For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
Those who were darkness itself are now light in the Lord and must live a life fitting that new identity. The former state was death in trespasses and sins in the darkness of error, and the change comes by God recreating the soul, washing, sanctifying and justifying, and renewing mind, heart, life and character. Walking as children of light bears the Spirit's fruit in all goodness and righteousness and truth, proves what is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord by individual study of Scripture and searching of heart, and has no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but exposes and reproves them. Being light in the Lord means receiving divine light through Jesus Christ with Him abiding in the soul by faith, surrendering self wholly to God and letting the Holy Spirit mold the life to the divine likeness in meekness, love and mercy. Light received is not for self alone but must shine to others in good works, merciful deeds and blameless conduct to win souls, under sacred obligation measured by light and privilege given, requiring undivided obedience and daily conversion.
From Darkness to Light
Ephesians 5:8 declares that those who were darkness itself are now light in the Lord and must walk as children of light, a change of identity that calls for a life fitting the new identity. That walk bears the Spirit's fruit in all goodness and righteousness and truth, proves what is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord, and has no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reproves and exposes them, with light making manifest all things reproved. It is an individual responsibility requiring careful study of Scripture and close searching of the heart, and it gives lessons for the guidance of every married man and every married woman. The attributes that exclude from heaven are contrasted with the traits of character that open the gates of the city of God, and walking as children of light refuses even to speak of shameful secret deeds, walks circumspectly not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil, understanding the will of the Lord, and refuses drunkenness with wine wherein is excess. Wine and tobacco are not essential to Christian growth, and intoxicating liquor places a man wholly under the control of the demon who devised it to deface and destroy the moral image of God, while instead the believer is filled with the Spirit, speaking in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and giving thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ. That walk requires self brought under God's discipline instead of wrestling for recognition, producing well-balanced minds fit to work together with God, leaving no room for ambition to be highest, envy, love for supremacy, evil-speaking, and self-gratification, since failure to live it causes decided failures in missionary work.
Were sometimes darkness denotes the former condition of being dead in trespasses and sins, living in the darkness of error before conversion to the truth. It includes a discouraged, perishing condition ready to die, which becomes light in the Lord when needy souls are labored for and a word in season is spoken to them.
Becoming now light in the Lord comes by God recreating the soul dead in trespasses and sins and disposing the heart to receive light, so that degraded and sinful men are washed, sanctified and justified. A renewing power enters mind and heart to change life and character, as seen when cardplayers, gamblers and drunkards embrace truth and then reflect light and testify of matchless grace, the heavenly verdict spoken over those God gathers and transforms. At conversion the darkness passes away and heavenly light shines into the soul, and those brought from darkness into God's light are to show God's character and help turn others to righteousness. True conversion makes sinners children of light who must become more and more intelligent in the Scriptures so they can speak words of light and salvation to those still in darkness and perishing in sin, laboring together with Christ to save souls from the snares of Satan so others also become children of light, expecting special blessings and definite results in that work.
Now are ye light in the Lord repeats Christ's command to walk while having the light lest darkness come, for one who walks in darkness does not know where he goes, and to believe in the light in order to become children of light. It is received by opening the mind to receive Christ who is the Light of the world, having the mind of Christ, knowing Christ by personal experience, walking humbly before God, and walking while the light is present and believing in the light. It applies to God's loyal and faithful children living in a world of atheists and worldly religionists that ever since Cain rejected every provision of Heaven to restore the moral image of God in man, even rejecting Christ by whom all things were made. God's people have been changed from darkness to light and must not live under a cloud in unbelief, for Jesus is light and in Him is no darkness at all, and His children are renewed in His image and called out of darkness into His marvelous light. To walk as children of light means to follow Christ and imitate Him closely, and those who follow Him become the light of the world, not walking in darkness but having the light of life.
