Second Part of Article:
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THE EMPHASIS AND IMPETUS OF FAITH
(AND GROUNDS OF ASSURANCE)
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 II. THE FULFILLMENT:
WITNESSES, WITNESSES, WITNESSES
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The "Seed" Has Come
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 With all of that said, let us now hurriedly move on to the New Testament Scriptures. Here we see the grand climax of it all. It is no longer the message that the "seed" was coming, he has come. Galatians 4:4 states that "when the fullness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman..." As the time was fast approaching for his arrival, the angel explained the unusual situation to Joseph, "And she [Mary] shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sin" (Matthew 1:21). Before, the angel had personally said to Mary, "Behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end" (Luke 1:31-33). With the birth of Jesus, the angel called out to the shepherds in the field, "For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11). Just before Jesus started his public ministry, John the Baptist said that the time was fulfilled and told the Jews to "repent ye, and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). They already believed in God, but their faith was to be taken to a new level in believing in Jesus Christ. Read Romans 1:1-4 and then the 15th chapter of 1 Corinthians. John declares that "for this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil" (1 John 3:8). It was "through death he [Christ] might destroy him that had the power of death, that is the devil" (Hebrews 2:14; Genesis 3:15). Paul, viewing the greater scope of it all and its wonderful outcome, speaks of the "hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began…" (Titus 1:2,3). Yes, Jesus was the "seed" that was to come. Paul nails this down in Galatians 3:16, "Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one. And to thy seed, which is Christ.." Peter, in his preaching following Pentecost, openly declares that Jesus is the "seed" through whom all families of the earth would be blessed and he explains about this blessing (Acts 3:25,26). How great and wonderful are all of these truths in their fulfillment!
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"In the Mouth of 
Two or Three Witnesses"
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 Fittingly, the New Testament Scriptures begin with the four gospel accounts of the life of Christ (although the New Testament proper does not begin until after his crucifixion, Hebrews 9:15-17). There was a principle laid down in the Old Testament, which reoccurs throughout the Bible that is quite relevant here. That is, "in the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established" (Deuteronomy 17:6; 19:15; Matthew 18:16; John 8:17,18; 2 Corinthians 13:1). Here we have two witnesses doubled, or one beyond three witnesses. Actually two of the writers, Matthew and John, were first hand witnesses and two, Mark and Luke, were "witnesses" in a secondary sense. Matthew and John as apostles of Christ had accompanied Jesus in his ministry and were among the official witnesses set aside to tell about it. Mark and Luke were somewhat removed, but very close. It is generally thought that since Mark was a close associate of Peter, his writings directly represent Peter’s preaching. Then since Luke was very close to Paul, Paul’s preaching would be reflected in his writings. Luke speaks of the faith of Christians and witnesses that verified the truthfulness of it (Luke 1:1-4).
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The Synoptic Gospels and John
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 Upon reading the four gospel accounts, it becomes apparent that the first three are much alike in the way they present the life of Christ. Consequently, they are called the "synoptic" gospels (seen together). John is different in his approach. Matthew seems to have been written initially for a Jewish reading audience, and it is believed by this writer to have been the first written. The gospel was first preached among the Jews and such a document at an early date would have been highly desirable. Perhaps that is why it was placed first in the New Testament canon of Scriptures. It has been suggested that Mark was especially suited for a Roman reading audience, and Luke, bearing the name of Theophilus (a Greek name) as the one who received it, was for a Greek audience. John with its simple, yet awesomely profound, gospel message comes last and is regarded to have been the last one written.
