THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Old Testament prophet Isaiah said, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). When Jesus Christ came into the world he said, “I am the light of the world”(John 8:12). He also said, “You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). How does the Bible show both to be the light of the world?
THE WORLD IN SPIRITUAL DARKNESS
“The whole world is under the control of the evil one”
(1 John 5:19).
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12).
Satan, who is the god of this world, has blinded the minds of those who don’t see “the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:4).They don’t recognize or believe in the Lord Jesus Christ whom God has sent into the world to save all who believe in him from their sins ((Romans 3:23; John 3:16).
JESUS AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
The Bible says: “The people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16).
When the Lord Jesus Christ was in the world he spoke, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).
And he said, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness (John 12:46). And “As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” (John 9:5).
The biblical Word of God informs us that “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5).
And “to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:9).
BELIEVERS AS THE LIGHT OF THE WORLD
Jesus told those who repented and believed in him, “You are the light of the world. Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:14-16).
The Bible states: “at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). God “has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13).
“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9).
Before, the Lord left the world, he told his disciples, who were a reflection of his light: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.” (Mark 16:15-16).
POWER OF THE GOSPEL LIGHT
The gospel message of Jesus is intended “To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me” (Acts 26:18).
As repentant believers in Christ, we are his body of people in whom the Holy Spirit lives (John 14:15-17; 1 Corinthians 3:16). He enables us to be conformed to the likeness of our Lord (Romans 8:29); and to boldly proclaim the gospel of our Savior to the world (Acts 1:8).
