One of the most important statements about God is that He is light. John R.W. Stott (TNTC on The Letters of John, 75) says that no biblical statement is more comprehensive of God’s essential being than the 1 John 1:5 assertion that God is “light.” The idea that God is light carries a number of truths with it. First, God chooses to tell us about Himself. The God of Heaven and Earth does not dwell in shadows, but he discloses himself, again using Stott’s words, in perfect purity and utter majesty.”
The light that God shines does not simply tell us who God is — – but light from God allows us to walk. When we know Christ, the light that we find in God’s Word allows us to confidently move forward in life. We do not need to hesitate or be unsure.
The next time you notice light, think of the light. If you look west from Rockford and see a great sunset, remind yourself that God is light. In Him there is not even a trace of darkness. He does not dwell in shadows but He blazes a knowledge of himself into human history through His Creation and His Word. He gives us this light not simply that we can worship His excellence, but also that we can walk forward in life, that we may have right conduct.
In God’s light we see that as His children, in union with Christ, the only disposition of God toward us is one of mercy and grace. Judgement is gone. Ill health, loss of assets, loss of security is not judgement, only the crucible of grace. Hallelujah! O to feel this truth as much as to know it.
Scott, I was thinking of that very prayer today – – -to not only know the truth but to experience it.