Canonical; trinitarian content affirmed though text problematic
The LCMS acknowledges that 1 John 5:7-8 (the Comma Johanneum) lacks strong support in the early Greek manuscripts and was likely a later addition designed to affirm trinitarian doctrine. However, the LCMS includes the passage in its Bibles (often with textual notation) and affirms the trinitarian content as consistent with Lutheran and biblical teaching. LCMS doctrine on the Trinity is unquestionably affirmed from multiple biblical sources; the textual status of the Comma is less certain.
LCMS biblical practice treats 1 John 5:7-8 as canonical Scripture while being textually-aware. The passage's explicit trinitarian statement aligns with the church's confessional teaching (Augsburg Confession I, III; Athanasian Creed).
Key Distinctions
- Textual status:
- aware of weak early manuscript support
- Trinitarian grounding:
- Trinity affirmed from other clear biblical passages
- Canonical status:
- retained in biblical canon for church use
Scripture References
Sources
- LCMS doctrinal statements on Trinity and canon
- UBS and NA critical apparatus
- Book of Concord (1580)