“To worship God ‘in spirit and in truth’ is first and foremost a way of saying that we must worship God by means of Christ. In him the reality has dawned and the shadows are being swept away (Hebrews 8:13). Christian worship is new covenant worship; it is gospel-inspired worship; it is Christ-centered worship; it is cross-focused worship.”
- D.A. Carson, Worship by the Book (Grand Rapids, Mi.: Zondervan, 2002), 37.
(HT: Of First Importance)
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Yes, I’m sure that’s right.
But…………. what did John mean by “in Spirit”, and “in truth”?
Hi Brian. It’s impossible to cram a systematic theology into a ‘bite-sized’ quote. But I think Carson gets to the heart, or the essence, or ultimate direction of worship here. You’ll have to get his book for more! For years I failed to get passed any mention of the S/spirit without investing it with an exclusively charismatic (gifts) meaning. I now see a much bigger picture. Still need to see more! Whilst genuine worship will be Spirit empowered (Phil.3:3), and manifestations are to be sought (1Cor.14:1), the end should always leave us enthralled with Jesus and his cross-work on our behalf (Gal.6:14).