2

What does it mean that our lives should be a testimony for Jesus?



    
    

Clarify Share Report Asked November 21 2013 Mini Anonymous (via GotQuestions)

Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.

4
Shea S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries
The "testimony for Jesus" in view here would be a lifestyle and words that openly acknowledge our personal experience of following Jesus Christ. A testimony must be public because its purpose is to...

November 21 2013 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


2
9aa51e4b447252291b959c696fb96539 400x400 Jeremiah Kaaya Supporter Pastor at Springs of Power Church, Teacher by professional
I believe the first thing to do here is to define what a testimony is. A testimony is the outcome of having successfully passed a test. 

To say that our lives should be a testimony for Jesus is only based on what Jesus did. Jesus put on human flesh and came on earth, solely to set man free of sin by shameful death on the cross. How this sacrifice shapes us (when we have accepted and allowed Jesus into our lives), is what we should call; living our lives as a testimony for Jesus. Not accepting Him (Jesus), should be another matter altogether.

In the Old Testament times, sacrifices were done once a year, at Jerusalem. They required animals (only those sanctioned in scripture), done only by a sanctioned priest who would go to the Holy of Holies. This exercise had to be done routinely; year after year. A peace sacrifice would not apply for a sin sacrifice. Such requirements would have been too much for many of us, we would have surely ended up in hell. But when Jesus came, He changed the status quo. Jesus’ sacrifice applies everywhere, to everyone. His blood flows endlessly, everywhere. With the sacrifice of Jesus, all have access to God, only need to accept and confess the powerful name of Jesus. This should be good enough for all of us who accept and confess CHRIST as Lord and Savior, to live lives that reflect the effectiveness of the wonderful sacrifice of Jesus.


Man had been separated from God by sin and was awash in it with no hope by any self means to overcome it. There had been no holistic sacrifice as that offered by Jesus on the cross. The blood of animals only covered on sin with no enough cleansing power as does the blood of Jesus. The glory of animals could not measure up to the glory of man. Yet the blood of animals at least covered upon sin because it is at least cleaner than that of man. Animals do not sin and therefore their blood is acceptable as lesser a sacrifice, only to cover upon, not to cleanse away. God's plan was; not only to cover upon, but to cleanse away altogether, all sin. The sacrifice of Jesus therefore was the only remaining assured option to set man free of sin. The blood of Jesus was required because in it there is no sin. His glory is over and far above that of man. His sacrifice would perfectly be acceptable. In it is enough power to cleanse us of all sin.

Additionally, the knowledge of the true God had been only limited to the Israelites, when Jesus came, He commanded that all nations should be brought to the knowledge of God, all Gentiles inclusive (Matthew 28:19). Especially to us the Gentiles, failure to live our lives as a testimony for Jesus, is aggravated betrayal and severely punishable by spiritual death.


In Jesus, we have a priceless opportunity to live anew (2Corinthians 5:17). When we are set free of sin, it tells the effectiveness of the sacrifice of Jesus. Our new precious lives therefore become a testimony for Jesus. On the other hand though, if we accept and allow Jesus into our lives, but continue to willingly dwell in sin, we are only abusing this sacrifice. We are only trying to imply it was not sacrifice enough for us to live free of sin. As if we are appealing for a better sacrifice, which there is not! Jesus' is the only sacrifice to be accepted because He is/was God. If not, what then would it call for besides the blood of God? With Jesus, you can't fail, if you do, you have only failed yourself and you are only doomed to hell! To be a testimony for Jesus is to follow in His footsteps when you have accepted and allowed Him (Jesus) into your life (Matthew 5:13-16). When we live our lives after the life of Jesus, we are glorifying God. It is a testimony that Jesus' is perfect and effective a sacrifice. Accepting and allowing Him into one's life is a project worth taking. We will have lived our lives as perfectly as we should. We begin to bear fruit (Galatians 5:22). We will then be able to pull many to Jesus, to the glory of the Father.

May 31 2014 0 responses Vote Up Share Report


Add your Answer

All answers are REVIEWED and MODERATED.
Please ensure your answer MEETS all our guidelines.

What makes a good answer? ▼

A good answer provides new insight and perspective. Here are guidelines to help facilitate a meaningful learning experience for everyone.

  1. Adhere to the eBible Statement of Faith.
  2. Your answer should be complete and stand-alone.
  3. Include supporting arguments, and scripture references if possible. Seek to answer the "why".
  4. Adhere to a proper tone and spirit of love and understanding.
  5. For more info see The Complete Guide to eBible
Header
  1. 4000 characters remaining