The Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus

“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:9).

“The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto Him, to shew unto His servants things which must shortly come to pass; and He sent and signified it by His angel unto His servant John: who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” (Rev. 1:1,2).

“And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:17).

“And I fell at his [John’s angel’s] feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10).

Here we see two avenues to know God’s will: the Law, the commandments, word of God; and the Testimony of Jesus.

The word of God is written, canonical, proven by the prosperity of God upon all who have obeyed it and who did not allow temptation to let it to slip away. “For the word of God is quick [pointed], and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in HIS sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of HIM with whom we have to do.” (Heb. 4:12,13). “Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein.” (Rev. 1:3). “Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip.” (Heb. 2:1).

Then there is the Testimony of Jesus, the anointing. “But the anointing which ye have received of Him [Christ] abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in Him.” (1Jn. 2:27). And if we don’t have the anointing, then we can pray for the Lord to send someone else who does have the anointing. “…ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you.” (2Cor. 13:3). “Believe in the LORD your God, so shall ye be established; believe His prophets, so shall ye prosper.” (2Chron. 20:20). Or, if per chance the Lord raises up someone to have the anointing, as He did with Paul, Samuel, Ellen White, or the other prophets, we had better heed their counsel (verifying it with the written word of God). In Mark 12:1-9 Jesus makes it clear that for us to not take heed is tempting the Lord to cut us off.

“To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isa. 8:20). Both Law and Testimony come from the same source and are fraternal twins. Both are hard-charging and have zero tolerance for disobedience to God. “(For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; and having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience.” (2Cor. 10:4-6). Without Christ’s ministry of mercy, the Law and the testimony of living messenger are hard to live with. With the grace of Christ upon a humbled sinner’s quickened spirit, both are very beloved and highly appreciated. “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” (John 6:63). “Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe [trust in Christ].” (Gal. 3:21,22). “We have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by [‘his own works’] of the law shall no flesh be justified.” (Gal. 2:16;Heb. 4:10).

Joined together and never one without the other, the primitive Law of God (or the established word of God) and the present Testimony (of Jesus) have always been the two channels of communication for God to give His will to His people. The Testimony of Jesus is an ordained mediator of the Law of God. This we see with Moses on Sinai. “It [the Law] was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator [Moses].” (Gal. 3:19). This we see with all the prophets throughout sacred history; they never veered from the principles of God’s Law. And vice versa; the Law (including all ordained additions to it) is the mandatory reference for the Testimony. We see this in the Bereans. “They received the word [the sermons from the Lord’s messenger] with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.” (Acts 17:11). In another place, apostle Paul counseled that the current, verbal prophets must speak in line with the canonized, written prophets. “The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets.” (1Cor. 14:32). And in the inspired counsel of the apostle John, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.” (1Jn. 4:1). And straight from Jesus, “Thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars.” (Rev. 2:2).

“The Spirit was not given―nor can it ever be bestowed―to supersede the Bible; for the Scriptures explicitly state that the word of God is the standard by which all teaching and experience must be tested. Says the apostle John, ‘Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.’ 1 John 4:1. And Isaiah declares, ‘To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.’ Isaiah 8:20.

Great reproach has been cast upon the work of the Holy Spirit by the errors of a class that, claiming its enlightenment, profess to have no further need of guidance from the word of God. They are governed by impressions which they regard as the voice of God in the soul. But the spirit that controls them is not the Spirit of God. This following of impressions, to the neglect of the Scriptures, can lead only to confusion, to deception and ruin. It serves only to further the designs of the evil one. Since the ministry of the Holy Spirit is of vital importance to the church of Christ, it is one of the devices of Satan, through the errors of extremists and fanatics, to cast contempt upon the work of the Spirit and cause the people of God to neglect this source of strength which our Lord Himself has provided.

In harmony with the word of God, His Spirit was to continue its work throughout the period of the gospel dispensation. During the ages while the Scriptures of both the Old and the New Testament were being given, the Holy Spirit did not cease to communicate light to individual minds, apart from the revelations to be embodied in the Sacred Canon. The Bible itself relates how, through the Holy Spirit, men received warning, reproof, counsel, and instruction, in matters in no way relating to the giving of the Scriptures. And mention is made of prophets in different ages, of whose utterances nothing is recorded. In like manner, after the close of the canon of the Scripture, the Holy Spirit was still to continue its work, to enlighten, warn, and comfort the children of God.

