Quick Facts: 1 John 5:20 — Who Is "The True God"?

This Quick Facts infographic examines one of the most debated verses in the New Testament. By comparing 1 John 5:20 with John 17:3 and the surrounding context, this study explores who John identifies as "the true God" and encourages readers to examine the Scriptures carefully before reaching a conclusion.

QUICK FACTS

1 John 5:20 — Who Is "The True God"?

One of the most debated verses in the New Testament is 1 John 5:20.

Many Christians are told that the final words of the verse—

"He is the true God and eternal life."

prove that Jesus is Almighty God.

But is that really what John was teaching?

Let's examine the biblical facts.

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The Biblical Facts

• John begins the verse by saying:

  "The Son of God has come..."

• John explains why the Son came:

  "...so that we may know Him who is true."

• The Son comes to reveal Someone else—the One who is true.

• John had already recorded Jesus praying to the Father:

  "This is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."

• Notice that John uses the same expression:

  • "the true God"

  • "eternal life"

in both John 17:3 and 1 John 5:20.

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Compare Scripture with Scripture

John's Gospel teaches:

• The Father is the only true God.

• Jesus is the One whom the Father sent.

John does not present these as contradictory ideas. Instead, the same themes appear again in 1 John 5:20.

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A Simple Question

If John intended to teach that Jesus is the only true God, why had he already recorded Jesus praying to the Father:

"You are the only true God."

Why would John use the same expression again if he meant something completely different?

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What This Article Examines

In this study we will examine:

• Who is "Him who is true"?

• Who is "the true God" in 1 John 5:20?

• How does John 17:3 help explain this verse?

• What does the Greek grammar and the immediate context indicate?

Rather than relying on assumptions, we will carefully compare Scripture with Scripture and examine John's words in their historical, grammatical, and contextual setting.

FULL NEW ARTICLE HERE: 

Did Thomas BELIEVE Jesus was GOD when Thomas said “My Lord and my God!” John 20:28?

This Quick Facts poster examines one of the New Testament's most debated verses—John 20:28. By comparing Thomas' statement with Jesus' teachings about the Father, John's conclusion in John 20:31, and the wider testimony of Scripture, the study encourages readers to examine the whole biblical context before reaching a conclusion. Read the full research at https://wwwrealdiscoveriesorg-simon.blogspot.com/

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Quick Facts

Did Thomas Believe Jesus Was God?

What Did Thomas Mean When He Said, "My Lord and My God"?

John 20:28

One of the most frequently quoted verses used to support the doctrine of the Trinity is John 20:28, where Thomas says to the risen Jesus:

"My Lord and my God!"

Many conclude from this single statement that Thomas believed Jesus was Almighty God.

But is that what the passage actually teaches?

Before reaching a conclusion, we should do what the Bereans did and carefully examine the Scriptures (Acts 17:11).

Quick Facts

• Thomas had heard Jesus repeatedly teach that the Father was in Him and working through Him (John 14:10–11).

• Jesus consistently distinguished Himself from His Father, whom He called "the only true God" (John 17:3).

• In the Greek text Thomas says:

  "My Lord and my God."

• Thomas uses the conjunction καὶ (kai) meaning "and."

• This naturally raises the question of whether Thomas is referring to two persons—his Lord, Jesus Christ, and his God, the Father.

• Throughout the New Testament, similar expressions frequently refer to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ together.

• Immediately after recording Thomas' words, John explains the purpose of his Gospel:

"These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God."
John 20:31

Notice that John does not conclude by saying:

"Jesus is Almighty God."

Instead, he directs readers to believe that Jesus is:

The Christ, the Son of God.

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The Main Article

Did Thomas Believe Jesus Was Almighty God?

Trinitarians often argue that Thomas finally recognised Jesus as Almighty God when he declared:

"My Lord and my God!"
John 20:28

Many commentators conclude that Thomas was directly calling Jesus "God."

But before accepting that interpretation, we should ask several important questions.

• Did Thomas suddenly abandon the monotheistic faith that he had always believed?

• Did Thomas forget the greatest commandment that Jesus Himself had quoted from Deuteronomy 6:4?

"Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
Mark 12:29

• Did Thomas forget Jesus' repeated teaching that:

"The Father is in Me."
John 14:10–11

Or:

"The Father who dwells in Me does His works."

Or Jesus' prayer:

"That they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent."
John 17:3

These questions deserve careful consideration before concluding that Thomas believed Jesus was the same Almighty God whom Jesus Himself worshipped.

The Grammar Matters

Thomas did not simply say:

"My Lord God."

Instead he said:

"My Lord and my God."

The Greek conjunction καὶ (kai) means "and."

This raises the possibility that Thomas is addressing both:

• My Lord — Jesus Christ.

• My God — the Father dwelling in Jesus.

This interpretation fits remarkably well with everything Jesus had taught His disciples before His crucifixion.

Jesus never claimed to be the Father.

Instead He repeatedly taught:

"I am in the Father and the Father is in Me."
John 14:10–11

If Thomas finally understood that truth after seeing the risen Christ, his words become entirely understandable.

He recognises:

• His risen Lord, Jesus Christ.

• And the God who was working through Him.

Jesus declared the Shema—"Hear, O Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one" (Deuteronomy 6:4)—to be the greatest commandment ever given (Mark 12:29). This study examines why this confession stood at the heart of Israel's faith, why God commanded His people to remember it daily, and what it teaches Christians today about the one true God and true worship.

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The Greatest Commandment Ever Given — Does Modern Christianity Still Believe It?

Part 1 – The Greatest Commandment Ever Given

"The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'"

— Jesus Christ, Mark 12:29

Throughout history, countless books have been written about God.

Churches have debated doctrine for centuries. Councils have formulated creeds. Scholars have produced volumes of theological works, and millions of Christians have inherited beliefs that have been passed down from generation to generation.

Yet before we ask what later traditions taught, there is a far more important question.

What did God Himself reveal about His own identity?

And what did Jesus Christ declare to be the greatest commandment ever given?

Surely, if there is one teaching that every believer should know, understand, and obey above all others, it must be the commandment that both God and His Son placed above every other commandment recorded in Scripture.

Remarkably, many Christians can quote verses about grace, faith, forgiveness, salvation, or eternal life. Yet comparatively few stop to consider the commandment that Jesus Himself described as the foremost of all.

That alone should cause every sincere student of the Bible to pause and ask an important question:

If Jesus called this the greatest commandment, why is it so rarely discussed today?

This study is not an attempt to defend tradition, nor is it an attempt to attack tradition.

Its purpose is much simpler.

It is an invitation to begin where both God and Jesus began.

To allow Scripture to speak for itself.

To compare Scripture with Scripture.

And to examine whether our own beliefs truly rest upon the foundation laid by God Himself.

The Foundation of Israel's Faith

More than three thousand years ago, as the people of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, God gave them a command unlike any other.

This was not simply another law among hundreds of commandments.

It became the very foundation of Israel's worship, identity, and relationship with God.

Moses declared:

"Hear, Israel: Yahweh is our God; Yahweh is one."

— Deuteronomy 6:4 (WEB)

These words became known as the Shema, from the opening Hebrew word meaning "Hear" or "Listen."

But this was far more than a sentence to memorise.

It was God's own declaration of who He is.

Immediately afterwards, God commanded His people:

"You shall love Yahweh your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your might. These words, which I command you today, shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up."

— Deuteronomy 6:5–7

Notice the extraordinary emphasis.

God did not simply tell His people to remember these words.

He commanded that they should be written upon their hearts.

Parents were instructed to teach them diligently to their children.

Families were to speak about them throughout the day.

They were to remember them when they rose in the morning and before they lay down at night.

Why would God place such extraordinary importance upon one commandment?

The answer becomes clear as we read the rest of the Old Testament.

Again and again Israel abandoned the living God and turned to the false gods of the surrounding nations.

The greatest danger facing God's people was not merely moral failure.

It was forgetting who the true God is.

For this reason, God continually reminded Israel of the most fundamental truth they must never forget.

There is only one true God.

Everything else rested upon that foundation.

Jesus Confirmed Nothing Had Changed

More than a thousand years later, Jesus Christ was asked one of the most important questions ever put to Him.

A scribe came to Him and asked:

"Which commandment is the greatest of all?"

If there had ever been a moment to replace the commandment given through Moses, this would have been it.

