character
of His names might support ... witness concerning our Lord Jesus Christ, when He ...
/.../cassian/the seven books of john cassian /chapter xvi he brings forward.htm
On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred
these two titles on two ... my beloved, are the true testimonies concerning Christ. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm
The Benefits of Christ Made Available to us by the Secret ...
... Here it will be proper to point out the titles which the ... full vigor of life, he hence
obtains the names of "Oil ... our minds are intent on the Spirit, Christ is in ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 the benefits of.htm
Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... heart, purpose and design; in which respect they get many titles, otherwise unsuitable ...
ornament worn by the high priest, so the names of Christ's elect were ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm
Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... by the Same Method as the Other Titles of Christ. ... 27. Significance of the Names of
John and of His Parents ... The Prophets Bore Witness to Christ and Foretold Many ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/
The Work of Jesus Christ as an Advocate,
... Christ, by offices, places of trust, and titles of honour ... AN ADVOCATE WITH THE FATHER,
JESUS CHRIST THE RIGHTEOUS ... was himself an eye and ear witness thereof-That ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the work of jesus christ.htm
The Historical Books of the New Testament, Meaning Thereby the ...
... of the New Testament, to their authority, and to the titles which they ... no use at
all of Christian writings, forged with the names of Christ's apostle, or ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/section i the historical books.htm
The Revelation and Career of the Anti-Christ.
... contrast between Christ and the Anti-christ in their several names and titles but
the ... mark of all the prophecies which describe the Anti-christ, a mark by ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/4 the revelation and career.htm
Resources
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