The ‘Light’ Equation

“...God is Light...”  1 John 1:5

The biblical text is rich with metaphors and similes, one of which often appears in John’s writings. God is said to be “Light” - the most constant, clearly observable, and all-pervasive experience in our universe.

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 1 Tim. 6:16), we can never be a participant in the life of God apart from the light of God (1 John 1:6). If we claim fellowship with God, we must “walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light” (1 John 1:7). Since God is the “true Light” (1 John 2:8), we are not part of His family if we despise those He loves (1 John 2:9).

It is equally obvious that since God is holy (Psalm 99:9) and righteous (Dan. 9:14), the light that we are to “shine” (Matt. 5:16) must be “like the light of dawn, that shines brighter and brighter until the full day....for you are all sons of light and sons of day” (Prov. 4:18; 1 Thess. 5:5).

Our “breastplate of righteousness” (Eph. 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 “because of your good deeds...[to] glorify God” (1 Pet. 2:12).

Because the God of our salvation is “the Light of the world” (John 9:5), and we have been made “children of Light” (Eph. 5:8), “you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).