The truth is represented by John objectively and subjec- tively.
1. Odjectively. In the person of Christ. He is the Truth, the perfect revelation of God (John i. 18; xiv. 6). His man- hood is true to the absolute law of right, which is the law of love, and is, therefore, our perfect pattern of manhood.
Truth, absolutely existing in and identified with God, was also, in some measure, diffused in the world. The Word was in the world, before as after the incarnation (John i. 10. See on John i. 4, 5). Christ often treats the truth as something to which He came to bear witness, and which it was His mission to develop into clearer recognition and expression (John xviii. 37). This He did through the embodiment of truth in His own person (John i. 14,17; xiv. 6), and by His teaching (John viii. 40; xvii. 17); and His work is carried out by the Spirit of Truth (John xvi. 13), sent by God and by Christ himself (John xiv. 26; xvi. 7). Hence the Spirit, even as Christ, is the Truth (1 John v. 6). The whole sum of the knowledge of Christ and of the Spirit, is the Truth (1 John ii. 21; 2 John 1).
This truth can be recognized, apprehended, and appropriated by man, and can be also rejected by him (John viii. 32; 1 John ii. 21; John viii. 44).
2. Subjectively. The truth is lodged in man by the Spirit, and communicated to his spirit (John xiv. 17; xv.26; xvi.13). It dwells in man (1 John i. 8; ii. 4; 2 John 2), as revelation, com- fort, guidance, enlightenment, conviction, impulse, inspiration, knowledge. It is the spirit of truth as opposed to the sperit of error (1 John iv. 6). It translates itself into act. God’s true children do the truth (John iii. 21; 1 Johni. 6). It brings sanctification and freedom (John viii, 32; xvii. 17). See on John xiv. 6, 17.
9. Confess (oforoyauev). From opés, one and the same, and Aéyw, to say. Hence, primarily, to say the same thing as another, and, therefore, to admit the truth of an accusation. Compare Ps. li. 4. The exact phrase, oworoyely Tas dpaptias confess the sins, does not occur elsewhere in the New Testa- ment. Compare é£ouwonroyeioIa: dwaptias (raparTwpata) Matt.