Comma Johanneum likely not original; Trinity affirmed by other passages
The International Church of Christ acknowledges that the Comma Johanneum is not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts and was likely a later addition to 1 John 5:7. However, the doctrine of the Trinity is firmly affirmed based on numerous other clear Scripture passages (Matthew 28:19, 2 Corinthians 13:14, etc.). The church does not rest the Trinity on the authenticity of this single disputed verse.
The ICC's Trinitarian conviction is grounded in the full witness of Scripture rather than in any single suspect passage. Textual criticism is accepted as a valid discipline that helps the church distinguish between apostolic Scripture and later additions, but the church's core doctrines are supported by multiple clear passages throughout the New Testament.
Key Distinctions
- Textual status:
- likely not original
- Trinitarian grounding:
- broad scriptural witness
- Canonical status:
Scripture References
Sources
- International Church of Christ doctrinal teachings