If God's revelation concerning Himself had changed, surely Jesus would have explained it here.

But He did not.

Instead, Jesus immediately returned to the very words spoken by God through Moses centuries earlier.

"The foremost is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.'"

— Mark 12:29

Jesus did not introduce a new commandment.

He reaffirmed the old one.

The same commandment that had stood at the centre of Israel's faith remained, according to Jesus Himself, the greatest commandment of all.

The scribe immediately recognised the importance of Jesus' answer and replied:

"Right, Teacher. You have truly said that He is one, and there is no other besides Him."

— Mark 12:32

Notice carefully what happened next.

Jesus did not correct the scribe.

He did not suggest he had misunderstood.

Instead, we read:

"When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.'"

— Mark 12:34

This brief conversation deserves careful reflection.

The greatest commandment was not presented as a mystery.

Neither Jesus nor the scribe entered into a complicated philosophical discussion.

The truth was stated plainly.

It was understood clearly.

And the scribe was commended by Jesus for answering wisely.

Why Every Christian Should Know This Commandment

If God commanded Israel to place these words upon their hearts...

If parents were commanded to teach them diligently to their children...

If they were to be spoken morning and evening...

If Jesus Himself declared them to be the foremost of all commandments...

Then should they not also stand at the very centre of Christian faith today?

Every Christian, regardless of denomination or tradition, should know this commandment.

Not merely because it appears in the Old Testament.

But because Jesus Himself declared it to be the greatest commandment of all.

That alone should cause us to ask another important question.

If this is the greatest commandment ever given, why do so few Christians study it in depth today?

Perhaps we have become so familiar with these words that we no longer appreciate their importance.

Or perhaps we have simply assumed we already understand them.

Whatever the reason, the greatest commandment deserves far more than a passing glance.

It deserves our careful attention.

The Journey Begins Here

Throughout this study we will not ask readers to accept conclusions without evidence.

Instead, we will allow Scripture to interpret Scripture.

We will examine the historical setting.

We will consider the words of Moses, the prophets, Jesus, and the apostles.

We will compare passage with passage.

And we will ask whether the beliefs held by Christians today reflect the foundation laid by God Himself.

Only after establishing that foundation will we begin examining later theological questions.

For there can be no better place to begin than where both God and Jesus began.

With the greatest commandment ever given.

In Part 2, we will examine why God commanded Israel to repeat these words continually, why this declaration became the very heart of biblical worship, and why understanding its historical setting is essential before we examine any later doctrinal questions.

FOR THE FULL UPDATED ARTICLE CLICK HERE:  The Greatest Commandment Ever Given — Does Modern Christianity Still Believe It?

Related articles:

WHO IS THE ONE TRUE GOD? New video!

John 17:3 — Jesus Confirmed That the Father Alone Is the Only True God

 "I and the Father are one."— John 10:30

  SCRIPTURES Proving Yahweh The One True GOD Of Israel Is The CREATOR ALONE.

PLEASE READ MY UPDATED ARTICLE:

 A detailed historical research image examining the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, featuring Simon Brown studying the Bible, the Trinity symbol, the Council of Nicaea, and the question of whether later Church Fathers rejected the earlier Jewish understanding that God is One.

DID THE CATHOLIC CHURCH CREATE THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY?

And Did Later Church Fathers Reject the Earlier Jewish Understanding of the One God?

Research by Simon Brown 

1 John 5:7 – The Johannine Comma The Most Famous Textual Variant in the New Testament?

Correction: Its absent from 100%

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1 John 5:7 – The Johannine Comma

The Most Famous Textual Variant in the New Testament?

By Simon Brown

For centuries, 1 John 5:7 has been one of the most debated verses in the New Testament. The longer reading found in the King James Version states:

"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

This passage has often been used as one of the strongest biblical arguments in support of the doctrine of the Trinity.

But an important question remains:

Did the Apostle John actually write these words?

Or were they added centuries later?

As Christians, we should follow the example of the Bereans.

"Examine everything carefully; hold fast to that which is good."
— 1 Thessalonians 5:21

And as the Apostle John warned:

"Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God."
— 1 John 4:1

If a passage has been questioned by scholars for hundreds of years, it deserves careful examination.

