Question: What is meant by the expression that Christians are “light”?
Answer: The men who God inspired to write the Bible said a great deal about light. Jesus Christ is called the “Light of the World” (John 8:12). Jesus was not only sent by God to save the Jews but the rest of the world, non-Jews or Gentiles, as well. Followers of His, Christians, are filled with His Spirit, the Holy Spirit, and carry His light and joy around inside of them! By light, this means they are charged with teaching and illuminating the meaning of God’s truths from the Bible and setting excellent examples for others in the ways they live their daily lives.
“For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” Ephesians 5:8-9
“You are all sons of light and of the day…” I Thessalonians 5:5
“You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16
Before Jesus came into the world, God had the prophet Isaiah to write much about how the Messiah expected by the Jews would enlighten them and the rest of the world. Here’s just one of the many references from that Old Testament book about the promised Messiah:
“[God] says: ‘It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.’” Isaiah 49:6
When Jesus was first taken by his parents to the temple, God’s Holy Spirit immediately caused Simeon, the High Priest, to recognize that this child was the Savior and Messiah that the Jews had been waiting for. Among his beautiful words of praise to God were, “For my eyes have seen your salvation, God, which you have prepared before the faces of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel.” Luke 2:30-32
In the final book of the Bible, Revelation 22:16 shows that Jesus Himself referred to the light He brought into the world of men, providing guidance and hope:
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.”
