What does "Testimony" mean?

[Dansey]

I have always been slightly confused about what Christians tend to call a testimony. I feel that a testimony is telling others not just about how you came to meet Christ but about what Christ has done in your life and is doing. The disciples told of all they had "seen and heard" Jesus do, not just about the first time they met Him.

I think that for some people who may not remember exactly how they came to Christ (that's me) when they hear this "Testimony" thing they think "I don't have one" which is a lie - because if Jesus is in you, then you will have a mountain of things to say about the things He has done and is doing in you.

I think it is important to change that language - because it confused me for a long time. It made me think - gee, I have no testimony. Now I know that sharing my testimony is declaring the wonderful works of God in my life. I am not limited to sharing just my story of coming to the knowledge of Christ.

I believe testimony should mean: Sharing with others the awesome works of Christ in your life, including, but not limited to the story of how you first came to Christ.

[intricatic]

A testimony, I believe, is a statement of what God has accomplished in one's life. It's like a drawing, or a portrait of one's life before salvation, at the point of salvation, and the works made manifest after salvation.

I would think a fine testimony would consist mainly of what God has accomplished through you - a testimony, biblically, was something used to make a contrast, or an example of another thing.

For instance, in the first covenant with Moses, the Ark served as a testimony (the Law was laid with it to serve this end), signifying the works that God expected of His people (and would make manifest through His son, Jesus), as well as signifying God's mercy and grace. (Exodus 25:10-22)

So no, I don't think a testimony is purely about the first time you meet Jesus, although I would not say a testimony has nothing to do with the first time you meet Jesus, by any means.

[Theofilus]

I agree. Your testimony is not just how you came to believe in God (although that can be part of it), but all the things God has done for you, both in leading you to himself and since. I became a Christian at 15, but my testimony goes back to the fifth grade and God is constantly adding to it.

[TrinityLives]

WOW I just love the questions and statements that come up at times in this forum!
As many of you know, I have been through a few things ( as many have ) in my life. I have actually thought about this "testimony" thing for quite sometime but never really spoke on how I felt about it.

Because of certain circumstances in my life, I had to attend some 12 step ( rather secular ones in my 20"s, then a Christ based one in my 30's) and would see many give their "Testimonies".

It also seemed like this amazing POW , WHAM kinda of thing that happened. I always felt kinda left out because my Testimony is by no means like that, or so I perceived.
Mine , as Theo mentioned, may have been at 31/32, but I NOW see it goes way back to early childhood and is growing more and more each waking day!

I have always struggled when others have asked me my "testimony" Or how you came to Christ, what Has God done in your life.
For me its What has God be DOING , rather.

A testimony is a daily I think . I believe , if your holding the hand of the LORD and for me, as I am sure for many others, you have no clue about many of those glorious things, until you gone through them and have seen the fruits of HIS labor.

Hope this makes sense, its 2am here , I can't sleep hahha

Hugs and Prayers Great post!

[DMcKay]

Dansey,

If you have ever watched a Court room scene in a movie or TV you'll know that witnesses get up on the stand and give their testimony, or a recount of what they saw, heard or experienced in relation to what ever the trial is about. This is what we mean by testimony. Just like the Apostle John said in his first epistle in chapter 1 verses 1-2, "1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life-- 2and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us--"

Don M

[TrinityLives]

Originally Posted by DMcKay

Dansey,

If you have ever watched a Court room scene in a movie or TV you'll know that witnesses get up on the stand and give their testimony, or a recount of what they saw, heard or experienced in relation to what ever the trial is about. This is what we mean by testimony. Just like the Apostle John said in his first epistle in chapter 1 verses 1-2, "1 What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we have looked at and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of Life-- 2and the life was manifested, and we have seen and testify and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was manifested to us--"

Don M

What a simple wonderful analogy. Thanks D!

[DMcKay]

I have to keep things simple so that I will understand them.

[lightbearer]

For me, testimony means testifying what God has done for you..Sharing to people what you have overcome saying that you have defeated the enemy..That makes you a better and stronger child of God..