The "Light" Equation

Leading a Bible Study, this week, in the congregation where I was minister more than 50 years ago, and using an illustration from my teaching career that involved a reference to quantum physics (!), has possibly influenced the topic for this week's blog post!

Light, which can be in either wave, or particle, form is the most constant, clearly observable, and all-pervasive material experience in our universe. It also appears regularly, in the Biblical text, which is rich with metaphors and similes! 

In John's first letter, he makes the simple, but profound, statement that "God is light" (1:5). In his account of the Gospel record, John also makes a number pof references to light. God's life is the light of men (John 1:4).

God's light is not conquered by darkness (John 1:5).

God's light attracts men who love truth (John 3:21).

Jesus is the "light of the world" (John 8:12).

 

John's emphasis in his epistle is focused on the application of the "light" in our lives. Since God is light (see also I Timothy 6:16), we can never be a participant in the life of God apart from the light of God (I John 1:6). If we claim fellowship with God, we must "walk in the light, as He is in the light" (I John 1:7). Since God is the "true light" (I John 2:8), we are not part of His family if we despise those He loves (I John 2:9).

 

It is equally obvious that since Almighty God is "holy" (Psalm 99:9) and "righteous" (Daniel 9:14), the light that we are to "shine" (Matthew 5:16) must be a "like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day". (Proverbs 4:18).

 

Our breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) should blind the ungodly with the brilliance of our lifestyle of holiness — so much so that even if we are spoken against by those who hate God, they will be forced to glorify God because of our good works (I Peter 2:12).

 

Because the God of our salvation is "the light of the world" (John 9:5) and we have been made "the children of light" (Ephesians 5:8), that we "may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." (I Peter 2:9).