Call to Witness
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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

Call: Personal by Christ

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 Christ

The Call of God by his Gospel

The Call of God by his Ministers

The Call of God by his Spirit

The Call of God by his Works

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: Condemnation

The Call of God: Destruction

The Call of God: Effectual to Saints

The Call of God: Illustrated

The Call of God: Most Reject

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

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Call to Wisdom and Understanding
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