« | 1 John 5 |
1 Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is God's child, and who- ever loves the Father also loves the Father's children.
2 This is how we know we love God's children: when we love God and obey his commands.
3 Loving God means obeying his commands. And God's commands are not too hard for us,
4 because everyone who is a child of God conquers the world. And this is the victory that conquers the world -- our faith.
5 So the one who wins against the world is the person who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
6 Jesus Christ is the One who came by watern and blood. He did not come by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit says that this is true, because the Spirit is the truth.
7 So there are three witnesses that tell us about Jesus:
8 the Spirit, the water, and the blood; and these three witnesses agree.
9 We believe people when they say something is true. But what God says is more important, and he has told us the truth about his own Son.
10 Anyone who believes in the Son of God has the truth that God told us. Anyone who does not believe makes God a liar, because that person does not believe what God told us about his Son.
11 This is what God told us: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.
12 Whoever has the Son has life, but whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.
13 I write this letter to you who believe in the Son of God so you will know you have eternal life.
14 And this is the boldness we have in God's presence: that if we ask God for anything that agrees with what he wants, he hears us.
15 If we know he hears us every time we ask him, we know we have what we ask from him.
16 If anyone sees a brother or sister sinning (sin that does not lead to eternal death), that person should pray, and God will give the sinner life. I am talking about people whose sin does not lead to eternal death. There is sin that leads to death. I do not mean that a person should pray about that sin.
17 Doing wrong is always sin, but there is sin that does not lead to eternal death.
18 We know that those who are God's children do not continue to sin. The Son of God keeps them safe, and the Evil One cannot touch them.
19 We know that we belong to God, but the Evil One controls the whole world.
20 We also know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding so that we can know the True One. And our lives are in the True One and in his Son, Jesus Christ. He is the true God and the eternal life.
21 So, dear children, keep yourselves away from gods.
The New Century Version (NCV)
The New Century Version (NCV) is a contemporary English translation of the Bible designed to be easily understandable and accessible to a broad audience. First published in 1987 by Thomas Nelson, the NCV originated from a project aimed at creating a simplified English translation for children. Over time, the scope of the translation expanded to cater to readers of all ages, including those with limited English proficiency and those new to the Bible. The NCV’s primary goal is to communicate the truths of Scripture in clear, everyday language that resonates with modern readers.
A notable feature of the NCV is its use of dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought translation philosophy. This approach prioritizes conveying the meaning and intent of the original texts over maintaining a strict word-for-word correspondence. By doing so, the NCV aims to make the Bible’s messages more relatable and easier to understand, especially for those who may find traditional translations challenging. The translation team worked diligently to balance accuracy with readability, ensuring that the essence of the biblical texts is preserved while making them more accessible to contemporary audiences.
The NCV also includes various study aids and features designed to enhance comprehension and engagement with the biblical text. These include introductions to each book of the Bible, footnotes that provide historical and cultural context, and cross-references that help readers see connections between different parts of Scripture. Additionally, the NCV often employs gender-neutral language where appropriate, aiming to be inclusive and respectful of modern sensibilities while remaining faithful to the original texts.
Despite its strengths, the New Century Version has faced some criticism from those who prefer more traditional or literal translations. Critics argue that the dynamic equivalence approach can sometimes result in a loss of nuance and depth found in the original languages. Additionally, some theologians express concern that the simplified language may not fully capture the richness and complexity of certain theological concepts. Nonetheless, the NCV remains a valuable resource for many readers, particularly those seeking a clear and approachable version of the Bible that helps them connect with and understand its timeless messages.