The Evangelist John in 1 John 5:5-13, informs us that there are 3 witnesses to Jesus,

• Spirit (The Holy Spirit)
• Water (Baptism)
• Blood (Eucharist)

Experts say, this text has been changed many times over, and the original text may have only rereferred to water and blood; matching John’s own remark in the Gospel, that he saw water and blood flow out of Jesus.

All the same, expanding it to say Spirit, water and blood, does no harm, because, it encompasses the same Truth and reality. And adding to this text, is the Gospel, and the revelation of Jesus is complete. Mark recalls, John the Baptist’s testimony of seeing the descent of the Holy Spirit on Jesus, as also The Father’s Voice affirming Jesus’ Sonship. We can connect this to the Transfiguration; where the Father affirms His relationship with Jesus as also telling us to Listen to Him.

The evangelist in 1 John is telling us look at the fruits of the Christian Community, whose life revolves around the Holy Spirit (Prayer and Guidance), Baptism (as in discarding of old Self in body, mind and spirit, and taking on Jesus’ Mind, Spirit and understanding – a relearning and realignment to God), Eucharist (being sustained by God through the New Covenant). Even in the midst of hatred, persecution and confusion, they are victorious.

Yes, do read the history of the Church, it is all messed up, because Jesus came to save everyone; those messed up, those smart, those foolish, those sure of themselves, actually everyone. Besides this, it has been brutally persecuted and reviled by many, especially those in power. Yet it has survived and continues to be the beacon of light to the world.

Choose to believe in Jesus the Son of God become human (incarnate) especially for you and me. And you will be opening your life  to a new identity – being called God’s Children.