God has been pleased to communicate His truth to the world by human agencies, and He Himself, by His Holy Spirit, qualified men and enabled them to do this work. He guided the mind in the selection of what to speak and what to write. The treasure was entrusted to earthen vessels, yet it is, nonetheless, from Heaven. The testimony is conveyed through the imperfect expression of human language, yet it is the testimony of God; and the obedient, believing child of God beholds in it the glory of a divine power, full of grace and truth.” Great Controversy, p. vi-vii.

But, though we can rely on another’s Testimony of Jesus, it eventually comes down to everyone being required to have his own. It was always the Lord’s will for the whole nation of Israel to be a kingdom of priests and prophets, and likewise for His church. “But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of His.” (Rom. 8:9). “Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2Cor. 13:5).

The warning here is that without the living connection with heaven, without ever striving to be humbled by the grace of Jesus and to fear the truth of God, we cannot trust that we are in the heavenly kingdom of God; we are in danger of being cut off completely. Salvation is a serious issue, and not one to play around with. “Doing church”, or just going through the religious motions, should never give a person the idea that everything is good between that person and Christ. There is much in the scriptures in regard to this. Many people are deceiving themselves that they are safe and sound and bound for the promised land. “Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision.” (Joel 3:14). “Woe unto you that desire the day of the LORD! to what end is it for you? the day of the LORD is darkness, and not light.” (Amos 5:18). Self-deception was a long-standing problem in Israel, in their neighboring cousins, and in the whole pagan world. So, let’s not kid ourselves that such an age-old, persistent, globally pervasive problem is not a problem in the church, and even among the remnant people. Thus, the ever present need for the pointed, appealing overtures by the Testimony of Jesus, not provoking His “children to wrath” (Eph. 6:4), but certainly provoking them “unto love and to good works” (Heb. 10:24). A provocation that has led to the death of many prophets.

“Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.

For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God….

For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost,

And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come,

If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put Him to an open shame.

For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God:

But that which beareth thorns and briers is rejected, and is nigh unto cursing; whose end is to be burned.

But, beloved, we are persuaded better things of you, and things that accompany salvation, though we thus speak.” (Heb. 5:11-6:1, 4-9).

True spirituality leads to the love of reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness. “Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord:... that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death.” (Phil. 3:8,10). Genuine spirituality is the true spirit that accepts the Spirit of truth. The reception of Jesus’ truth and grace is the reception of Himself. It is the adoption of His influence, superimposing itself, spoken of in the scriptures as a robe, onto all who receive Him. It made Balaam speak words that he didn’t want to speak, but feared to not speak. It transforms every nature that it enters, and takes control of our wicked, fallen nature, moving it to do righteousness. As we read from John 6:63, it is the spirit in us that must accept the pointed, quickening spirit of Jesus’ words. His words testify of Him; His pointed words empower the receiver, and we come to Jesus for life as we let His words enter our conscience, “by His Spirit in the inner man” (Eph. 3:16). The tonic testimony of Jesus imparts life to all who stand before it, as the tart fruit of the tree of life did to Adam and Eve.

And obedience to His words is part of the equation for working His words in us. His children will keep themselves from idols, and all who do will grow up more and more into sons of God, “Boanerges, which is, The sons of thunder.” (Mark 3:17). But, all who let His words slip away become whelmed in idolatry, weakened vessels, and spiritually effeminate. They have no real reliance on Christ. Christ’s love is not their primary object of search, and God and His Son’s words and Spirit (see Romans 8:9; Galatians 4:6) cease to be their guide. To be a Christian we must walk with the constant witness of THEIR Spirit. (Here I will say that in order to distinguish pronouns for the Father and Son, I will capitalize the first letter of the Son (His); and I will capitalize all pronoun letters for the “greater” Father (HIS), as well as the pronouns for both of Them joined together (THEIR). And also, in order to help the Testimony of Jesus to stand out, I will use the Strong’s numbers for the variously translated words which signify the required witness of the Spirit that every Christian needs and must strive to have: G3140, G3141, G3142, G3144.)

“This is He that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that beareth witnessG3140, because the Spirit is truth.

For there are three that bear recordG3140, …the Spirit, and the water, and the blood: and these three agree in one.

