The Witness of the Spirit

“The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God; … if so be that we suffer with, him.”—Romans 8:16,17

THE Spirit of God is his power, or influence. The Hebrew word in the Old Testament translated “Spirit” is ruwach, and in the New Testament the Greek word pneuma is the one rendered Spirit in our English Bibles. The original meaning of both of these words was wind, but through usage their meaning gradually broadened to include almost any kind of invisible power or influence. As the power or influence of God is invisible, it cane to be used by the ancients to describe that power. God’s power is always holy, never unholy, so it is properly said to be his Holy Spirit.

There are at least two ways in which God’s power operates. One of these we might speak of as mechanical and arbitrary. It was this operation of his power which brought into existence all his wonderful works of creation. All the inanimate things of his creation are arbitrarily controlled by his power. Thus the universe is held together and caused to function. But there is another manner in which God’s power operates, which is by appealing to the hearts and minds of those created in his image by a revelation of his will and inviting their obedience to that will. We might speak of this as the power or influence of God’s mind over ours. When we are thus endeavoring to be guided by his revealed will, we are being led by his Spirit.

God reveals his will through his written Word. In the Bible his mind is mirrored to us. Jesus spoke of the Holy Spirit as the “Spirit of truth,” meaning that the influence of God’s mind over ours is through our knowledge of the truth and our surrender to it. (John 14:16,17,26) Practically every function of the truth pertaining to our lives as Christians is through the Word of truth. A moment’s reflection will remind us how literally this is true, for we but have to remember that the entire Word of God is a product of the Holy Spirit.

The apostle explains that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.” (II Peter 1:21) The teachings of Jesus and the apostles were inspired by the Holy Spirit. The one perfect example we have of the will of God for the followers of the Master is in the life of the Master, and his was a Spirit-filled life. Whenever, therefore, we open the pages of the Bible to seek instruction for our guidance in doing the will of God, it means that we are putting ourselves in contact with, or under the guidance of, the Holy Spirit.

Through the Word of truth, God not only directs his consecrated people in the doing of his will, but he encourages them with the assurance that he has accepted them into his family and will give them strength to follow in the Master’s footsteps. It is these assurances that Paul speaks of in our text as the “witness” of the Spirit. The witness of the Spirit is in reality God’s testimony to us of his love, that wondrous love which he has bestowed upon us in making us his sons. (I John 3:1-3) It is only by being assured of this blessed sonship that we can have full confidence that his love is overshadowing us and we can look up to him and cry, “Abba, Father.”—Rom. 8:15

The Witness in Us

Through his Word, hence by his Holy Spirit, God has assured us in many ways of our standing with him, although only twice is the English term “witness” used in these assurances. One of these is that of I John 5:9,10—“If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater: for this is the witness of God which he hath testified of his Son. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself; he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son.”

The expression, “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself,” is a very important one. The Apostle John, who wrote these words, quotes Jesus as saying, “No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him.” (John 6:44) This, then, is apparently the “witness” that every sincere believer has in himself, namely, that the Father has drawn him to Christ, that his knowing of Christ and believing on him is of God, not of men. This is a most important witness of our relationship with God, and it is a witness of the Spirit because it was the Holy Spirit which inspired John to furnish this information.

The devil is ever active, trying to discourage all who have consecrated themselves to do God’s will. He tries to make them believe that they have not been accepted by God. One of his misleading sophistries in this connection is the erroneous theory that the door to the, high calling is closed, hence that God does not now accept any newcomers. There are absolutely no Scriptures to substantiate this discouraging theory, but we should not be surprised at this, for after all we should not expect to find scriptures to support error. The devil, of course, quotes scriptures. He did this when trying to turn Jesus aside from the course of sacrifice, but they were misapplied. We should always be on the alert to distinguish between clear, unequivocal scriptural teachings and the speculations of men which are based upon imaginary types and misapplied scriptures or illustrations.

Have you through the truth been drawn to the Lord? Has the truth revealed to you the Son of God and his part in the divine plan? Do you recognize that through him, and through the merit of his blood is the only way you can approach unto God with the assurance of his acceptance? Has the truth revealed to you the invitation of the Scriptures to present yourself in sacrifice, to make a full consecration of your all to do God’s will? Have you made such a consecration, and if so, has God since been blessing you with an ever increasing appreciation of his love and a clearer understanding of his promises, particularly those exceeding “great and precious promises” whereby we “might be partakers of the divine nature”?—II Pet. 1:4

If so, you have the witness of the Spirit through Jesus that the providences of God have been overshadowing you, drawing you, enlightening you, and begetting you by his Spirit to be of his spiritual sons—a member of the house of sons over which Jesus is the Head. (Heb. 3:6) The testimony of some men may be that God cannot thus accept those who come to him for the purpose of making them joint-heirs with Christ, but the testimony of Christ is to the contrary. No man can come to him, Jesus said, unless the Father draws him. There is only one calling during this present age. True, we are very near to the end of the age, but there isn’t a single text of Scripture to prove that a calling to restitution will be opened while members of the church are still this side of the veil.

