Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him. God is a Spirit, and those worshipping him must worship with spirit and truth.” (John 4:23, 24 NWT)
These words of Jesus are spoken to a Samaritan woman at a well in Sychar. The subject of discussion was: who really are the true worshipers?
How are we to understand what Jesus was conveying to the Samaritan woman?
What follows is one interpretation:
“When Jesus mentioned worshipping with spirit, he was not speaking of a particularly spirited, animated, or enthusiastic form of worship. Rather, he was talking about being guided by God’s holy spirit, which among other things guides our understanding of the Scriptures. (1 Corinthians 2:9-12) And the truth Jesus referred to is an accurate knowledge of Bible teachings. Therefore, rather than being rendered at any special place, our worship will be acceptable to God if it conforms to what the Bible teaches and is guided by the holy spirit. (The Watchtower 2016 public edition no. 2 pgs. 9,10)
The note on this verse in the NWT Study Bible says:
“worship with . . . truth: Worship that is acceptable to God cannot be based on imagination, myths, or lies. It has to be in harmony with facts and consistent with “the truth” that God has revealed in his Word about himself and his purposes. (Joh 17:17) Such worship must conform to the “realities that are not seen” but are revealed in God’s Word.—Heb 9:24; 11:1; see also the study note on worship with spirit in this verse.”
Hence, the Watchtower society believes Jesus was conveying the message that in order for one’s worship to be acceptable to God it must, along with being guided by holy spirit, conform to what the Bible teaches. In other words, it must be doctrinally correct. But who is it that determines if a teaching conforms to the Bible? Many religions claim that what they teach conforms to the Bible. Oftentimes while at the same time denying that others who disagree with their interpretations are even Christian, a position Jehovah’s Witnesses have taken at least since the time of J. F. Rutherford. But is this what Jesus was conveying?
I think the best way of determining the answer to that question is to examine the context of the discussion between Jesus and the woman. If the truth Jesus referred to is an accurate knowledge of Bible teachings, what are we to make of his statement: “the Father is looking for ones like these”? Would not that indicate that the Father is looking for ones who already have an accurate knowledge of the Bible? If that were so, why would it be necessary for Jesus to send his disciples out to make further disciples, teaching them all the things that he commanded? (Matt. 28:19,20) Would they not already accurately know all these things? On the contrary it appears that God is looking for humble, sincere persons with a genuine desire to worship for these are the ones who can be taught.
The word “truth” is the Greek word alethinos, which according to Strong’s Concordance means true, real, genuine.
HELPS Word-studies states:
228 /alēthinós (“substantially true”) refers to what is essentially true – connecting (visible) fact to its underlying reality. 228 (alēthinós) then emphasizes the integrity of what is true, down to its inner make-up (reality, “true inside and out”).
True worshipers, the kind that God is searching for to become his children, would be genuine, humble, honest, sincere persons. It is not necessary for them to know all the truth.
So, what are we to conclude from this? Does this mean that doctrinal truth does not matter? Hardly could that be the case given the prominence Jesus placed on truth throughout his ministry. (Just type the words truth and Jesus in any Bible search). However, it is not a requirement of God for persons to accurately know everything in order have his approval.
The Watchtower society itself has had to admit that over the years it’s teachings has not always conformed to what the Bible teaches:
“The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870. Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food.” (The Watchtower February 2017 Study Edition “Who is Leading Gods People Today?”)
Hence if God was looking for a group of persons whose teachings were in harmony with facts and consistent with “the truth” that God has revealed in his Word about himself and his purposes, why would he have chosen them back in 1919 as his faithful and discreet slave? Why would he continue using today those unable to produce perfect spiritual food?
Nor would it be necessary for persons to be part of a particular church in order to be viewed as such by God.
“John said, “Teacher, we saw a man using your name to force demons out of people. But he wasn’t one of us, and we told him to stop.” Jesus said to his disciples: Don’t stop him! No one who works miracles in my name will soon turn and say something bad about me. Anyone who isn’t against us is for us. And anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name, just because you belong to me, will surely be rewarded. (Mar 9:38-41 CEV)
When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all of his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. The people of all nations will be brought before him, and he will separate them, as shepherds separate their sheep from their goats. He will place the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Then the king will say to those on his right, “My father has blessed you! Come and receive the kingdom that was prepared for you before the world was created. When I was hungry, you gave me something to eat, and when I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. When I was a stranger, you welcomed me, and when I was naked, you gave me clothes to wear. When I was sick, you took care of me, and when I was in jail, you visited me.” Then the ones who pleased the Lord will ask, “When did we give you something to eat or drink? When did we welcome you as a stranger or give you clothes to wear or visit you while you were sick or in jail?” The king will answer, “Whenever you did it for any of my people, no matter how unimportant they seemed, you did it for me.” (Mat 25:31-40 CEV)
At this Peter began to speak, and he said: “Now I truly understand that God is not partial, but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (Acts 10:34, 35 NWT)
Perfect knowledge of the truth is in reality impossible for humans. The process of learning is constant. Children will always need to be taught. But what God is looking for are those that have a thirst for the truth. They would also have a loyalty to truth moving them to make adjustments when new information comes to light. (John 18:37)
I believe such ones can be found in any religious system. But just as Jesus illustrated with wheat and weeds it is impossible for men to determine who such ones are. Since this is a condition of the heart, only Christ by means of his angels can make that determination. (Matt. 13:41) The responsibility we have as Christians is to plant and water. Only God can make it grow. (1 Cor. 3:5,6)
A very interesting confirmation of this occurs in Acts chapter 18. Paul was told by Jesus that he had many people in Corinth before he had even preached to them.
Moreover, the Lord said to Paul in a vision by night: “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not keep silent, for I am with you and no man will assault you to harm you; for I have many people in this city.” So he stayed there for a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Acts 18:9-11
“The exercise of faith and love, therefore, and of other graces, must constitute the true spiritual worship which we owe to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, and which cannot but be acceptable to him, wherever it is offered, in whatever place, and by whatever person. (Benson Commentary)
See also the article “Sincerity Alone Not Enough to Please God?“