If we receive the witnessG3141 of men, the witnessG3141 of God is greater: for this is the witnessG3141 of God which He hath testifiedG3140 of HIS Son.

He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witnessG3141 in himself: he that believeth not God hath made HIM a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of HIS Son.

And this is the recordG3141, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in HIS Son.” (1Jn. 5:6-11).

“For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (Eph. 2:18;1Cor. 12:13).

“And HE that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because He maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Rom. 8:27). “If we walk in the light, as HE is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ HIS Son cleanseth us from all sin.” (1Jn. 1:7).

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God….Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit….Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testifyG3140 that we have seen.”(John 3:3,5,6,11).

“He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witnessG3141 in himself.” (1Jn. 5:10). “The Spirit itself beareth witnessG4828 with our spirit, that we are the children of God: and if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with Him, that we may be also glorified together.” (Rom. 8:16,17).

“Whereof the Holy Ghost also is a witnessG3140 to us: for after that HE had said before, This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, saith the Lord, I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them; and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more” (Heb. 10:15-7),“by whom we have now received the atonement.” (Rom. 5:11).

To have the Testimony of Jesus is a highly prized gift. Those who possess it have sold everything earthly for that heavenly treasure. They have inclined their ear for God’s acceptance; they have applied their heart for a view of HIS grace, and have cried for that heavenly wisdom; they have lifted up their voice to HIM; they have sought reconciliation with Him as silver, and searched for HIS SPIRIT of adoption as for hid treasures (Prov. 2:2-4). Now they have the gift of God; they have the Testimony of Jesus. But, with the great privilege and prize as is the Testimony of Jesus, comes a life of hardship. The testimony is death to self; it is the confession from one whose mind is fixated on Jesus.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on Thee.” (Isa. 26:3).

“My heart is fixed [H3559 kûn, “fastened”], O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise.” (Ps. 57:7).

“Surely he shall be be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the Lord.” (Ps. 112:6,7).
 

The Testimony of Jesus is the blessedness that Paul wrote of in Romans 4:6 and Galatians 4:16. And although it is sweet in the mouth and bitter in the belly, the vulnerability that comes from its death to self is worth every second of its sweet love, joy, and peace. The Greek word for testimony is: G3141 martureo (testify, bear witness/record); G3140 marturia (testimony, witness, record); 3144 martus (a witness). As in:

“I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast My name, and hast not denied My faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was My faithful martyrG3144, who was slain among you, where Satan dwelleth.” (Rev. 2:13).

And those difficulties and tragedies associated with the Testimony of Jesus also apply to other verses.

“I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimonyG3141 of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 1:9).

“And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimonyG3141 which they held: and they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost Thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (Rev. 6:9-11).

“And I will give power unto My two witnessesG3143, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.

These are the two olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth.

And if any man will hurt them, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must in this manner be killed.

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

And when they shall have finished their testimonyG3141, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.” (Rev. 11:3-7).

“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimonyG3141; and they loved not their lives unto the death….And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimonyG3141 of Jesus Christ.” (Rev. 12:11,17).

“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witnessG3141 of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Rev. 20:4).

“Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimonyG3142 of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.” (2Tim. 1:8).

“I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessedG3140 a good confession.” (1Tim. 6:13).

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witnessG3143, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” (Rev. 1:5).

“But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimonyG3142 against them.” (Mark 13:9).

“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. And it shall turn to you for a testimonyG3142.” (Luke 21:12,13).

But, the first aspect of the testimony of Jesus is very wonderful to consider. Preaching Jesus was forbidden from the developing, embryonic and fetal church during their discipleship.

“And [Jesus] saith unto him [the healed leper], See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimonyG3142 unto them.” “And her parents were astonished: but He charged them that they should tell no man what was done.” “And He straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing.” (Mark 1:44;Luke 8:56;9:21, cf Matt. 8:4;Mark 7:36;9:9).

But, after His departure, everything the disciples had seen and heard was no longer to be kept to themselves, but was to be preached from the housetops.

“Therefore whatsoever ye have spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light; and that which ye have spoken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed upon the housetops.” (Luke 12:3). “What I tell you in darkness, that speak ye in light: and what ye hear in the ear, that preach ye upon the housetops. And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear HIM which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”(Matt. 10:27,28).

“And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: and that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. And ye are witnessesG3143 of these things. And, behold, I send the promise of My Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.” (Luke 24:46-49).

