Jesus obviously "knew all" at the time of this statement, past, present and especially future. To me, this means that we are to have a heart for God and be eager to worship. However, I think Jesus is warning about a future (present) belief. He is telling us that accuracy in doctrine is important. Not that there is a theology test to get into heaven, but that we should pursue truth by studying the Word of God. Too many people say, "I believe in Jesus, who cares what else I believe" |
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---Greyrider on 11/20/07 |
JEHOVAH is that Spirit and Jesus is that Truth. Man shows an attitude of awe and deep respect for the Father when he is willing to trust in and rely upon His Divine Inspiration to lead him into His Truth and to empower him to submit to and live out the Divine principles of truth. God's Word is truth. |
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---joseph on 11/20/07 |
John 17:17 Jesus states: "Sanctify them through thy truth, thy word is truth". This means to obey His truth in your everyday life, beginning with the plan of salvation in Acts 2:38, until Jesus comes to takes you up in the catching away of His bride. |
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---Diana on 11/20/07 |
Abraham of Nathpar, a sixth century Monk wrote, "Do not imagine, my beloved, that prayer consists solely of words or that it can be learned by means of words. . .spiritual prayer is not learned and does not reach fullness as a result of either learning or the repetition of words. For it is not to a man that you are praying . . .it is to him who is Spirit that you are directing the movements of prayer. You should pray . . .in spirit, seeing that he is spirit. . ." (On Prayer and Silence 1-2) |
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---Ramon on 11/19/07 |
Bill, blessings friend and brother IN CHRIST. Thank you for taking the time to give such knowledgable spiritual insights. I can tell by many of your answes, that you are very mature in the Word of God. Again, thanks friend! God Bless! |
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---Cynthia on 11/19/07 |
"In spirit" points to the level at which true worship occurs. One must come to God in complete sincerity and with a spirit that is directed by the life and activity of the Holy Spirit.
"In Truth" means worship must take place according to the truth of the Father that is revealed in the Son and received through the Holy Spirit. Those who advocate a worship that sets aside the truth and doctrines of the Word of God have set aside the only foundation for true worship. |
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---Ramon on 11/19/07 |
#2 Basil the Great, a Early Church Father, wrote, "To worship in the spirit implies that our intelligence has been enlightened. . . By truth he clearly meant himself. If we say that worship offered in the Son (the truth) is worship in the Father's image, we can say the same about worship offered in the Spirit since the Spirit in himself reveals the divinity of the Lord . . . " (On the Spirit 26.64, OHS 97, A.D 363-?) |
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---Ramon on 11/19/07 |
In the Holy Spirit > "spirit" would mean the life breath of God making us alive in His love..."the love of God...poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit" (in Romans 5:5). And I think "truth" means true reality of God's Spirit...not just words and thoughts which are true, because, "though I...understand all mysteries and all knowledge...but have not love, I am nothing." (in 1 Corinthians 13:2). |
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---Bill_bila5659 on 11/19/07 |
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