So the very fact that we have been drawn to Christ, and through Christ to God and have been inspired by the truth to make a consecration and to run for the prize of the high calling, witnesses that God himself is dealing with us, for no one can come to Christ otherwise. How it would belittle God to suppose that he has no more control over the influence of his Holy Spirit as exercised through his Word, than to allow hundreds, or perhaps thousands, to come in contact with it, to be influenced by it, believe it, and upon the basis of this belief lay down their lives in sacrifice, only to discover that it is all contrary to his will! No, no, brethren! Just as the work of the Holy Spirit in connection with the call and development of the church could not begin until God’s due time, which was at Pentecost, so it cannot continue beyond God’s fixed time; and as long as it does continue, and we can see unmistakable evidences of it, we may be certain that God’s due time for the end of all opportunity to run for the prize of the high calling has not yet come.

If We Suffer with Him

The other use of the term “witness” as descriptive of God’s acceptance of our consecration, and of us as probationary members of the body of Christ, is in the text at the head of this article. In this passage the apostle explains that the Spirit of God testifies that we are the children of God and joint-heirs with Christ, “if” we suffer with him. The scriptural background of this thought is very clear and definite. From I Peter 1:11 we learn that the “Spirit” of God caused the Old Testament prophets to testify concerning the “sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow.”

In this epistle Peter emphasizes the very important truth of the Gospel that the consecrated followers of Jesus share in his sufferings which the prophets foretold. So the meaning of Paul’s words is clear. If we have been drawn to the Lord, consecrated ourselves to do his will, and are having the privilege of suffering with Christ, then the Holy Spirit, through the prophets, is testifying, or witnessing, to us that we are having a share in the divine arrangements which his Spirit caused his prophets to record.

Some may feel that they are doing very little suffering with Christ, hence wonder if this witness really belongs to them. But we should not think of suffering as necessarily meaning bitter and painful persecution, beginning as we enter the narrow way, and continuing to its close. Even Jesus did not suffer in this way. Jesus was never popular with the religious rulers of his day, but the common people loved him and gladly accepted his services. He was self-sacrificing in his service to others, but much of the time he moved within a circle of trusted and beloved friends, engaging occasionally merely in word battles with the scribes and Pharisees.

Not until near the close of his ministry did the prince of darkness marshal his hosts against the Master with such fury as to bring about his arrest and death. It was then that he had his real Gethsemane. The main thing was that he was ready for the severe suffering when it came. And this is the important consideration for us.

Meanwhile, are we keeping separate from the world and discovering more and more each day how little interest we really have in its selfish ways? In holding aloof from the world because our interests are on higher things, do we sense that its “cold shoulder” is turned toward us? Are we letting our light shine so that our friends and neighbors know that we do not share their views on politics and religion, and because of this do we sense their lack of interest in us? In other words, has our acceptance of the truth and of Jesus, and our consecration to follow in his steps, caused us to realize more and more vividly each day that while we are in the world, we are not of the world? If so, the Spirit of God is bearing witness with our spirits that we are the children of God!

Meanwhile, let us zealously use the present favorable period of comparative calm in our Christian experience to fortify ourselves in preparation for the more severe trials which may come later. Let us not be overly concerned about a possible great and final test of our loyalty to the Lord while perhaps neglecting the little opportunities that come our way almost every day of letting our light shine, of standing up for him, and of enduring hardness as good soldiers of Jesus Christ. It is only those who, by leaning on God’s grace, are faithful in small ways who will grow strong in the Lord and thus be prepared for the more difficult trials which may come later.

Closely allied with the “witness of the Spirit” concerning our privilege of suffering with Christ are the words of the Master, “Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words, … of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father.” (Mark 8:38) How do we stand with respect to this matter? Do we have a longing desire to honor God and Jesus on every suitable occasion by bearing witness to the truth concerning them and concerning the divine plan in which their love for the church and the world is revealed? If so, then we have this witness that the Master will be glad to own us “when he cometh in the glory of his Father.” And this agrees with Paul’s assurance that if we suffer with him, we shall be also glorified together.

