Lessons from the Immune System: Two or Three Witnesses

The immune system has a line of cells that target and destroy virally infected cells. They are called T-cells. But in order to identify virally cells, it needs three signals. One signal is the interaction of the T-cell receptor with the complex that presents a product from the virus. The second signal is the interaction of the T-cell co-receptor (CD8/4) with the same presenting complex. And the third signal is a costimulatory signal between a marker on the T-cell called CD28 and a molecule on the presenting cell called B7. See figure below.

This system ensures that the T-cell only attacks virally infected cells. So, if the T-cell receives the first two signals but not the costimulatory signal, it will become anergic: unable to ever respond to another presenting complex (Lippincott’s Illustrated Q&A Review: Histology).

Now, there are many ideologies about truth, the Bible, and Christian doctrine. How then do we identify what is truth?

Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 13:1: “In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.” And throughout the Bible, we see this rule of needing at least two witnesses to accept something as true (Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:19, 20; John 8:17).

Friends, like the immune system, let us not allow one verse in the Bible to establish a doctrine. May we have at least two or three witnesses.

Thank You Jesus!

Amen!