Those renewed in Christ's image and called out of darkness into His marvelous light become the light of the world, and are to represent Him as lights in the world rather than walk in darkness, for Jesus is the light with no darkness in Him. The closer they follow and imitate Christ the more the enemy tries to turn them from truth and pursues them to draw them away, but nearness to Christ strengthens them to resist. Leaving darkness and unbelief and pressing forward in faith makes believers light in the Lord, and those who trust and follow Jesus have the light of life rather than walking in darkness, with His promise not to abandon them to Satan's temptations but to give them the light of His countenance.
Fruit and Proving Pleasing
Walking as children of light bears the fruit of the Spirit in all goodness and righteousness and truth. That fruit is the lived evidence that those who once belonged to darkness itself are now light in the Lord, showing the change in character that opens the gates of the city of God in contrast to the attributes that exclude from heaven. Lived out, it produces well-balanced minds fit to work together with God, leaving no room for wrestling for recognition, ambition to be highest, envy, love for supremacy, evil-speaking, and self-gratification, whose neglect causes decided failures in missionary work.
Proving what is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord belongs to that walk. It is individual work that no one can do for another, each person testing for himself what is acceptable to the Lord rather than looking no higher than man for wisdom, but being taught and led of God Himself who is Light and Counselor and exceeding great reward. It requires careful study of Scripture and close searching of the heart, with close investigation, giving lessons for the guidance of every married man and every married woman.
The command stands as part of following God as dear children and walking in love as Christ loved and gave Himself as an offering and sacrifice. As followers of God as dear children, believers are to be perfect in their human sphere as God is perfect in His sphere. That walk lets no corrupt communication proceed from the mouth but only what edifies and ministers grace, grieving not the Holy Spirit, putting away bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking with all malice, and being kind and tenderhearted and forgiving as God for Christ's sake forgave.
Walking as children of light means walking circumspectly not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil, and understanding what the will of the Lord is. It refuses drunkenness with wine wherein is excess, since wine and tobacco are not essential to Christian growth and intoxicating liquor places a man wholly under control of the demon who devised it to deface and destroy the moral image of God, and instead is filled with the Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit speaks in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and gives thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Rejecting Works of Darkness
Walking as children of light allows no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but requires reproving and exposing them, for light makes manifest all things that are reproved. Wrongdoing is to be brought into the open to be corrected rather than concealed, and the life of light is to test conduct and reject darkness rather than fixate on supposed faults in others. This reproof belongs to following God and walking in love as Christ gave Himself, producing goodness and righteousness and truth while refusing even to speak of shameful secret deeds.
Reproving darkness requires purging fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, jesting, unholy conversation and low sentiments. It requires putting away corrupt communication except what edifies and ministers grace, and putting away bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking with all malice, in kindness and tenderhearted forgiveness. It refuses drunkenness with wine wherein is excess, since wine and tobacco are not essential to Christian growth and intoxicating liquor places a man wholly under control of the demon who devised it to deface and destroy the moral image of God.
Children of light must not be deceived by vain words nor partake with the children of disobedience upon whom the wrath of God comes. They must not regard sinners as saints, but must hold to pure principles and truth rather than becoming servants of the enemy through vain words or valuing human projects above truth. The call to live as children of light is a call for a life that fits the new identity in the Lord and refuses joining disobedience.
Walking as children of light requires separation from the world and refusal to be governed by worldly principles, living faithfully to God and consistently with profession of godliness. Keeping connection with secret societies and taking secret vows breaks that separation and binds a person with the tares even while thinking himself the pure grain. Believers must not draw apart from God's chosen ones to associate with worldlings, nor in any case allow sinners to have supremacy over them through secret confidences, business combination, or bonds with unbelievers. Separation from the world is required, while separating feeling and sympathy from fellow believers through unbelief, faultfinding, and opposition belongs to walking in darkness rather than standing in light marked by faith, love, confidence, truth, and hearty cooperation.
Christ Dwelling Within
Being light in the Lord means receiving divine light from God through Jesus Christ and reflecting it to others in the way of life. The light comes through open communication between heaven and earth, gathered from God and Christ and then scattered in words and actions. When Christ abides in the soul by faith He makes the one who loves Him fully light, more than nominal profession of truth. Those who belong to Christ reflect His image, and Christ dwelling in the heart makes the life a life-giving influence. Although the hidden life with Christ may not be visible to the world, its effects appear in character and conduct in walking as children of light.
