Is this where the trinity comes from?

Question

KJV 1st. John 5:7 For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one.

Answer 1

Looks like he is talking about the Trinity, yes.
Jesus is often called the Word.

Answer 2

The Trinity is revealed to us in Scripture gradually, indirectly, and in many ways. We see it in the references of God's unity and transcendence and episodes regarded as 'theophanies' (i.e. mysterious appearances of one or more persons of the Trinity) in the Old Testament, such as in Genesis 1:26 (God speaks of Himself in the plural), Genesis 3:22, 11:27, 16:7-13, Exodus 3:2-14 (God uses two names for Himself--Elohim &Yahweh--they seem to imply one who sends and one who is sent, which corresponds with God the Father's relationship with God the Son and God the Holy Spirit), Psalm 2:7, Isaiah 7:14 (Emmanuel--God is with us), 9:6, 11:2, 35:4, Proverbs 8:22-31, Wisdom 7:22-28, 8:3-8, Ezekiel 11:5, 36:27, Joel 2:26, & Malachi 3:1.

The most striking piece in proof of the Trinity is Matthew 28:18-19. It is important to notice the use of the singular 'name' and not the plural, 'names.' It implies there are indeed three divine Persons in the Trinity, the 3 in 1.

"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit."

Some more passages that give us glimpses of the Trinity--
Matthew 3:16
Mark 12:29
Luke 1:30-35
John 10:38, 14:9, & 17:10
2 Corinthians 13:13
Ephesians 2:18 & 4:6
1 Timothy 2:5
1 Peter 1:12
1 John 5:7-8 (as mentioned in the question, but it is a part of the proof for the Trinity)

Answer 3

No, but this a favorite trinitarian "proof." However, this verse can't be used to prove the trinity because it says nothing about the Father, Son, and the holy spirit being co-equal, co-eternal, and almighty AND that they make up one God. It merely say they are "one."

At John 17:22, Jesus prayed to his Father, saying: "I have given them the glory which you have given me, in order that they may be one just as we are one." Was Jesus praying that his disciples become one with him and the Father in an expanded trinity? No.

At 1 Corinthians 3:6, 8, Paul says: "I planted, Apollos watered . . . He that plants and he that waters are one." Paul did not mean that he and Apollos were two persons in one; he meant that they were unified in purpose. The Greek word that Paul used here for "one" (hen) is neuter, literally "one (thing)," indicating oneness in cooperation. It is the same word that Jesus used at John 10:30 to describe his relationship with his Father. It is also the same word that Jesus used at John 17:21, 22. So when he used the word "one" (hen) in these cases, he was talking about unity of thought and purpose.

So, no matter how you look at 1 John 5:7, it cannot be used to prove the trinity.

And incidentally, this verse words "For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost; and these three are one" do not appear in any Bible manuscripts before the 4th or 5th century. It is a spurious addition to the Bible, along with the word "God" at 1 Tim. 3:16. That's why those words have been removed from modern Bibles.

Answer 4

That passage is probably the worst proof text for the Trinity. The reason is it appears in no early Greek manuscripts and is almost certainly what is referred to as a "scribal gloss". A scribal gloss is when a scribe pulls a text from another part of the Bible which is similar but not exactly parallel in the original manuscripts, and imports it into another passage. In this case, what was done is to incorporate a doctrine that is clearly taught in Scripture, but is not set forth explicitly in the original text.
The doctrine of the Trinity is plainly taught implicitly in the Bible but is not expressed explicitly in any one passage.
A thorough examination of all accepted Scripture plainly sets forth God as One God who expresses Himself through three Persons; the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.
I would suggest as a better text Jesus' great commission in which He commanded His disciples to "Go....baptizing them in (or into) the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19) Jesus plainly referred to both the Father and the Holy Spirit as persons.
We can see all three Persons in this one verse:
"But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I (Jesus)have said to you."
(John 14:26)

Answer 5

The trinity is throughout the Bible. The word "trinity" is not stated. But the belief developed because the three persons are all referred to as God throughout the Bible and yet God is said to be one and the word used for one can imply a composed unity. As in Adam and Eve became one.

Answer 6

I always thought the Father and the Son always were and the Love between them (which always was) was the Holy Spirit, and they are one God just like the skin,flesh, and core of an apple are three things, but one apple. There other analogies to the three in one, but they are too numerous to go into in one answer.

I think there are many places in the Bible that talk about the Trinity, including the one you quoted.

Veronica

Answer 7

As a Biblical Scholar I have to admit that Father, Word, and Holy Ghost do not appear in the original manuscript.

Answer 8

That's not what that scripture states.

And no, the trinity came from a doctrine formulated and incorporated into Christianity by popular demand. It was originally a pagan (and still is) doctrine. In the original Greek form, no where is the alluding to a triune God in the bible. It's illogical.

Answer 9

some would use that to prove their theory/false doctrine. yes

Answer 10

Basically, yes.