WITNESSES FOR CHRIST by T.

Pacific Press Publishing Company · OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA · May 3, 1899

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 25, No. 18.

WITNESSES FOR CHRIST.

By T.

A WITNESS simply tells what he knows. He does not prosecute the case, neither does he conduct the defense. He takes the stand, and under oath gives his testimony.

The testimony of the witness is not all contained in the mere words that he speaks while answering the questions that may be propounded to him in court. What is known of his past life and character comes in for consideration. The court not only takes into account what he says, but what he is. If he has a reputation for honesty and truthfulness, his word is received with respectful consideration; but if his record is that of a dishonest man and a liar, his word is not given much credence, if, indeed, it is not thrown out altogether.

Christ's life while here upon earth was a

simple testimony to the love of His Father for fallen mankind, and also a living expression of His Father's perfect character. Christ did not seek to present Himself, but to witness truly for His Father. "Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of Him that sent Me, and to finish His work." John 4:34. And concerning the matter of witnessing the Master said, "We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen." John 3:11.

"We speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen," says the Saviour. And such is the testimony of every true and faithful witness. He simply tells what he knows. He is under no obligation to prove what he says. He simply affirms the truth of his testimony and leaves it for all that it is worth. Truth is power in itself, and any witness who is bearing testimony to the truth leaves an irresistible conviction upon all who hear him. Hence Christians should testify for the Lord both by their words and by their lives, and then they will not feel any necessity of indulging in heated discussions for Him.

John the Baptist said of Christ, "What He hath seen and heard, that He testifieth." John 3:32. And Jesus tells where He learned the things of which He testified. He says, "He that sent Me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of Him." John 8:26. And again, "All things that I have heard of My Father I have made known unto you." John 15:15.

Thus the Word of God shows that Jesus was a witness to what His Father is. "No man hath seen God at any time; the only-begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, He hath declared Him." John 1:18. In bearing His testimony to the world the Son of God was faithful and true. He never staggered; He never faltered; He never stumbled; He made no mistake; His life was wholly given to the one great work that had been assigned Him of the Father. And to the perfection of that work He gave Himself with devotion and without reserve. He was the faithful and true witness.

When Christ was about to ascend to the Father, He was in conversation with His disciples, and it is said of Him, "Then opened He their understanding, that they might understand the Scriptures." Luke 24:45. And among His closing words to them is the responsible charge, "And ye are witnesses of these things." Verse 48.

Now we should never forget the fact that the work of a witness is to tell what he knows. He is not to spend his time speculating about things that he don't know anything about, and perhaps never can know in this life, but he is to tell his personal experience in the real facts of Christianity. If we are Christians in deed and not in name merely, we have a definite knowledge of Christ, and can bear a definite and positive testimony to the world. We will have no time to spend in arguing with people about religious dogma, for all our energies will be absorbed in testifying of the things that we have positively learned of Christ and that we know as actual truth.

There is a natural earnestness that is inseparably connected with a witness in a great cause, provided the witness is inwardly conscious of the truth he is telling, and his life is in harmony with the truthfulness of his testimony. And where you find a life that is patterned after Jesus Christ you will always find a life that bears a positive testimony for good.

What the world needs to-day is men and women who are truly acquainted with the power of the life of the Master, and are thus fitted to bear testimony to the truth. Long sermons and tedious prayers are not needed nor essential, but witnesses who can tell what the Lord has actually done and is still doing for them are needed everywhere. Those who know that they have been freed from the power of sin, and who can tell with assurance of the power and love of God, have a message to bear to the world. And their message will not be a dry theory about some old traditions or musty theological problems, but it will be a message that is full of the vitality and power of a new life.

To be a living witness for the Master is the grandest thing to which men and women may be called. And if you truly know the Lord, you are surely a witness for Him. But if you openly deny Christ, or if you are merely a professor of Christianity without knowing the power of God, then you are just as surely witnessing against Him. There are no neutrals. You are on one side or the other. T.