Scripture Notes on John 5
“If I testify about Myself, My testimony is not valid… But I have a greater testimony than John’s because of the works that the Father has given Me to accomplish. These very works I am doing testify about Me that the Father has sent Me.” (John 5:31, 36)
For Jesus to prove He was the Messiah, the Anointed One sent from God, it wasn’t enough to just say it. He needed to show it.
He didn’t tell those around Him, “Trust me, guys, I know a LOT of Bible verses.” He didn’t try to prove His calling by pointing to all the nice things He said, or how well He could recite religious principles. Jesus basically said, “If you want proof of who and what I am, look at what I DO.”
The same is true for you and me.
Lots of people can say the right words and give the right answers. Plenty of those who say they follow Christ can quote Bible verses and argue theological points.
However, the real test of a person who claims to have been born again isn’t just how they talk, but how they spend their time. It isn’t just their theology that matters, it’s their treatment of others. It isn’t how pretty their words are, but how generous their wallet is. It isn’t just their growing grasp of truth, it’s their increasing reflexes of love.
Salvation comes through faith alone in Christ alone, but actions reveal if salvation has really occurred. You can say what you want about what you believe. How you behave tells the truth about whether or not you’ve truly been changed by Jesus.
Your actions declare what you are.
-Pastor Phillip
