A Biblical Theology of Light: Salvation as Light

“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isa.  9:2). The man apart from God lives in darkness. The bible says that his “foolish heart” is “darkened” (Rom. 1:21). Sin is symbolized throughout the Bible as darkness, and sinful disobedience is viewed as “walking in darkness” (1 John 1:6). Salvation, on the other hand, is depicted as the in-breaking of light into this dark world (John 3:19). In biblical theology light is depicted as salvation. This picture of salvation can be a great encouragement to doubters.

Jesus is the “light of the world” (John 8:12; 9:5), and those who follow him are given this “light of life” (8:12). The disciples of the light are called “children of the light” (Eph. 5:8; 1 Thess. 5:5; John 12:36). Salvation means to come into the light. Paul depicts this interesting to the Colossians, he writes:

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son (Colossians 1:13)

Salvation in Paul’s nomenclature is a transference from the “kingdom of darkness” into the Kingdom of the Son, who is the light. Peter says the same thing:

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9)

In the act of salvation God is rescuing us from the darkness and bringing us into the light of the glory of God. As Paul says to the Corinthians:

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” 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)

According to Pauline theology, then, salvation is light bursting upon the darkened heart to reveal the “glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” To see the light is to receive salvation.

As children of the light, then, we are commanded to “walk in the light” (1 John 1:7). This means to “throw off the works of darkness” and to “put on the armor of light” (Rom. 13:12). We are to let the light of God in us shine out, that we may point others towards the true light (Matt. 5:16; Phil. 2:15). As children of the light we are changed and this light dwells in us now. There is no fellowship between light and darkness (2 Cor. 6:14; 1 John 1:6). Salvation is all about light. It’s about seeing the light (2 Cor. 4:6), loving the light (John 3:19-21), and walking in the light (1 John 1:7).

This metaphor is a powerful one for thinking about our salvation. It is especially helpful to those who struggle with doubts about their salvation. The light can never be extinguished. God “dwells in unapproachable light” (1 Tim. 6:16) and in him there is “no darkness” (1 John 1:5). This very light has come in the person of Jesus Christ and, I love how John says it, “the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5). The light shines in the darkness and it cannot be overcome. Those who are disciples of Christ, then, have this light “shone in our hearts”. Though the darkness may be all around you, Christian, thought it may cloud out your hand in front of your face, know this: the darkness cannot overcome the light inside you. The metaphor of light is powerful and inviting. Christ the light of the world calls us out of darkness! We are children of the light! This light is the life of men. This light is ours in Christ! Have no fear, Christian. Salvation is light, and the darkness cannot overcome it.