John's testimony is from an eyewitness account, his own. The sign of the cross had been established well before the Romans instituted the practice of crucifixion. God does not change the rules in order to accommodate public opinion. God is always in control and is very much in the details. God is not the author of sin and He is sovereignly at work. God is the ruler and is not waiting for enough people vote Him into office. God is the creator and He will do what He wills, which includes loving us. Jesus took a drink from the sponge so that He could cry out it is finished. The death of Jesus on the cross is the most important thing done in history, it is the turning point. We have freedom in Christ Jesus because He was willing to die on the cross. His death was not just about forgiveness, but Jesus gives us a new life. We come into the presence of the Father based on what Jesus did for us. When we were dead in trespasses and sins He made a way for us by dying on the cross. If you were a Roman citizen it was unlawful you to be crucified, no matter what your crime. The details are very important to God. There is not forgiveness of sin without the shedding of blood. If you believe that Jesus was only unconscience it is folly and ignorance. Jesus was dead and He offers you eternal life.