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Where Each Gospel 
Writer Begins the Story of Jesus
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 Interestingly, in presenting the wonderful story of Christ, Matthew identifies Jesus as the "son of David" and then takes us back to Abraham and his line of descent (Matthew 1:1f). For a Jewish reading audience, this would be very impressive and necessary. Although it states that the Lord’s birth was a virgin birth, the ancestral lineage here is considered to be that of Joseph as this would be a legal requirement for Jesus to be the Messiah in the way that Jews looked at things. Next, Mark in the beginning of his account ushers us right into the dynamic of John the Baptist preaching, the baptism of Jesus and then we move with rapid pace into the Lord’s earthly ministry (Mark 1:1ff). Following, Luke’s account traces the lineage of Jesus all of the way back to Adam (Luke 3:23-38). This is significant because it is thought that this ancestral table is that of Mary, the mother of Jesus, wherein the Lord actually made his flesh and blood contact with humanity. Then the gospel of John in its prologue takes us all of the way back into eternity with awe-inspiring information. "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God" (John1:1), and amazingly we learn that God became flesh in Jesus Christ (John 1:14). The gospel accounts are great and wonderful in their scope and presentation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Our faith is grounded in the records of these faithful witnesses.
The Gospel of John: Witnesses,
Testimony, Bearing Record, Believing
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 The gospel of John is unique and in many ways stands alone in its graphic presentation of the mighty Son of God. We would have no trouble understanding what John is trying to get across, but after almost completing this great work, he states, "And many other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book: But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name" (John 20:30,31). Throughout this gospel John is preoccupied with witnesses, testimony and bearing record of that which has taken place. With him witnesses, and especially having two or three credible witnesses, is basic to faith and the acceptance of the truthfulness and reliability of what he writes. The Jewish nation already believed in Jehovah God as revealed in the Old Testament. Now they must be convinced that Jesus is God incarnate, the Christ and the promised Savior of the world. The miracles and signs that Jesus did were his credentials. They inspired faith and trust.
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Keep This in Mind
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 When we read John, if we keep John 20:30 and 31 in mind (as well as witnesses, testimonies and bearing record), it will be amazing how this will help us get hold of what John is driving at. The prologue establishes the truth that the Word became flesh and introduces us to John’s first witness of this truth. "There was a man sent from God, whose name was John [the Baptist]. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe" (John 1:6,7—read this entire chapter). In chapter 2 after the miracle at the wedding feast, John writes, "This beginning of miracles did Jesus in Cana of Galilee, and manifested forth his glory; and his disciples believed on him" (2:11). With the cleansing of the temple, the Jewish leaders wanted a "sign" from him to validate his having asserted such authority. He spoke to them of the ultimate "sign" that was to come, which they didn’t understand. "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up" (2:18-22). But some of the leaders believed because of his miracles, like Nicodemus in chapter 3. Notice the reoccurrence of the words "testify" and "witness" in this chapter (3:11,26,28,32,33). In chapter 4 the Lord’s supernatural knowledge about the Samaritan woman brought about an early declaration of faith from these people (4:29,39-42). The nobleman’s son is healed—another "sign," faith (4:46-54).
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More Than One Witness
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 Jesus heals a man on the Sabbath day that had been an invalid for 38 years to the dismay of the unbelieving Jews (John 5). And on top of that he called God his Father. They accuse Jesus of making himself equal with God, and what he said in answering them no doubt intensified their hostile feelings toward him. He ties his works and that of the Father together. He declares his authority, even to judge the world. He appeals to witnesses beyond himself in reference to his identity. (1) There was the witness of the Father (5:32,37-39,46,47—perhaps including the Old Testament Scriptures). (2) There was the witness of John the Baptist (5:32-35). (3) And the works that Jesus did bore witness of him (5:36). Then again this principle of two or three witnesses surfaces in 8:17 and 18 when Jesus answered the Pharisees at another time. "It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me."
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The Connecting Theme Continues
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 So the thrust of the connecting theme continues throughout the book of John. John 7:31 reads, "And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles that these which this man hath done?" Jesus said, "I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work" (9:4). Thereupon he heals the man blind from birth. Later we read of the prodding of the Jews and how the Lord answered. "How long dost thou make us to doubt [hold us in suspense]? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father’s name, they bear witness of me" (10:24,25).