“And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith He, ye have heard of Me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence…. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnessesG3143  unto Me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.” (Acts 1:4,5,8).

The 120 witnesses searched the scriptures, recalling to themselves and rehearsing everything they had witnessed, beginning with John the Baptist.

“The same came for a witnessG3141, to bear witnessG3140 of the Light, that all men through Him might believe.” (John 1:7).

“And I saw, and bare recordG3140 that this is the Son of God.” (John 1:34).

They reorganized with 12 ordained apostolic leaders. “Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that He was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.” (Acts 1:22). No one could be a witness to something they had not seen, especially the leadership of 12 men. The whole story must be told. This was the turning point of Earth’s history, and their presentation must be faultless. Then at Pentecost, the Holy Ghost fell like the Early Rain, and, no longer held back by Jesus, they went forth testifying as witnesses of what they had seen and heard.

“Therefore being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him, that of the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, HE would raise up Christ to sit on his throne; he seeing this before spake of the resurrection of Christ, that his soul was not left in hell, neither his flesh did see corruption. This Jesus hath God raised up, whereof we all are witnessesG3143. Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, He hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.” (Acts 2:30-33).

“The God of Abraham, and of Isaac, and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, hath glorified HIS Son Jesus; whom ye delivered up, and denied Him in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go.

But ye denied the Holy One and the Just, and desired a murderer to be granted unto you;

And killed the Prince of life, whom God hath raised from the dead; whereof we are witnessesG3143.

And His name through faith in His name hath made this man strong, whom ye see and know: yea, the faith which is by Him hath given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all.

Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord;

And HE shall send Jesus Christ, which before was preached unto you:

Whom the heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began.

For Moses truly said unto the fathers, A prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you of your brethren, like unto Me; Him shall ye hear in all things whatsoever He shall say unto you.

And it shall come to pass, that every soul, which will not hear that prophet, shall be destroyed from among the people.

Yea, and all the prophets from Samuel and those that follow after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold of these days.

Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed.

Unto you first God, having raised up HIS Son Jesus, sent him to bless you, in turning away every one of you from his iniquities.” (Acts 3:13-26).

“And with great power gave the apostles witnessG3142 of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all.”(Acts 4:33).

“The God of our fathers raised up Jesus, whom ye slew and hanged on a tree. Him hath God exalted with HIS right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness of sins. And we are His witnessesG3143 of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey Him.” (Acts 5:30-32).
 

“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with Him. And we are witnessesG3143 of all things which He did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed Him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnessesG3143 chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with Him after He rose from the dead. And He commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is He which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.” (Acts 10:38-43).
“And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree, and laid Him in a sepulchre.

But God raised Him from the dead:

And He was seen many days of them which came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnessesG3143 unto the people.

And we declare unto you glad tidings, how that the promise which was made unto the fathers,

God hath fulfilled the same unto us their children, in that he hath raised up Jesus again; as it is also written in the second psalm, Thou art MY Son, this day have I begotten Thee.

And as concerning that HE raised Him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, HE said on this wise, I will give you the sure mercies of David.

Wherefore he saith also in another psalm, Thou shalt not suffer Thine Holy One to see corruption.

For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption:

But He, whom God raised again, saw no corruption.

Beware therefore, lest that come upon you, which is spoken of in the prophets;

Behold, ye despisers, and wonder, and perish: for I work a work in your days, a work which ye shall in no wise believe, though a man declare it unto you.” (Acts 13:29-41).

From His station on the throne of God, Jesus’ shepherding was real to His people. They heard His communications in their thoughts. Their beloved Master had gone away, but He was still near! He was the living God and with the living GOD! “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with Mine eye.” (Ps. 32:8). “And thine ears shall hear a word behind thee, saying, This is the way, walk ye in it, when ye turn to the right hand, and when ye turn to the left.” (Isa. 30:21). We see His guidance in the figurative pictures of Revelation. “And I saw, and behold a white horse: and He that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto Him: and He went forth conquering, and to conquer.” (Rev. 6:2).

“And he [Paul] said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know HIS will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of His mouth.

For thou shalt be His witnessG3143 unto all men of what thou hast seen and heard.” (Acts 22:14,15).

