There are three that testify: the Spirit and the water and the blood and these three agree. —1 John 5:7-8
Today’s sermon text contains this striking poetic passage about “the Spirit and the water and the blood”—one that has caused no shortage of debates throughout church history. Are these “witnesses” to Christ’s incarnation? Is John referencing Jesus’ birth and death, the beginning and end of His earthly ministry, or the elements that left His body at the crucifixion? Perhaps the Trinity is in view, or all of these and more? You’ll find all three images (water, blood, spirit) in the hymns we sing throughout the service. The Wicked Man Fears Not The Lord (Psalm 36), Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, and Jesus, Lover Of My Soul all reference water in some way: the “river of delight” found in God’s presence, and the “crystal fountain” and “healing streams” of His loving care. Not What My Hands Have Done and Nothing But The Blood speak of Jesus’ blood (“no other blood will do”), fitting for communion hymns. The sung response in the center of the service, Rock Of Ages, Cleft For Me, mentions “the water and the blood from Thy wounded side,” while There Is No Greater Portrait concludes the service with a prayer for the Holy Spirit to “cause [us] to love You to the
end.” —Henry C. Haffner