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5,000 People Fed, Lazarus Raised
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 The feeding of 5,000 people with merely five barley loaves and two small fish and the raising of Lazarus from the dead are miracles of greatest magnitude. John records them both. Even after feeding the vast multitude of people from such a small initial amount, there were twelve baskets full left over. "Then those men when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, This is of a truth that prophet that should come into the world" (6:14). And the raising of Lazarus is only exceeded by his own resurrection. When Martha came out to meet Jesus, he spoke these reassuring words to her, "I am the resurrection and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die…" (11:25,26). Lazarus had been dead four days, and his unembalmed body in that warm climate had already begun to decay. Arriving at the tomb after the emotional encounter with the other sister, Jesus prayed and then he said, "Lazarus, come forth." "And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with grave clothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go. Then many of the Jews which came to Mary, and had seen the things which Jesus did, believed on him" (11:43-45). Only Almighty God would have power over life and death in such a manner. What a sign! (And signs!) In the feeding of the 5,000 life was sustained. In the raising of Lazarus from the dead life was brought back. Believe! Believe!
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The Sign of All Signs
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 The ministry of Christ and the week leading up to the crucifixion were now behind him. John has vividly highlighted some of this for us. His "hour" had come (13:1; 17:1). Now Isaiah 53 will be graphically fulfilled right before our eyes. The heel of the "seed" of woman would be bruised as he crushed the head of the serpent. Then in concluding the awful ordeal of the cross and the excruciating suffering that the Lord had to endure, he cried out, "It is finished!" (John 19:30). But the crowning victory, and the sign of all signs, was yet to be witnessed. This happened three days later with his resurrection from the dead. The empty tomb, his repeated appearances to his disciples, all proclaimed his victory (and the victory for all of mankind). And, as Paul would write of the Lord Jesus later, "Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification" (Romans 4:25). For some reason Thomas was not there when Jesus first appeared to his disciples after his resurrection. In unbelief, He said, "Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe" (John 20:25). But after eight days and the unquestioned appearance of Jesus in their midst, this was not necessary. Without hesitation Thomas spontaneously cried out with emotion, "My Lord and my God!" (20:28). Then we read, "Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed" (20:29). This is when John told us as to why he wrote his gospel. There were many other signs that Jesus did, but this was the apex of them all (his resurrection), and these things were written that we might believe and in believing that we might have life through his name (20:30,31). Amen!
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More Witnesses,
The Holy Spirit and the Apostles
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 The emphasis on witnesses is found throughout the gospel of John, but that is not the end of the story. Jesus, speaking to his disciples the night before his crucifixion, told them of the coming of the Holy Spirit who would guide them into all truth (John 16:13; 14:26). He also said, "He shall testify of me: And ye [the apostles] shall bear witness, because ye have been with me from the beginning" (John 15:26,27). Here we learn that the Holy Spirit and the apostles are appointed to be witnesses. Not only are they to be witnesses, but, as we shall see, witnesses in conjunction with one another. Witnesses were very important in verifying God’s truth. Bona fide eyewitnesses were especially important in backing up the claims of the resurrection of Christ. This new phase of witnessing is parallel with the coming of the New Testament (that must be verified by witnesses, Hebrews 9:15-17) and the carrying out of the Great Commission (Mark 16:20), as well as supplying the affirmative grounds for all belief and trust. In the book of Acts we see these things unfold before us.