“But rise, and stand upon thy feet: for I have appeared unto thee for this purpose, to make thee a minister and a witnessG3143 both of these things which thou hast seen, and of those things in the which I will appear unto thee; delivering thee from the people, and from the Gentiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in Me.” (Acts 26:16-18).

“(For the Life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witnessG3140, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;)” (1Jn. 1:2).

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnessesG3143. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession.” (1Tim. 6:12,13).

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witnessG3143 of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed.” (1Pet. 5:1).

“And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witnessG3142 unto all nations; and then shall the end come.” (Matt. 24:14).

“Even as the testimonyG3142 of Christ was confirmed in you: so that ye come behind in no gift; waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ: who shall also confirm you unto the end, that ye may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (1Cor. 1:6-8).

“Who bare recordG3140 of the word of God, and of the testimonyG3141 of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw.” (Rev. 1:2).

“I Jesus have sent Mine angel to testifyG3140 unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” (Rev. 22:16).

“Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testifiedG3142 in due time. Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.”(1Tim. 2:6,7).

“And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimonyG3142 of God.” (1Cor. 2:1).

The following references of the Testimony of Jesus are examples of other aspects of the testimony that relate God’s will to others.

“If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?... He that cometh from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaketh of the earth: He that cometh from heaven is above all…. He that hath received His testimonyG3141 hath set to his seal that God is true. For He whom God hath sent speaketh the words of God: for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto Him.”(John 3:12,31,33,34).

“For our rejoicing is this, the testimonyG3142 of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.” (2Cor. 1:12).

“When He shall come to be glorified in His saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimonyG3142 among you was believed) in that day.” (2Thess. 1:10).

“Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnessesG3143. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession.” (1Tim. 6:12,13).

“And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witnessG3143, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood.” (Rev. 1:5).

The testimony of Jesus, although spoken from weak mortals, is recognized by heaven for its divine origin. The testimony is Christ’s righteous indignation flashing forth through their robe of His righteousness and piercing the conscience of the armies of the alien. The testimony, received or rejected, as such goes into the Book of Life. Changes in that eternal entry of the Book of Life can happen through repentance; but changes are rare.

“Verily, verily, I say unto thee, We speak that we do know, and testifyG3140 that we have seen; and ye receive not our witnessG3141….And what He hath seen and heard, that He testifiethG3140; and no man receiveth His testimonyG3141.” (John 3:11,32).

“But Jesus did not commit Himself unto them, because He knew all men, and needed not that any should testifyG3140 of man: for He knew what was in man.” (John 2:24,25).

We are made to drink of one Spirit, which is Jesus’and which flows from Him. “In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink. He that believeth on Me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. (But this spake He of the Spirit, which they that believe on Him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.)” (John 7:37-39).

“Therefore will I divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the spoil with the strong; because He hath poured out His soul unto death: and He was numbered with the transgressors; and He bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.” (Isa. 53:12).

“All things that the Father hath are Mine: therefore said I, that HE shall take of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.” (John 16:15).

“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb…. And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.” (Rev. 22:1,17).

And in the Spirit of God and His only begotten Son, we all have perfect fellowship and unity.

“And the glory which THOU gavest Me I have given them; that they may be one, even as We are one.” (John 17:22).

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.” (1Cor. 12:12,13).

“Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto Me, and drink.” (John 7:37).

“But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;

And that He might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby:

And came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh.

For through Him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.

Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.” (Eph. 2:13-18).

“With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

One Lord, one faith, one baptism,

One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Eph. 4:2-6).

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel;

And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake;

Having the same conflict which ye saw in me, and now hear to be in me.

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” (Phil. 1:27-2:3).

The testimony of Jesus is the voice of God’s Spirit to the conscience of the hearers, sometimes the last voice they will ever hear.

“And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimonyG3142 against them. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” (Mark 6:11).

“But take heed to yourselves: for they shall deliver you up to councils; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten: and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimonyG3142 against them.”(Mark 13:9).
“But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake.
And it shall turn to you for a testimonyG3142.
Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:

For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.” (Luke 21:12-15).

“And ye shall be brought before governors and kings for my sake, for a testimonyG3142 against them and the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.” (Matt. 10:18-20).

The baptism (G907 baptizo, “wash”) of the Spirit of Christ was a washing, inside and out. No one who received the blessed Spirit of prophecy regretted it. To testify of Jesus was a confession of the heart, and an opportunity for the Spirit to flow through them.