Topical Encyclopedia The concept of a "Call to Witness" in the Bible refers to the divine summons for believers to testify to the truth of God's work, character, and salvation through Jesus Christ. This call is rooted in the biblical narrative and is a central aspect of the Christian faith, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to bear witness to the world.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for the call to witness, particularly through the nation of Israel. God chose Israel to be His people, a "kingdom of priests and a holy nation" (Exodus 19:6), tasked with demonstrating His character and laws to the surrounding nations. Isaiah 43:10-12 underscores this role: "You are My witnesses," declares the LORD, "and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may consider and believe Me and understand that I am He." Here, Israel is called to testify to God's uniqueness and sovereignty. New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, the call to witness is expanded and fulfilled through Jesus Christ and His followers. Jesus Himself is the ultimate witness, as He testifies to the truth of God and His kingdom. In John 18:37 , Jesus declares, "For this reason I was born and have come into the world: to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to My voice." The Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20 is a pivotal moment where Jesus commands His disciples to be witnesses: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This commission underscores the global scope of the call to witness, extending beyond Israel to all nations. The Role of the Holy Spirit The empowerment of the Holy Spirit is essential for effective witnessing. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus promises His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The Holy Spirit equips believers with the boldness and ability to testify to the gospel, ensuring that their witness is not in their own strength but through divine empowerment. The Apostolic Example The apostles exemplify the call to witness through their preaching, teaching, and personal testimonies. The Book of Acts records numerous instances where the apostles boldly proclaim the resurrection of Jesus and the salvation available through Him. Peter and John, when commanded to stop teaching in the name of Jesus, respond in Acts 4:20 , "For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard." Witnessing Through Suffering The New Testament also highlights the role of suffering in the call to witness. Believers are called to endure persecution and trials as a testimony to their faith. In 1 Peter 3:15-16 , Christians are encouraged to "always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that you have," doing so with gentleness and respect, even in the face of suffering. Everyday Witness The call to witness is not limited to formal preaching or missionary work but extends to everyday life. Believers are called to live in a manner that reflects the character of Christ, serving as a testimony to those around them. In Matthew 5:16 , Jesus instructs, "In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Conclusion The call to witness is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, rooted in the biblical narrative and empowered by the Holy Spirit. It encompasses both verbal proclamation and the demonstration of God's love and truth through actions, inviting believers to participate in God's redemptive work in the world. Subtopics Call: To Special Religious Duty of Abraham Call: To Special Religious Duty, Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God Call: To Special Religious Duty: Amos Call: To Special Religious Duty: Apostles Call: To Special Religious Duty: Cyrus Call: To Special Religious Duty: Gideon Call: To Special Religious Duty: Jehu Call: To Special Religious Duty: Joshua Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Paul Call: To Special Religious Duty: Samuel Call: To Special Religious Duty: Solomon Call: To Special Religious Duty: The Rich Young Man The Call of God by his Ministers The Call of God is from Darkness The Call of God: Addressed to All The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving The Call of God: Effectual to Saints The Call of God: Partakers of, Justified The Call of God: Praise God For The Call of God: Rejection by God The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Delusion The Call of God: Rejection of, Leads to Judicial Blindness The Call of God: Temporal Judgments The Call of God: To Man Is of Grace The Call of God: To Man Is: According to the Purpose of God The Call of God: To Man Is: Heavenly The Call of God: To Man Is: High The Call of God: To Man Is: Holy The Call of God: To Man Is: To Eternal Life The Call of God: To Man Is: To Fellowship With Christ The Call of God: To Man Is: To Glory and Virtue The Call of God: To Man Is: To Holiness The Call of God: To Man Is: To Liberty The Call of God: To Man Is: To Peace The Call of God: To Man Is: To the Eternal Glory of Christ The Call of God: Walk Worthy of The Call of God: Withdrawal of the Means of Grace Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |