In Scripture, Jesus frequently used physical, everyday occurrences and familiar situations to demonstrate great spiritual lessons and truths. He described vivid parallels contrasting the good or bad of daily scenes and the gain or loss certain behaviour would bring to our spiritual well-being.
Similarly, the opening verses of the Bible, contrasting light and darkness, symbolize two opposing ways of life. Light pictures God’s way of life, leading to success and eternal life, while darkness represents Satan’s way, which promises success but leads ultimately to disappointment and disaster. The sobering, inescapable conclusions of history demonstrate that the human race has consistently chosen the wrong way, constantly repeating the mistakes of earlier generations. This article will explain why, and show you how to avoid making wrong choices and to recognize the way to real enlightenment.
In the Beginning…
Genesis 1:1–5 records that God introduced light to an Earth then shrouded in darkness. Light is stronger than darkness; light dispels darkness—never the other way around. Light penetrates through darkness and defeats it. Light is a force, an energy, that travels through the blackness of space at 186,000 miles per second! Darkness is static; it is a state, not going anywhere. Darkness occurs in the absence of light—the reverse never happens. Darkness cannot exist in the direct presence or pathway of light. Light always conquers darkness.
At the outset of the re-creation of the world, some 6,000 years ago (Psalm 104:30) God let through the light—and a rotating planet Earth has ever since, every day, seen daylight dispel the darkness of night.
We perceive light as good and wholesome, while we associate darkness with evil and underhandedness. The verb “to enlighten” implies giving knowledge of a positive nature. We label the fifth and sixth centuries after Christ, when humanity slid backward into ignorance and economic decline, the Dark Ages. Similarly, biblical terminology uses light as synonymous with godliness and eternal life, and darkness with sin and death.
Role of Jesus Christ
Ever since Adam and Eve were expelled from the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:22–24) mankind’s thoughts and actions have been dark and destructive (Genesis 6:5; 8:21). With few exceptions, the history of mankind is a chronicle of wrong choices and their ensuing destructive results (Romans 3:10–18). Into this desperate scenario came Jesus Christ, sent by the Father to bring light and hope and the message of the Kingdom of God to come, and of what we must do to enter it (John 12:35, 36, 46). On many occasions Jesus told His disciples that He was as a light shining in darkness (John 8:12; 9:5; 12:46). Almost all who followed the crowds in Judea, to hear Jesus preach and teach, did not comprehend His message or remain faithful to His exhortations. After He submitted to death by the hands of hardened soldiers, egged on by the taunts of the frenzied mob, only about 120 people really believed His news brought from God (Acts 1:15). Why?
Role and Rule of Satan
It is a commonly held misconception that society around us is “good” or righteous, or, on the whole, godly and god-fearing. Shocking as it may sound, your Bible clearly says it is not (Psalm 14:1–3; 53:1–3). Certainly there are numerous good deeds done and noble causes embraced, but as a whole, the nations produce heartache and humanly insoluble problems for their citizens. This is little wonder, when we read who their present ruler is—none other than the ruler of this world (John 12:31; 14:30), Satan, whose domain Scripture describes as darkness (Ephesians 2:1–2; 6:12). Trying to go forward in an environment of darkness is a hazardous, usually fruitless endeavor. We cannot see the way ahead, nor discern the direction we should take. We would most likely stumble and fall repeatedly. Satan the devil has spiritually blindfolded the world’s population (2 Corinthians 4:4; Revelation 20:2–3; 12:9). The human race needs to be rescued—to be guided and drawn by the light of truth in place of the darkness of deception and sin. This is the core message of the Gospel (good news) Jesus Christ brought to mankind (John 12:35, 36, 46).
Conversion and the Role of the Church
Jesus Christ clearly told the early disciples that men must change from their inherited, natural values and lifestyles if they are to enter the future Kingdom of God (Matthew 18:3). This applies to everyone; there are no exceptions. The Bible calls this change repentance—meaning “going the other way.” In the first public sermon of the fledgling Church of God, recorded in Acts chapter 2, the Apostle Peter repeats exactly this. The Apostolic Church taught this. The Apostle Paul likens repentance to a switching from darkness to light (Acts 26:18). God wishes all people to heed and follow His instruction (Acts 17:30). The resurrected Christ commissioned the Church to bring these tidings of light to the whole world (Matthew 28:19–20) as opportunity and means permitted.
The newly converted Christian takes on a lifelong commitment to increase in right knowledge, and to become a light (a witness, an example, an encourager) to those around him. To a Christian, life at last makes sense, upon seeing that there is, after all, a real and worthwhile purpose to life. There are answers to the questions that baffle the world’s commentators and theologians. There are explanations for the way things are, and choices to be made which bring blessings and good. For a Christian, light has begun to shine where darkness and shadows reigned (Ephesians 2:1–3). This calling, now at hand, is to grow and mature in the Christian faith in all its fullness and challenge, and to overcome the ever-present, powerful influences of darkness that daily cross our paths. We are exhorted to become shining lights of encouragement to all who aspire to live by God’s laws (Matthew 5:14–16). Few people want to live in the full glare of light. It seems easier to dwell, semi-visibly, in the shadows, choosing whether or when to opt for making changes.
This age, which began in darkness and emptiness (both physically and spiritually), will eventually be filled with glorious light (Revelation 21:23–25). Each 24-hour period we are given is a pointer to this great future ahead. Every day begins with a faint glimmer of light appearing on the eastern horizon. Sunrise brings incomparable beauty on clear mornings. The light increases to the full radiance of midday.
If you have been called, you have been given an opportunity to see the light of the truth of God, and to understand why this suffering world is the way it is. You also have outline knowledge of what lies ahead. Your challenge now is to come out of darkness and avoid living in the shadows—and instead to walk in the light that leads to eternal life in the Kingdom of God.