Dear Members and Friends of our ELS:

Have you ever had to serve as a witness in a trial? A person’s guilt or innocence can depend on your eyewitness account.

The word “witness” appears in the theme verse for the book of Acts. As Jesus was ready to ascend into heaven, He said to his disciples: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).

This kind of witnessing overrides all other kinds. As important as it is to testify in a civil court on behalf of a person whose guilt or innocence hangs in the balance, it is eternally significant to testify to the truth that alone has the power to set sinners free before the heavenly Judge. The Gospel message informs us that, “everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life” (John 6:40). By the power of the Holy Spirit working through Word and Sacrament you and I have “seen first-hand” the peace and joy that comes from knowing Jesus Christ as the atoning sacrifice for all sins. That life-changing event is what we want others to experience also. We are eager to witness the truth about Jesus Christ to neighbors, friends, fellow workers, and even to those who may be different and may have feelings of animosity toward us. We want what God himself wants—all people to be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4).

Will our witness make a difference? The stakes are high. All who do not know and believe in Jesus will face an eternity of damnation. The verdict of guilty will remain on their heads as they stand in the presence of the holy Judge. There is no other way for guilt to be removed than by the Arbiter’s own Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. But we have a testimony that is powerful and has the ability to grant the most favorable outcome!

Shall we remain silent? We too have been in the defendant’s chair, but by God’s grace we have embraced the testimony that saves. Our fellow defendants need to hear this witness also. We can point to the most unique and wonderful aspect of this life-saving testimony: The Almighty Judge already has placed the guilty verdict on his own Son and has proclaimed in his court of law every single sinner in the world innocent of all sin’s guilt and punishment. What astounding love!

The Judge still uses our witnessing today to inform all defendants who will appear before Him. He alone changes their hearts. Aren’t we excited to testify about our Savior? Whom can we reach with the Gospel in 2005?