THE FAITHFUL WITNESS

Isaiah tells us that God declares the beginning from the end. As the Almighty, he stands outside of time and foretells that which is to come as if it had already happened because from his perspective, it already has. This is why he can prophesy the birth of Josiah 340 years before it happens and give details of what Josiah will do. This is why he could give details of the heathen King Cyrus 150 years before his birth. B.H. Clendennen says, "God never starts a thing until He finishes it." That is the reason the book of Revelations reads like history when in truth it is future.

The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy. Testimony is the same word translated witness. When you think of witness you think of someone in a court of law who with uplifted hand swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help them God. Before time ever began, Jesus who is the Son of God, the Almighty, swore with uplifted hand to tell the truth because he is eternal Truth. As he took the witness stand as a Lamb slain from the foundation of the world,He proceeded to witness of all that you read about in the scriptures. That is why you see in the scriptures that "the word of the Lord came" to men of old. The word came from Heaven because it had always been; the Word never originates in time!

What does a witness do in a trial, does he testify as to what will happen, or does he testify as to what has already happened? He testifies as to what he has seen and and heard, that which has already taken place. To do otherwise would surely be rejected. The witness could not say, "I did not see the accused shoot the gun, but I am sure that was fixing to happen! This would not be accepted because it is not possible to know this, naturally speaking. However, when Jesus testifies, he speaks of things eternal--supernatural, those things which must surely come to pass.

When God's covenant people go through a trial, the Lord is always with them because this is the covenant: He has promised to never leave you and to hold your hand. He is the faithful witness on your behalf and as in the time of Daniel, he will show up in the fire. When the evidence mounts against you so as to assure you that you are going down in utter defeat and embarrassment, he is faithful to witness of this truth: You are more than a conqueror through him who loved you! When your besetting sin brings accusation that you will never be free, your Advocate testifies that sin shall not have dominion over you, that he who the Son sets free is free indeed. When it looks like the disappointments and the shame they bring will never end, Jesus with hand lifted up brings your destiny to light, declaring over you: "Surely there is an end; your expectation will not pass away. I the Lord will perfect that which concerns you; I will bring that which you are going through to a sudden, abrupt termination, and bring you into the fullness of my presence within your life. You will see my goodness in the land of the living!" With God this is a done deal; it has been recorded in the courtroom of Heaven, witnessed by the Son to the Lord of heaven and earth.