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This infographic examines the Johannine Comma found in some versions of 1 John 5:7. It compares the original Greek manuscripts with the later expanded reading and explores the historical, textual, and manuscript evidence behind one of the most famous additions to the New Testament. Discover why many modern Bible translations either omit the passage or place it in a footnote. Read the full research at https://wwwrealdiscoveriesorg-simon.blogspot.com/

What Is the Johannine Comma?

The disputed words are commonly known as the Johannine Comma.

The longer reading says:

"...in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit: and these three are one. And there are three that bear witness in earth..."

Modern Bible translations usually omit these words because most textual scholars conclude they were not part of John's original letter.

Instead, most modern translations simply read:

"For there are three that testify:"

followed by verse 8:

"the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and the three agree."

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Why Do Most Modern Bibles Omit the Longer Reading?

One of the main reasons is the manuscript evidence.

The Johannine Comma is absent from the overwhelming majority of ancient Greek manuscripts, including the earliest and most important witnesses.

It is also absent from many early Bible translations, including ancient Syriac, Coptic, Armenian, Ethiopic, Arabic and Slavonic manuscripts.

Many respected textual scholars therefore conclude that the longer reading was not part of the original text written by John.

Bruce Metzger, regarded as one of the world's leading New Testament textual critics, concluded that the passage entered the Greek tradition through a marginal note that was later copied into the text.

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The Evidence from Greek Manuscripts

The evidence is striking.

The longer Trinitarian wording is missing from virtually all early Greek manuscripts.

It only appears in a handful of very late Greek manuscripts, most of which date from the Middle Ages or later.

This explains why many modern Bible translations omit the passage or place it in a footnote.

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The NASB Lexicon

An interesting example is the NASB Greek Lexicon.

When examining 1 John 5:7, the lexicon simply translates:

"For there are three that testify."

The additional Trinitarian wording does not appear because it is absent from the Greek text being translated.

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The Interlinear Greek Text

The same pattern can be seen in many Greek interlinear Bibles.

The Greek text simply reads:

"For there are three that testify."

There is no reference to:

• the Father

• the Word

• the Holy Spirit

within the Greek manuscript tradition on which these editions are based.

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What Do Bible Commentaries Say?

Even many conservative Bible commentaries acknowledge the textual problem.

The Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary notes that the disputed words are absent from the oldest Greek manuscripts and appear to have entered the Latin tradition before eventually finding their way into some Greek copies.

Likewise, the Pulpit Commentary concludes that the passage was almost certainly introduced from a marginal note into the Latin Vulgate before later appearing in a small number of Greek manuscripts.

These observations come from commentators who generally hold orthodox Trinitarian beliefs, yet still recognize the textual evidence.

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Dr. James White

Dr. James White is a well-known evangelical scholar and defender of the Trinity.

Despite strongly defending Trinitarian theology, he acknowledges that the longer reading of 1 John 5:7 was not part of the original Greek text.

His acceptance of this conclusion demonstrates that rejecting the Johannine Comma does not require rejecting the doctrine of the Trinity itself. Many Trinitarian scholars also agree that the passage is not original.

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Why Was It Included in the King James Bible?

The King James Bible was translated from the Textus Receptus.

The earliest printed editions of the Textus Receptus did not contain the Johannine Comma.

Later editions included it after pressure was placed on Desiderius Erasmus when a Greek manuscript containing the passage was produced. Most scholars believe this manuscript was very late.

Because the King James translators relied largely on these later editions of the Textus Receptus, the longer reading entered the King James Version.

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Does Removing the Comma Affect Christian Faith?

For many Christians, the answer is no.

Even many Trinitarian scholars freely admit the passage is almost certainly not original while continuing to believe in the Trinity based on other passages.

Likewise, Christians who reject the doctrine of the Trinity argue that removing the Johannine Comma simply restores John's original words.

Either way, the question is one of textual history, not merely theology.

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The Importance of Honest Scholarship

Whatever our theological position, Christians should seek the original words of Scripture.

If later additions entered the biblical text, we should not be afraid to acknowledge them.

Truth has nothing to fear from honest investigation.

