Light is a word that is used frequently in the Bible and the first mention is in Genesis when God says “Let there be light”. There is a constant reference to light in the Old Testament and the following are just a few:
1. Psalms 36:9 “For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light”
2. Isaiah 9:2 “The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: that they dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined”
3. Psalms 18:28 “For thou wilt light my lamp: Jehovah my God will lighten my darkness”
When we enter the New Testament we see the “Light” (note capital L) is mentioned a number of times, predominately in John’s chapters, and always referring to Jesus. As a note I recommend the use of the New American Standard as it is closest to the original. Other versions do not display Light with a capital “L”. However, Jesus is the capital “Light” as it is described in the Greek language as φως, φωΤσς.
See John 12:36 “While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them.”
You will note, John refers to the divine Light with the use of a capital letter and in the Greek it is φως i.e. Phos. However, other writers of the New Testament also use a capital letter when referring to “Divine” light. But the word “Light” (capital L) is not used in the Old Testament. It generally state something like “Your light” (capital Y referring to God with lower case “l” for light).
Paul writes in Ephesians 5:8 “For you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light is in all goodness and righteousness and truth)” Remember we cannot be “Light” or divine Light, but the Light must live in us.
One also cannot but see the parallel between Genesis 1 and John 1. Light is mentioned so many times and the language in John 1 is certainly remininescent of Genesis 1. For instance the first phrase in John 1 is “In the beginning was the Word” and in Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God”.
Genesis 1 also states “and darkness was upon the face of the deep…………And God said let there be light” “And God saw the light, that it was good” and then we read John1 and it states v4 “In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men.” v5 “The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” v7 “He came as a witness, to testify about the Light, so that all might believe through him.”
John 1:9 There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. This verse really emphasises the difference between Jesus and man. Jesus enLIGHTens man with His presence.
There other references where the same Greek word (φως) is used but is written in lower case. So it can be a bit confusing. The word light also generally refers to the light emitted by a lamp or a heavenly light such as surrounds angels when they appear on earth. It could also refer to a star, fire because it is light and sheds light, a lamp or torch or light as in brightness. The only other use is as a metaphor. For instance, truth and its knowledge, together with the spiritual purity associated with it or reason and mind.
The word “Light” refers to God whereas “light” refers to something given by God. For God is the emitter and creator of all Light, in a spiritual sense. He is Light in a divine sense.
Other significant verses are as follows:
John 12:36 “While you have the Light, believe in the Light, so that you may become sons of Light.” These things Jesus spoke, and He went away and hid Himself from them.
The Light here is the pure light – Jesus! It is the pure love of the Father shown through Jesus. With Jesus or Christ in us we become sons of Light. It is Jesus Light in us that others see and that we respond to.
Ephesians 5:13 “But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.”
Luke 11:36 “If therefore your whole body is full of light, with no dark part in it, it will be wholly illumined, as when the lamp illumines you with its rays”
John 9:5 Jesus said “While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.”
So what is the “Light”?
Light is the revelation of God’s love in Jesus Christ and the penetration of that love into lives darkened by sin. So how does that love penetrate into man that is darkened by sin? If the “Light” (Jesus) lives in you that Light will dispel the darkness of sin.
The Light in us is the same a Christ in us.
Jesus came as the Light that enlightens all people, so that those believing in him will no longer be in darkness John 12:46. In other words the Father showed His love for us through Jesus. Jesus said “If you see me you’ve seen the Father”
Seeing His love will enlighten us as to what pure love is all about. However, it is only when we let Jesus in our hearts, will darkness flee.
John 8:12 “Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.”
Remember Jesus is the incarnate Word of God. John 1:14 states “And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us (and we beheld his glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father), full of grace and truth”
The Light is God’s character which is pure love, full of grace and truth.
God is Light and created physical light “in the beginning of mans existence” as well as the Provider of spiritual light by which we can see the truth. Remember Jesus said “I am the way the truth and life”
Light exposes everything, even those things that are hidden in darkness; it shows things as they really are. That is why Light is so uncomfortable to those who chose to live in the dark. John 3:20 states “For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed.”
Not wanting to be negative but there are false lights too. 2 Corinthians 11:14 states “No wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light.”
But if you experience the true Light, one will recognise false light as nothing of substance, compared to God’s pure love.
I encourage you to seek with all your heart, mind and soul, the love (Light) of God that is full of grace and truth.
My Biblical Thoughts 