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Empowered Witnesses Bearing Witness
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 Before he ascended to heaven the Lord said to the apostles, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost [Spirit] is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8). Christ’s plan called for twelve apostles to guide the establishment of the early church and to be his official eyewitnesses. Judas was no longer with them. Peter, their leading spokesman, addressed the situation. He said, "Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained [placed] to be a witness with us of his resurrection" (Acts 1:22). Obviously with the Lord’s approval, Matthias filled the slot (Acts 1:24-26). The outpouring of the Holy Spirit comes upon the apostles in the next chapter. They explain what is going on to the curious crowds that have gathered and bear witness to the resurrection of Christ (2:1-4,14,22-36). All was in accordance with what the Lord had said (John 15:26,27). Peter summed up his witnessing by saying, "Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ." In response to his clear-cut words, 3000 believing people repent and are baptized into Christ (2:36-43). Reference to witnesses is repeatedly found in the book of Acts (3:15; 4:33; 5:32; 10:39; 13:31; etc.). The witnessing of the Holy Spirit in connection with the apostles is clearly seen in Acts 4:33, "And with great power [of the Holy Spirit] gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all." This same truth is repeated in Acts 5:32 ("And we [apostles] are his witnesses of these things, and so is also the Holy Ghost [Spirit], whom God hath given to them that obey him"). The writer of Hebrews (2:3,4) likewise sums it up nicely. He speaks of the "great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him [the apostles]; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and divers [diverse] miracles, and gifts [distributions] of the Holy Ghost [Holy Spirit], according to his own will." This supernatural manifestation of divine power backed up their personal testimony about Christ. Their message was thereby authenticated as being from God and people believed.
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 Paul appeared belatedly on the scene, but he was nonetheless an apostle in the full sense of that word (which involved miraculous powers and being a witness). He was a special apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 26:16-18; Acts 9:15; Romans 15:16; 1 Corinthians 9:1; 2 Corinthians 12:12). He bore witness.
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John Bears Witness Again
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 We have already noticed that John in his gospel account was preoccupied with witnesses and bearing witness. In his other writings this still seems to occupy his thoughts. He makes this declaration as he begins his first epistle. "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, of the Word of life; (For the life was manifested, and we have seen it, and bear witness, and shew unto you that eternal life, which was with the Father, and was manifested unto us;) That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you…" (1 John 1:1-3). Later in the book he will declare again that "we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world" (1 John 4:14). The fifth chapter is full of references to witnesses, even speaking of sets of witnesses by three (1 John 5:6-11). Why all of this writing? Why this incessant appeal to witnesses? He tells us. "These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe [continue to believe] on the name of the Son of God" (1 John 5:13). Witnesses boost our faith and make sure the grounds of our assurance.
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Conclusion Appeal
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 Yes, we believe in the reality of God who is from everlasting to everlasting. But this faith only becomes meaningful when we trust Him. In Adam and Eve the human race sinned and became a dying race. But God spoke, God promised triumph over the serpent and God cannot lie (Genesis 3:15; 12:1-3). This was the great impetus of man’s faith through the ages, and knowing that God cannot lie meant that it would surely come to pass. Yes, God became flesh, incarnate, in Jesus Christ to save us from our sins and their awful consequences. The resurrection of Christ anticipates our resurrection and assures our hope. Witnesses verified the glorious news of his resurrection. This is the gospel. Our trust is in Jesus. That old hymn states it well:
Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.
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And another hymn so vividly expresses the sentiments of our heart.
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‘Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord."
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O, how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood,
Just in simple faith to plunge me
‘Neath the healing cleansing flood.
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Yes, ‘tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.
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I’m so glad I learned to trust Thee.
Precious Jesus, Savior, Friend
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.
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Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him;
How I’ve proved Him o’er and o’er;
Jesus, Jesus, Precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more.
 Kind reader, have you through faith accepted the Lord Jesus Christ to be your Savior? With the apostle Peter we say unto you, "Therefore let all…know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye [they] crucified, both Lord and Christ" (Acts 2:36). Those people who heard this testimony of Peter and his conclusion on that Day of Pentecost, cried out, "Men and brethren, what shall we do?" Peter’s reply: "Repent, and be baptized [immersed] every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost [Spirit]" (Acts 2:38). Accept the Christ of God today and know personal victory in your own life. Trust him. (END)
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