“This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.”
(1 John 5:6)
In 1 John 5:6, the Apostle declares, “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit that bears witness, because the Spirit is truth.” These words set forth both the cleansing and sanctifying work of Christ. He came not only to justify His people through His shed blood but also to sanctify them by His truth. This dual work—washing away guilt and purifying from sin—is the foundation of sanctification.[1]
Paul affirms this in Ephesians 5:25-26: “Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; that he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word.” Christ’s death was not only to pardon but to purify, not only to reconcile but to renew. His prayer in John 17:19 makes the same point: “And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.”
The New Testament presses this theme repeatedly. The Spirit of sanctification is poured out on the church because Christ shed His blood. If He had not died, the Spirit would not have been given to sanctify. His blood purchased the Spirit’s ministry. As John writes, He came “by water and blood”—blood to remove guilt, water to cleanse from pollution.
And the fruit of this sanctification is holiness, a gift radiant with divine excellency. Four aspects display its beauty.
First, holiness is the image and glory of God. Colossians 3:10 speaks of renewal “in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Exodus 15:11 declares, “Who is like unto thee, O Lord, glorious in holiness?” Holiness restores the marred image of God and makes His glory visible in His people.
Second, holiness is the soul’s best evidence for heaven. Jesus promises, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). Hebrews 12:14 echoes, “Without holiness, no man shall see the Lord.” Gifts, works, and duties cannot secure eternal life, but the presence of holiness—even in its smallest measure—is sure testimony of God’s saving work within.
Third, holiness is a continual spring of comfort. Peace and joy flow from a life set apart unto God. Psalm 29:11 assures: “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” A holy walk brings rest to the conscience and delight to the heart, a foretaste of heaven itself.
Fourth, holiness is the peculiar mark of God’s people. Psalm 4:3 declares, “The Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself.” This distinction separates the children of God from the world, making them His peculiar treasure. Holiness is their beauty, their testimony, their seal of belonging.
Holiness, born of Christ’s blood and the Spirit’s witness, reflects God’s glory, confirms assurance of heaven, provides comfort in this life, and marks the people of God as His own. It is the beauty of the soul, the joy of the heart, the evidence of salvation, and the reflection of Christ to a watching world.
Contemplations:
- Holiness, my greatest assurance of salvation. In Matthew 5:8, Jesus promises, “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.” Holiness is my best evidence that I belong to God and will one day dwell with Him in heaven, for Scripture tells me that without holiness, “no man shall see the Lord” (Hebrews 12:14). When I reflect on the work of the Spirit in my life, convicting me of sin, renewing my heart, and guiding me into righteousness, I can rejoice, knowing that my hope is secure in Christ. Holiness is the mark of God’s children, and I’m grateful for this assurance.
- The depth of sin’s pollution. In my moments of guilt and deep remorse, I realize that the tears of a lifetime cannot wash away a single sin. Nor can the fires of hell purify my conscience from even the smallest sin. The wound of sin runs so deep that only the blood of Christ can cleanse it. In 1 John 5:6, it says, “This is he that came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ; not by water only, but by water and blood.” Only His blood, shed on the cross, can cleanse me from the guilt and pollution of sin. What a humbling reminder of the depths of my need and the boundless grace of my Savior.
- Christ’s boundless love in sanctification. Christ’s love for me in sanctification is beyond measure. As Revelation 1:5-6 says, “Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood.” And 1 Peter 1:19 tells me that “the blood of Christ,” flowed freely for my cleansing. His sacrifice was complete, down to the last drop of blood. Christ gave everything to sanctify me when I was still His enemy. I can never repay such love; all I can do is surrender my life to Him in gratitude and obedience.
- The beauty of holiness. Holiness is a beauty that reflects God’s glory through His people. Colossians 3:10 says, “… put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him.” Holiness not only allows me to reflect the light of Christ to a dark world, it also assures me of my salvation, bringing peace and joy to my heart and filling my life with purpose and delight.
Prayer (adoration):
O Lord, my God, I adore You for the gift of holiness, purchased by the blood of Your Son and applied by the witness of Your Spirit. You do not only justify, You also sanctify. You not only pardon, You also purify. I exalt You for such a complete salvation that cleanses the guilty conscience and renews the polluted heart.
I praise You for the beauty of holiness that reflects Your glory in Your people. You are glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders. By sanctifying me through Your truth, You restore Your image within me, that I may reflect Your light in this dark world. This work of grace is Yours alone, and I magnify You for it.
I lift my voice in wonder at the assurance holiness brings. To be made pure in heart is to see You. Without holiness none shall see Your face, but in holiness You give me the pledge of eternal life. I adore You for this gift, both the evidence of salvation and the comfort of heaven begun on earth.
I thank You that holiness brings peace. You bless Your people with strength; You crown them with joy. The world cannot give such comfort, nor can sin provide such sweetness. But in holiness, wrought by Your Spirit, my soul tastes the peace of Your kingdom.
I extol You, O Lord, for setting apart Your people for Yourself. You have marked them with holiness as Your peculiar treasure. You have sealed them as Your own possession, the apple of Your eye, beloved and guarded forever. What mercy, that I, once defiled and estranged, should now be set apart for You.
O Father, Son, and Spirit, I adore You for the sanctifying work that flows from Calvary. By the blood of Christ and the witness of the Spirit, I am cleansed, renewed, and conformed to the image of Your Son. Glory be to Your name, for holiness is Your beauty shining in Your people.
In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
Further Scripture References for 1 John 5:6:
John 15:26, John 19:34, Matthew 3:16, John 3:5
[1] John Flavel, The Fountain of Life Opened, (London: Printed for Rob. White, for Francis Tyton .., 1673), 534.
