DARKNESS AND LIGHT
John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
In these verses we find both the condition of the lost soul, and the only recourse of God to grant spiritual light to him. For we are instructed that the character of darkness is totally opposed to light and to it’s reception. That word, “comprehended” is of great instruction to us in the revealing of the darkened, lost soul. That Greek word is translated as, “came upon” in John 12:35; as “perceive” in Acts 4:13; as “overtake” in 1 Thess. 5:4; as “apprehend” in Phil. 3:2; and as “obtain” in 1 Corin. 9:24. Therefore we come to understand that the sinful darkness of the lost man’s soul can in no way receive, nor desire, nor apprehend the light of gospel life!
The Amplified Bible reads, “for the darkness has never overpowered it – put it out, or has not absorbed it, has not appropriated it, and is unreceptive to it.” Just like water and oil cannot be mixed, so the darkness has not ability to respond to the light! This is why we state that men are only born again by God’s Sovereign Grace!
How then does an unregenerate soul ever receive the light? Go back and read verse four. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. Lost mankind cannot receive light from God until they first receive God’s Life! Since the character of the darkness prevents the reception of spiritual light, the Life of God, with it’s character totally agreeable to light must be given to man! – Hence, the absolute necessity of Christ to die, so that His life may be imparted sovereignly to the elect of God! John 12:24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit. Unless God was pleased to eternally “abide alone,” he must, as the seed of God (Gal. 3:16), die and be buried to bring forth life unto mankind! 2Cor. 5:14 For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead:
It is only as we are brought into the life of Christ, by spiritual resurrection that we come to the light! Psa. 36:9 For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. For it is first him that “doeth truth,” that is, experiences spiritual life, who shall alone, come to the light! (John 3:21). Eph. 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Pastor Gene Breed