Overcoming the World

John wrote, “Whosoever is born [begotten] of God overcometh the world.” (I John 5:4) The begetting is accomplished by the Holy Spirit—through the Word of truth. If we have been begotten of God it means that we have his Holy Spirit in our minds and hearts, that his will, his disposition, and his love are the dominant factors of our lives. God’s Spirit is the Spirit of love, and it is in direct contrast with the spirit of selfishness which rules the world. Do we have this Spirit, and is it indeed causing us to live, not for ourselves as does the world, but for the Lord, for the truth, for the brethren, and for all men as we have opportunity? If so, then we have another witness that we are the children of God.

We are not to overcome the world by flattery, nor by joining with it. The victory which overcometh the world, the apostle says, is our faith—faith in God’s plans for the blessing of the people, and faith in his will for us. A victorious faith will enable us to turn aside from the popularity which the world offers, from its pleasures, and from its selfish aims and ambitions; and that same victorious faith will enable us to look at the things which are not seen by the natural eye—the spiritual and heavenly things which the Heavenly Father has so reassuringly promised, so that these become our inspiration to lay down our lives in sacrifice, following in the footsteps of Jesus.

Do Not Willingly Sin

Again the Apostle John writes, “Whosoever is born [begotten] of God, sinneth not.” (I John 5:18) This is just another way of saying that the new mind of the Christian does not practice sin. The new mind may be temporarily overpowered by his fallen flesh, and thus overtaken in a fault he may err in judgment or in word, but he will never willingly transgress the divine will. This means that if in our hearts we find no opposition to the divine will, but rather delight in it regardless of what it may mean to us according to the flesh, then we have another witness of our relationship to God; for it is only those who are begotten by his Spirit who thus delight to do his will.

Seeing Afar Off

In II Peter 1:5-11 we are presented with a most revealing outline of conditions upon which we may base our faith in the fact that God’s exceeding great and precious promises belong to us because we have been accepted into his church. We are to add to our faith fortitude, knowledge, self-control, patience, piety, brotherly kindness, and love. Only by the power of the Holy Spirit are we able to develop these qualities of Christian character. If we find that we are making progress along these lines, that in itself is convincing testimony that the Holy Spirit of God as reflected in the “exceeding great and precious promises” of his Word, has entered into our hearts and is molding our lives.

In addition to this, the apostle adds, “If these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ; but he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” (II Pet. 1:8,9) Here fruitfulness in the knowledge of Christ is associated with spiritual vision; and lack of spiritual vision—blindness—is associated with carelessness in respect to the old life of sin. Jesus expressed a kindred thought when he said, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”—Matt. 5:8

One may have a “head” knowledge of the truth, and profess to believe it, but one of the tests of the genuineness of this claim will be the evidence of growth in grace, and an ever brightening vision of those things which are “afar off.” Mere nominal believers may make outward professions of righteousness, but they are not pure in heart, hence do not “see” God, nor the future glorious phases of God’s plan as it relates to them and to the whole world.

So the question arises, Are we able to “see afar off”? Do we by faith now “see” God in the beauty of his holiness? Do we see and know his love, his power, his wisdom, his justice? And are we yielding ourselves to the influence of his Holy Spirit in order that we may daily become more like our God? In the apostle’s day much of the work of the Gospel age was “afar off.” Particularly was this true with respect to the second presence of Christ and the establishment of his kingdom. Today it is given unto the faithful to witness the fulfillment of many of the prophecies which, in Peter’s day, was remote; but it requires spiritual vision to discern the meaning of events with which we are surrounded. Do we have that vision?

Concerning this point the apostle wrote, “Ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.” (I Thess. 5:4) “Ye brethren”—surely the Lord’s brethren have been accepted into the divine family. This means, then, that a clear vision of what the Lord is doing in the earth today constitutes reassuring evidence of our standing before the Lord. Yes, the ability to “see” things which are “afar off,” that is, beyond the range of mere human understanding, is indeed a convincing testimony of the Spirit that God has accepted us and is continuing us in his favor.

We have come in contact with the “exceeding great and precious promises” of God. This was by his providence. We have been inspired by them to surrender ourselves to do his will. His Spirit has continued to work in us, blessing us with a vision of the glorious character of God and an understanding of his wonderful plan of salvation. In this day of the second presence of Christ, we have heard his knock and we have opened the door of our hearts and he has come in and supped with us, and daily we are enjoying that feast with the Master. How blessed indeed is our portion!

