Be Not in the Dark

We could spend a lifetime studying what the Bible says about God as Light. What I will do here, could not even qualify as scratching the surface.

1 John 1:5-8 states, This is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in Him there is no darkness at all. (NASU)

God is Light. The Bible refers to Jesus by many descriptive titles. He is described as the Bright Morning Star and as The Sun. The most dramatic is Jesus’ own use of the term “I Am” which hearkens back to the Burning Bush episode, as well as a large portion of the latter half of Isaiah. Jesus specifically and literally called Himself “the I Am who is the Light of the world” in John 8:12 and John 9:25. Many other New Testament passages indirectly refer to Jesus in that capacity.

The book of John opens with a marvelous description of Jesus as the true Light shining in the darkness, coming into the world to enlighten every man. John 1 declares that Jesus’ life is the Light of men. John 3 says that we are judged because Light has come into the world and that we love the darkness, but hate the Light because He exposes our deeds. John 3 also famously states that the Light came into the world so that whoever believes in Him will be saved.

2 Corinthians 4:4-6 tells us that Satan tries to keep us from seeing the Light, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving so that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. For we do not preach ourselves but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your bond-servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, “Light shall shine out of darkness,” is the One who has shone in our hearts to give the Light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. (NASU)

Our eternal destiny depends on how we respond to the Light that God has sent to us. If we hate the Light and love the darkness, we will spend eternity separated from the Light in a place of total and eternal darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

To those who have trusted in Jesus, He said in Matthew 5:14-16, You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (NASU)

Christians have been given a responsibility. God has chosen Christians to carry on the work of Christ in the world. Ephesians 5:6-10 further clarifies our responsibility, Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. (NASU)

As Christians, we are called to leave darkness behind. We do that by bearing the fruit of Light which is goodness, righteousness, truth, and pleasing the Lord. Embrace the Light!.

You can email Pastor Ellison at [email protected].