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"Light to shine out of darkness..."

Text: 2 Corinthians 4:6

THE SYMBOL OF LIGHT

The symbol of light was used by a good number of Biblical writers. This symbol was used in both the Old and New Testaments.

“For it is the God who commanded light to shine
out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts
to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God
in the face of Jesus Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6

1. “For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness”

a) This statement reflects how God first created light (Genesis 1:3).

b) Paul traced the source of light to God as the Creator.

2. “Who has shone in our hearts”

a) Once again there is a reference to God as the One who gave the light.

b) Sin is often represented as “darkness”.

c) It was God’s light that shone on Paul’s soul and he walked into God’s light.

3. “The light of the knowledge of the glory of God”

a) The light that God gives is given some elaboration here.

b) This light is associated with “knowledge”.

i) Through knowledge the mind is enlightened.

ii) Through the light of knowledge darkness is dispelled.

c) This light is also associated with the glory of God.

i) God is understandably covered by glory.

ii) Glory is well represented by “light”.

iii) God’s glory is dazzling; light well reflects the dazzling glory of God.

4. “In the face of Jesus Christ”

a) The word “face” is a reference to the Person of Christ (not the literal face).

b) He alone perfectly reflects the glory of God.

c) In the life of the Lord Jesus Christ we behold God.

OTHER BIBLICAL WRITERS SHARED THE SAME VIEW

Two such Biblical writers may be cited. Both wrote of the glory of God evidently displayed in the life of the Lord Jesus Christ.

1. The Apostle John bore witness of seeing the glory of God in the life of Jesus Christ (John 1:14).

2. The writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews describe Jesus as “the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person” (Hebrews 1:3).