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"God is light..."

Text: 1 John 1:5

AN EFFECTIVE USE OF CONTRASTING IDEAS

One of the literary features to note in 1 John is the author’s way of using contrasting ideas to good effect. We have a clear example in the following text.

“God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.”
1 John 1:5b

1. “God is light”

a) This was a truth-concept John wrote about in his Gospel (John 1:4-5).

b) The features highlighted in his Gospel.

i) Jesus is the giver of life.

ii) This life is the light of men.

2. The struggle between Light and Darkness

a) Darkness will try and snuff out light but fails miserably.

b) Darkness can never prevail over light.

c) Light will always triumph.

3. The symbols of Light and darkness in John’s thought

a) Light as a symbol.

i) That which is true.

ii) That which is of God.

iii) That which is good and wholesome.

b) Darkness as a symbol.

i) That which is false.

ii) That which is not of God.

iii) That which is wicked and unwholesome.

4. “In Him is no darkness at all”

a) Light and darkness cannot co-exist.

b) Similarly when God is described as Light no darkness can be associated with Him.

c) Intended meaning of John:-

i) There is not even a trace of darkness in God.

ii) He is quite simply, “pure light”.