Light is a key topic introduced in Genesis and brought to a close in Revelation. Understanding this theme reveals the gospel for all mankind. God is the source or Father of light. “…God is light…” 1 John 1:5, James 1:17. We can uncover the way to God and His light sent into the world through Scripture because His “Word is…a light on my path” Psalm 119:105 (NIV).

God first introduced His light to the world as the Creator.  “…God said, Let there be light…” Genesis 1:1-4. Adam sinned and was forced out of the paradise of the Garden of Eden. Darkness (sin and death) came into our world (Genesis 2:5-16; 3:3,10). God again sent light into the world through His only begotten son. John 3:16: “In him (Jesus) was life; and the life was the light of men” John 1:4. Jesus became the representation of God’s light. “I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

As promised, God’s light was sent to Jesus’ followers at Pentecost. That light, God’s holy spirit – His power and influence – has been the channel for God’s light ever since. God “called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light” (1 Peter 2:9). The “little flock” (Luke 12:32) that “deny themselves” and “take up their cross and follow” the risen Lord (Luke 9:23) became God’s representatives; the “light of the world” Matthew 5:14.

In “that day” God’s light will fill the world through His son and the “saints” who “reign with him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6; 2 Timothy 2:12). During the future kingdom; “. . . “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays” upon the earth and the resurrected and repentant mankind.” Malachi 4:2: “The Father, who has enabled you to share in the saints’ inheritance in the light. . .has rescued us (mankind) from the domain (or power) of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the son He loves” (Colossians 1:12,13).

Paradise lost will be restored. “…The glory of God gives it (the kingdom on earth) light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it…the Lord God will give them (mankind) light” (Revelation 21:11, 23-24; Revelation 22:5).

Additional Resource:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #973: “Is Christianity Really the Light of the World?”
The role of Christianity’s light in today’s overwhelming darkness
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes