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NASB | 1 John 5:7 For there are three that testify: |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 John 5:7 For there are three witnesses: |
Subject: put 1Jn 5:7 BACK where it belongs! |
Bible Note: I am glad you said that, Brother Tim, because it gives us a chance again to look at the most important point. I did not mean to say that the text need not be literally perfect. I do not know if it can be. I am not even sure what "it" is, since we have several translations, and there are variations among the oldest copies. I think the originals were perfect and the copies and translations are not. Nevertheless, I think they have remained faithful and that together they hold and transmit the word of God. My statement was meant to communicate a thought on how we should spend our time, not on whether or not the available texts are perfect. I was suggesting that we need not spend so much of our time on finding the perfect translation or on ensuring that one that is nearly perfect be made completely so. I was suggesting that we spend a greater portion of our time on obeying the word and giving out the Gospel. Now, aren't you glad that I who, am the author of that statement, am here to tell you what I meant? And so it is with the word of God, I think. It is the Holy Spirit who lives in us who tells us what he meant, the mind of God, so to speak. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. The best way I know to understand the word of God is to let him speak and for me to listen. (Try it by clicking on http://www.hishows.bizland.com/meditation.html). And I have learned, when I give out the word of God, that it speaks to people beyond my ability to explain it. It is alive and powerful. It is the power of God, etc. Isn’t it good to remember that the Holy Spirit knows the heart of the man we are talking to and can use the word in our mouth to reach them? But he also shows us how to apply it to our own lives. And is that not what the word is for? If we can live by it and preach the Gospel part of it, I think the whole purpose is fulfilled. The purpose of the revelation is obedience (Deuteronomy 29:29). I read the word of God is with a minimum of human commentary. But I do use cross-referencing quite extensively. I am so glad for the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and other such tools that allow us to compare Scripture with Scripture. (Get it free at http://www.e-sword.net). In that way, when I am reading 1 John 5, even in a version where is no verse 7, I may read about the agreement among the Father, Son and Spirit, from some other passage. So it does not matter to me if someone added it there. |