Text: John 4:24—"God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."

We suppose theforegoing Scripture has received as much attention, and has been subjected to as much wear and tear in ordinary usage by preachers and others, as has been usual with many such passages. However, the writer would make one more observation upon it here. The premise to be observed grows out of the question : "Is it possible to worship God ‘in spirit’ and NOT ‘in truth?"

The writer believes that, to worship "in spirit is one thing; but to worship "in truth" is quite another. The word "spirit" (Gr. pneuma) has several meanings; the context surrounding its use in Scripture will determine its meaning. There are "many spirits" (I Jno. 4:1), and consequently many kinds and qualities of spirit. But "truth," like faith in God and Christ, is of one kind doubtless. (Eph. 4:5). The context surrounding the passage under question clearly shows that, the phrase "in spirit" signifies the individual’s state of mind, his use of the animating powers with which he is endowed, in his manner and degree of earnestness of worship. The phrase, "in truth" denotes the authority, and literally means "by divine appointment." It is evident that one’s whole being,—body, soul, AND spirit, may be in the thing he is doing in his worship of the Lord; and yet, his practice may be so far from being "in truth" (by divine appointment) that it could never catch up! Indeed, for the writer to doubt this, would be to doubt his own experience, when, prior to his obedience to the gospel, he was literally submerged in "Sunday school work—the instruction and training of choirs, quartets, orchestras, etc., etc., in the worship (?) of Jehovah. Incidentally, along with these came such thing as, "individual communion (?) "cups; "crackers" as a substitute for "the loaf" (the body of Christ) in the communion (?); observance of the Lord’s (?) Supper, "quarterly" etc., etc. Yes, also a "self devised" arrangement of the worship in the public assembly; for the 22nd, "article of faith" to which he was subject reads thus: "It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies should in all places be the same, or exactly alike; . . . Every particular Church may ordain, change, or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things may be done unto edification. (M. Discipline p. 32, Art. 22, Issue 1916).

Yea, in the same "spirit" in which your servant and scribe witnessed and sanctioned the foregoing practices, he has, metaphorically speaking, "consented to" and "held the clothes of them" who sprinkled innocent infants with water; poured it on others; still further immersed others into it, as the act of baptism, not—FOR—but —BECAUSE OF—remission of sins, at that!

Was all this done "in spirit?" As previously stated, the writer has no reason to doubt his own integrity. In fact, it was done with as much, and in the same spirit with which he would now practice only that for which can be found "thus saith the Lord." But, let us remember, that the word "spirit" does not always indicate the Holy Spirit; nor even the Lord’s Spirit in us.

But was the foregoing articles and methods of worship "in truth?" NO? Then, if not "in truth" (by divine appointment), what authority were they practiced? Answer: (1)The Discipline, (2) Grandma’s imagination, llteenth chapter, or possibly (3) The 23rd chapter of Revelation. Let the reader take his choice, if he is determined to practice them, or any of them; for they are all alike in the light of God’s word:, and none of them are "IN TRUTH." Had they been, the writer was worshiping God "in spirit and truth" prior to his obedience to the gospel.

The Word of God and Truth are synonymous terms. (John 17:17). And since God is the source of all Truth, He is the author of it. It follows, necessarily that to worship Him "in truth" is to worship Him according to the teachings of His Word. Yea, we are bound over and under, in and around by the Word of God. (2 Jno. 9). And since "IN TRUTH" has nevei been found to include: sprinkling and pouring for baptism—Sunday schools—preacher pastors—cups—breads —musical instruments—missionary societies—confused and disordered worship in the public assembly—etc., etc., it is very evident that these things cannot be signified by the phrase "IN TRUTH"; and if not "IN TRUTH" then consequently, not "of faith" (Rom. 10:17) and if not of faith, they are therefore sinful (Rom. 14:23).

The writer, therefore, concludes that, it is altogether possible to worship God "in spirit" and at the same time fail to worship Him "in truth." But the commandment still reads: "they that worship him must worship him in spirit AND in truth." Hence, — "They then that received his (Peter’s) word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls. And they continued steadfastly in the Apostle’s teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread and the prayers" (Acts 2:41, 42).

God’s perfect law converts the soul,

Reclaims from false desires;

With sacred wisdom his sure word

The ignorant inspires.

My trusty counselors they are,

And friendly warning give;

Divine rewards attend on those

Who by thy precepts live.