Christ - The True Light

“There was the true light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man.”

John 1:9

The word “light” is used 23 times in the first 12 chapters of John to describe Jesus. Notice the first mention is 1:4 where John says of Christ “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men.” Verse nine describes Jesus as the “true light which enlightens every man”. Some believe that this verse means everyone is saved. I don’t think that is the case. I think it means that Christ is revealed to every person and some chose to trust Him for salvation. Others may be enlightened in that they hear about Christ, but chose to reject Him. While it is Jesus desire that every human be united to Him in faith, He does not make that decision for us. He has given each of us a will; some exercise that will toward Him and others reject Him.

Notice that verse five explains that “the light shines in the darkness; and the darkness did not overpower it.” The light of Christ reveals sin. Satan understands that and creates a real battle within each person, and within the world itself, but he is unable to overpower our Lord. That battle is not over when one trusts Jesus as his/her Savior because the old nature is still present within us. We are still able to be tempted by sin and if Satan can convince us to sin our relationship with Christ is impaired.

John says in a later book (I John 1:9) that if Christians “confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousnes.” That verse was written for Christians, because God knows, even as His children, we will sometimes yield to temptation. He provides a way for us to get back in right relationship with Him. Anytime we recognize sin in our attitude or actions we should claim that verse so that we can live victoriously as He desires.

John also realizes that he is not the true light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. The same is true for us as Christians. We are not the true light to our unsaved friends, but we are to be a witness for Christ, the true light. Our responsibility is to expose our friends to the true light and allow the Holy Spirit to work in their lives. We never want to draw attention to ourselves, but to Christ.

As a young child in Sunday School we learned a song that contained the words “this little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Let it shine till Jesus comes, I’m going to let it shine.” I pray that your light will continually shine for Him.