The Testimony

 "I can do nothing of MYSELF.  As I hear, so I judge, and MY judgment is just, because I seek not MY own will, but the will of HIM who sent ME.

If I bore witness to MYSELF, MY testimony would be worthless.  But Another One is bearing witness to ME, and I know that HIS testimony is true when HE bears witness to ME.  John also bore witness to the truth when you sent messengers to him, but I do not seek such human testimony; I recall this for you, so that you may be saved.

John was a burning and shining lamp, and for a while you were willing to enjoy his light.  But I have greater evidence than that of John--the works which the FATHER entrusted to ME to carry out.  The very works I do bear witness: the FATHER has sent ME.  Thus HE who  bears witness to ME is the FATHER who sent ME.  You have never heard HIS voice and have never seen HIS likeness; therefore, as long as you do not believe HIS messenger, HIS word is not in you." - John 5:30-38 

(To gain a direction in life, we need some understanding of the world and humankind.  This understanding may come through reason and science, but more often we are influenced and guided by the testimony of others--by their words, attitudes and personal qualities.

It is thus that those in love discover one another, friends accept each other, a career is decided upon, a religious or political commitment is made.  It is also thus that the word of GOD is discovered.  Therefore, JESUS speaks of the testimonies that accredit HIM:

- HIS works, that is, HIS miracles.

- John the Baptist's testimony in pointing HIM out as the Savior.

- the words of the Scriptures that refer to HIM.

Some people say that since Scripture is the word of GOD they do not need anything more than that to guide them.  Let them know that just as GOD spoke through events and through prophets, HE continues speaking to us through actual events and through spokespersons of the Spirit in the Church.  JESUS rebuked those who believed they possessed the truth just by having the Scriptures, but did not believe in HIM whom GOD was sending them.)

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