John 4:23, "But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him." Jesus teaches several things in this verse.
- "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 Ghost.
- "Truth" is characteristic of God, incarnate in Christ, intrinsic to the Holy Ghost, and at the heart of the gospel. Therefore, worship must take place according to the truth of the Father that is revealed in the Son and received through the Spirit. Those who advocate a worship that sets aside the truth and doctrines of the Word of God have in reality set aside the only foundation for true worship.