Topical Encyclopedia
In the biblical context, light is often associated with the manifestation and revelation of objects, both physical and spiritual. The concept of light as a means of revealing or making visible is deeply rooted in Scripture, where it serves as a metaphor for understanding, truth, and divine presence.
Creation and Physical LightThe Bible begins with the creation narrative, where light is the first element God calls into existence.
Genesis 1:3-4 states, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness." Here, light is the medium through which the physical world is made visible and ordered, distinguishing day from night and enabling life to flourish.
Light as Divine RevelationThroughout Scripture, light is frequently used to symbolize divine revelation and understanding.
Psalm 119:105 declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path," illustrating how God's Word illuminates the path of righteousness and guides believers in their spiritual journey. Similarly,
Proverbs 6:23 states, "For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life," emphasizing the role of divine instruction in revealing truth and moral clarity.
Christ as the Light of the WorldIn the New Testament, Jesus Christ is identified as the ultimate manifestation of divine light.
John 8:12 records Jesus saying, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." Here, Christ is portrayed as the source of spiritual illumination, revealing the nature of God and the path to eternal life. His presence dispels spiritual darkness, offering salvation and understanding to those who believe.
Light in the Believer's LifeBelievers are called to reflect the light of Christ in their own lives.
Matthew 5:14-16 exhorts, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." Christians are encouraged to live in a manner that reveals God's truth and love to the world, manifesting His presence through their actions and character.
Light and Spiritual WarfareThe apostle Paul contrasts light with darkness in the context of spiritual warfare.
Ephesians 5:8-9 instructs, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth." Believers are urged to live in the light, embodying the virtues that reflect God's kingdom and standing against the forces of darkness.
Eschatological LightThe Bible concludes with a vision of eternal light in the new creation.
Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem: "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its lamp." In this eschatological vision, God's presence provides perpetual light, signifying the ultimate manifestation of His glory and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan.
In summary, light in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of God's creative power, revelation, and presence. It manifests objects, both physical and spiritual, guiding believers in truth and righteousness while pointing to the ultimate hope of eternal illumination in God's kingdom.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 3:20,21For every one that does evil hates the light, neither comes to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
Torrey's Topical TextbookEphesians 5:13
But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatever does make manifest is light.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
That Every Divine Illumination, Whilst Going Forth Lovingly to the...
... mental [156] eyes, the gift ofLight, primal and... elevating and unifying blending
of theobjects of its... Source of sacred mysteries, bymanifesting the Heavenly...
A Preparation for the Discourse on the Union of the Blessed with...
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Fifth Tractate. That the Intellectual Beings are not Outside the...
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Of Predestination
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Redemption (Continued)
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Essay on Faith.
... our bounden relations to all otherobjects of fidelity... WITH THE HOLY WILL, AND WHICH
LIGHT IS AT... sum of spiritual Truth, representing andmanifesting the Will...
Concerning the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels, and...
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That Divine and Heavenly Things are Appropriately Revealed, Even...
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Tennessee Justifying Her Procedure.
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'The Riches of Grace'
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Resources
What does it mean to walk in the light? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that Satan masquerades as an angel of light? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God say, “Let there be light,” during creation? | GotQuestions.orgLight: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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