Walking in the Light!

R. C. Sproul has written a delightful children's story based on the verse in 1 John 1:5, "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." That's a glorious text, isn't it? LIGHT! Darkness bespeaks sin and degradation, deceit and manipulation. We trip when there is no light. But in it's presence we behold the contours & brilliance of objects and art in a room. Light opens our eyes to the lovely, and fills our souls with delight (is there a connection?). In this little book, Grandpa tells a story to his grandson, Charlie, answering why it is that people are afraid of the dark. In the process, Grandpa also answers why it is that some people are also afraid of the light!

Jesus came into the world to be the Light of the world. But not everyone likes that, or wants Him! The ESV Study Bible contains a helpful and succinct note on 1 John 1:7, "If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin." There's something "squeaky" clean about this truth! That's not the ESV note! But here is what they write:

Walk in the light means to reflect God's perfection (see v. 5) in the human sphere and includes both correct doctrine (truth) and moral purity (holiness). The symbolism of light as knowledge (see note on vv. 5–10) also implies that when Christians “walk in the light” their lives will be known, and will not contain hidden sins, falsehoods, or deception. Such walking “in the light” results in deep divine and human fellowship (see v. 3) and progressive cleansing from all sin.

So, it means to: 

1) Reflect God's perfection in doctrine & purity.

2) Live lives of openness and honesty--no deception or falsehoods. Oh, what a blessing it is to live in such a manner!

3) Enjoy God's and human fellowship, and 

4) Benefit from the progressive cleansing of sin.

It's hard to read this and NOT come away happy! What a breath of fresh air. What a profound blessing for all of us who proclaim the gospel, for this is indeed Good News! My wife, Phyllis, read "The Lightlings" to the kids in Children's Church this past Sunday, and they loved the story and the pictures! What an unending blessing for ALL who believe the gospel. WALK IN THE LIGHT!