As Jesus said:

"Seek, and you shall find."
— Matthew 7:7

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My Conclusion

After studying the manuscript evidence, the Greek text, early Bible translations, and the conclusions of numerous textual scholars—including many who themselves believe in the Trinity—I have concluded that the longer reading of 1 John 5:7, known as the Johannine Comma, was not part of John's original letter.

In my view, the evidence strongly supports the shorter reading preserved in the earliest Greek manuscripts.

For me, this demonstrates the importance of testing every teaching against Scripture and carefully examining the historical evidence rather than accepting traditions without question.

Whether readers ultimately agree or disagree with my conclusion, I encourage everyone to study the evidence personally and prayerfully.

As Jesus said:

"Seek, and you will find."
— Matthew 7:7

— Simon Brown

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Related articles:

• WHO IS THE ONE TRUE GOD? New video!
• 
  
• The Greatest Commandment Ever Given — Who Is the One True God?
• Mark 12:29 — Why Did Jesus Quote the Shema?
• Deuteronomy 6:4 — The Shema: "Hear, O Israel, Yahweh Our God Is One"
• John 10:30 — What Did Jesus Mean by "I and the Father Are One"?
• John 8:58 — What Did Jesus Mean by "Before Abraham Was, I Am"?
• John 20:28 — Did Thomas Really Call Jesus Almighty God?
• John 14:9 — "He Who Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father" Explained
• John 17:3 — Jesus Confirmed That the Father Alone Is the Only True God
• John 17:5 — Did Jesus Exist with the Father Before the World Began?
• John 1:1 — Does "The Word Was God" Mean Jesus Is Almighty God?
• 2 Peter 1:1 — Another Trinitarian Misunderstanding?
• Colossians 1:15–17 — Does "Firstborn of All Creation" Mean Jesus Was Created?
• Hebrews 1:2 — Did God Create the Universe or the Ages Through His Son?
• Who Is the Alpha and the Omega?
• Did the Doctrine of the Trinity Originate with Jesus Christ and His Apostles?
• Is Jesus God, or the Son of God? What Does the Whole Bible Teach?
•  Scriptures Proving Yahweh: The One True God of Israel Is the Creator Alone.
• John 6:38 — How Did Jesus Come Down From Heaven?

Exciting Archaeological Find - High Priests Golden Bell.

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Quick Read and Fast Facts To Bible Discoveries.

Dear friends, this will be my last email from Constant Contact.

Good-bye and GOD bless.

Dear friends, if you are one of my subscribers who receives my articles from Constant Contact, this is for you, and this will be my last email from Constant Contact, as I am cutting down on my workload, which will provide me with more time to research.

Next year, I am hoping to spend much time in the Holy Land walking and filming in the footsteps of Jesus, now in 4K, where I will start again digging deeper, looking for more buried treasures, unlocking more hidden evidence for the Bible.

After being humbled and encouraged by my film and research, on the Great Stone at Mount Nebo being the missing stone and missing link to the true tomb of Jesus, which, by the grace of God I can say now, is no longer missing, has climbed to unexpected views, which is encouraging me to return and continue my investigations.

The goods news is, we can still stay in touch, where you can continue to receive my articles and read my research by simply clicking on my blog (HERE) and going to the bottom of the page on the right hand column, where you will see: Google+ Followers and my name Simon Brown.

In the mean time, I would like to thank every one of you for taking the time to read my research, and hope even though you may not always agree, or ever agree, I hope I have at least encouraged you to do your own research.

I pray GOD and His Son’s blessings for you, as you seek, find, and follow GOD through His Son and wait for Jesus return and: press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:14, and be raised to eternal life. Amen.

I will leave you with this wonderful teaching by St Paul.

◄ Philippians 3 ►

English Standard Version

Righteousness Through Faith in Christ

1 Finally, my brothers,a rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

2 Look out for the dogs, look out for the evildoers, look out for those who mutilate the flesh. 3 For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh— 4 though I myself have reason for confidence in the flesh also. If anyone else thinks he has reason for confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God that depends on faith— 10 that I may know him and the power of his resurrection, and may share his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 that by any means possible I may attain the resurrection from the dead.

Straining Toward the Goal

12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own. 13 Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you. 16 Only let us hold true to what we have attained.

17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even with tears, walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. 20 But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.