2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE TEXT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13
1 John 5:6-8
Psalm 119:105-112
“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet,
and a light unto my path.”
THE AUTHENTICITY OF THE TEXT
The text made the aforesaid doctrine understandable. It helped the church in formulating clear statements of the doctrine. The Nicean Council (AD 325) debated the place of Jesus Christ in relation to God the Father. They concluded that Jesus was fully God and fully man. John wrote to guide believers on the proper position and evidence of the work of Christ. He said that He came by water and blood. The two elements were significant in cleansing ceremonies. They were used to symbolize removal of sin. Jesus shed His blood as propitiation for sin and water is used in baptism for purification.
It is possible that the controversy surrounding this doctrine affected the transmission of the biblical text. It will be noted that some translations of the Bible and also the Greek critical text omit verse 7. This text is commonly referred to as the “Johannine Comma.” This omission came from the critical analysis of Westcott and Hort that upheld the ancient manuscripts of Sinaiticus and Vaticanus as the most reliable, yet the opposite is true. They are the most corrupt manuscripts. The Received Text is the accurate text. They made a great mistake and removed a doctrine of God. John said in Revelation that none of the words of God should be removed or added. Thus 1 John 5:7 cannot be removed.
The authenticity of this passage cannot be doubted, moreover it does not contradict other passages in the Bible on this subject. The Apostle was very particular in stating his words in a simple and understandable manner. The statement of the doctrine is clear, but the enemy does not want it to be made clear. He seeks to confuse God’s people with ambiguous assertions that in effect are denials of God’s truth. We thus uphold the authenticity of this text and the doctrine of the Trinity.
THOUGHT: The Bible truth stands in all generations.
PRAYER: Lord, may Thy word be ever a lamp to my feet.