January 30, 2004

THE TRUE LIGHT

"That was the true Light which gives light to every man who comes into the world" (John 1:9, NKJV).

This portrait of Christ is one of brilliance as well as beauty. Like a mighty floodlight, Christ, the light of the world, outshines and eclipses all other luminaries. As the pole star in a dark night, Jesus shines with singular brilliance.

The apostle John in his unique insight of Christ as the light of the world, employs the symbolism of light more than twenty-three times in his book. In keeping with the light motif, he quotes Jesus as saying: "I am the light of the world" (John 8:12, NKJV). John sees Jesus as more than the light of the world, however. He sets him apart as the true light (see John 1:9). Christ is the source as well as the dispenser of the light. He is Himself the light of the world.

As the true Light, Jesus is the life-giver as well as the light-giver. This fact is eloquently stated by John, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men" (John 1:4, NKJV). The true light shines upon all mankind in the sense that Jesus died on the cross for all humanity. Salvation is exclusively through the saving light of Christ, the true light. The light that penetrates earth's gross darkness and illuminates mankind is the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. There is no substitute for the life-giving light that emanates from Jesus Christ (see Romans 1:19, 20).

Only through Jesus Christ, the true light, is the character of God revealed and understood (see John 17:6). All other religions, theories, and philosophies are futile and ineffective in discovering the way to genuine happiness, freedom, and victory over sin. "Christ alone is the true light, and He is the only source of light and life for sinful men."--Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, p. 89.

My Prayer Today: Lord, I reaffirm my commitment to walk in Your saving light. Amen.