The apostle adds, “If ye do these things, ye shall never fall; for so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (II Pet. 1:10,11) “These things” being in us and abounding, means that we are living up to our privileges, and that the Lord is smiling upon us with his favor. The expression, “If ye do these things,” may well include the thought, “If you continue to do them,” for certainly the Scriptures do not warrant the thought of “once in grace, always in grace.”

But “if” we do these things, we shall “never fall,” says Peter. This does not mean that we will never make a mistake, never stumble. It does mean that we shall never lose God’s favor, never be permitted to fall by the wayside completely. Instead, we shall have an “abundant entrance” into the kingdom—that kingdom which those with spiritual vision in Peter’s day could see “afar off,” but which today is nigh, even at the door.

“If ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” Peter wrote this great truth under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and it therefore is a witness, or testimony of the Spirit to our hearts, assuring us of final victory and a place in the kingdom with Jesus “if” we do the things referred to. We may be told by others that there is no room in the body of Christ for us. Satan may try to discourage us with the thought that our weaknesses are too great a handicap, that we will never be able to qualify for the kingdom. The world may scoff at us and say that we are wasting our time in devoting ourselves entirely to religion. But what matter all these discouraging “witnesses,” so long as the Spirit witnesses that an abundant entrance into the kingdom shall be ministered unto us “if” we do “these things”!

From Death unto Life

Under the inspiration of’ the Holy Spirit John wrote, “We know that we have passed from death unto life, because we love the brethren.” (I John 3:14) Does this witness of the Spirit apply to us? Do we love the brethren—all of them—or merely our favorites among the brethren? Do we truly love those whose imperfections are a great trial to us; that is, do we love them sufficiently not to speak evil about them, or make them the subjects of gossip when we are fellowshipping with those whose personalities are more congenial to us?

Do we love those of our brethren who are going through severe trials and need our help? Do we love those who are being blown about by every wind of doctrine—love them sufficiently to do all in our power to reclaim them by helping them to set their feet on the sure foundation of truth? Do we love our brethren who may not yet have learned about the truth—love them so ardently that we are willing to lay down our lives bearing witness to the truth in order that they may hear and be sanctified, by it?

If, upon examining ourselves, we find that we have this all-pervading, all-comprehensive love for all the brethren—a love that will cause us to lay down our lives for them—then we have this additional witness of the Spirit, this further assurance of divine favor, this encouraging testimony that as sons of God we have passed from death unto life. And this is another witness that human philosophy cannot overthrow, nor Satan’s wiles destroy. Let us endeavor to qualify under its conditions, and by the courage which it gives, continue to press on in the narrow way.

Proclaiming Glad Tidings

Isaiah 61:1-3 tells of the anointing of the Holy Spirit, that those who receive it are “anointed to preach glad tidings.” The prophecy describes various classes to whom the message is to be proclaimed, and the different purposes thus to be accomplished. But the main point to notice at the moment is that those who receive the Holy Spirit are thereby anointed to proclaim the glad tidings. From God’s standpoint, it is his authorization for us to be co-workers with him, but to us it is the inspiration thus to serve, the impelling urge which causes us to let our light shine before men.

Has the Holy Spirit created within us this urgency to bear witness to the truth? Or having received the truth, are we satisfied merely to enjoy it for “ourselves, happy in the thought that others will learn about it in the next age? Here is a test of the extent to which we have been filled with the Spirit. The influence of the Holy Spirit is always in the direction of activity in the service of the truth, not to a self-satisfied attitude which is so pleasing to the flesh.

This witness of the Spirit is not based on the amount of success we have in making new converts to the truth, nor even on the extent of our efforts. It is based, rather, on our zeal for showing forth the praises of our God by making known the glad tidings of the kingdom. If we have received the Holy Spirit we will have that zeal, and we will be making use of every possible opportunity to sacrifice time and strength and means to “proclaim glad tidings,” and thus will the Spirit witness to us of its presence in our hearts. The results of our efforts are in the Lord’s hands, for it is he who “giveth the increase.”—I Cor. 3:7

Faithfulness in bearing witness to the truth will result eventually in that witness of the Spirit first mentioned, the one referred to by Paul as that of suffering with Christ. It was Christ’s faithfulness in fulfilling the commission for which he was anointed that led to his suffering and death. We will probably not die as dramatically as Jesus did, but it is our privilege to lay down our lives in the service of the truth. And if we are faithful in this we will discover that, even as in Jesus’ day, the darkness hateth the light, and that those who sit in darkness will find a way of opposing the light-bearers. But the Lord will give us grace to help; so let us press on faithfully to the end, even unto death.—Rev. 2:10

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