Becoming all light in the Lord requires laying self on the altar and surrendering all to God. The heart is to be opened to Christ as a heavenly guest and the Word done instead of loving self and holding ways, words and character opposed to God. The Holy Spirit is to control and mold and fashion the life according to the divine likeness, with truth taken into the life so that words testify that Christ's Spirit is working through the believer and God lives and reigns within bearing witness to the truth. This means drawing nigh to God and learning from Christ as the Great Teacher. Those once in darkness because they did not wear Christ's yoke become children of light by keeping hold of Christ's strength and learning His meekness and lowliness, revealing His character and living in His light. In that meek and lowly heart the light shines clearly and steadily, undimmed by Satan's influence, growing in efficiency, purity and knowledge of God toward a higher standard.
Being all light in the Lord comes by walking by faith and not by sight, bringing uplifting, sanctifying grace into one's own life and into the lives of others. It means closing the windows of the soul earthward and opening them heavenward toward the Sun of Righteousness. The mind is to dwell on Jesus and be directed toward what is true, pure and good, turning from sin and rejecting unbelief, distrust, suspicion and weakness. Such a life looks on the bright side and talks light and faith and hopefulness, living cheerfully and of good courage in blessed sunshine, with Christ's righteousness dispelling gloom and a peaceful, trustful spirit as genuine faith. Those who are now light in the Lord are to be all light and not darken life by talking of their own imperfections or the imperfections of others. Walking as children of light means rejoicing with eyes open to how the Lord benefits, acknowledging renewed blessings with a thankful heart that does not complain or join faultfinding, speaking only in cheerful, encouraging tones that help others gain the same experience.
The difference between children of light and children of darkness is revealed in words and actions. The Holy Spirit makes the difference clear by shaping character after God's likeness. Those led by the Spirit show Christ's meekness, love, mercy and pardoning grace. The presence of Christ in the heart appears through good and pleasant words and actions revealing His Spirit, sweetness of temper, and freedom from angry passion, obstinacy, evil-surmising, hatred toward those who do not accept truth, and the murderous Cain-spirit of hatred. To call professing believers children of darkness exposes the contradiction between profession and conduct.
Shining Light to Others
Light given by God is not for the receiver alone but must shine outward to others, for to live as children of light is to be obedient, devoted, separate and holy in keeping with faith and sacred responsibility, and neglect of this shining brings accountability. Those once in darkness who are now light are to let their lives shine in a dark world through blameless conduct and good works that bring glory to God. This shining is done in words and actions, by using time, strength and abilities to share truth and work for the salvation and blessing of others rather than spending them on selfish interests and pride. In the continuing conflict with darkness, belonging to Christ means reflecting Him in word and deed, meeting responsibilities faithfully, gathering light from God and Christ and scattering it, and thus becoming bright lights wholly sanctified in soul, body and spirit. Christ's love, goodness, mercy and compassion are to appear in prayer, cheerfulness and speech to win souls.
Those brought from darkness into light can testify to the change to encourage souls ready to despair, and canvassers who bring timely words to the discouraged bear this witness. The change from darkness to light in the Lord is to be told to the burdened and discouraged as proof of what God does, reminding them of the former condition and the new life in Christ. People who once lived in the darkness of error can become light, which gives reason not to lose hope even when sent to fields that appear unpromising, for those in darkness can be changed by bringing them Christ's light. Earnest, humble workers will see needy souls ready to die in discouragement made light through timely labor and a word in season, their former perishing condition giving way to a new saved condition. True conversion makes sinners children of light who must grow more intelligent in Scripture so they can speak words of light and salvation to those still in darkness and perishing in sin, laboring together with Christ to save souls from Satan's snares so others also become children of light, with special blessings and definite results expected in that work.
Walking as children of light means being all light by scattering blessings through active works of mercy, surrounded by men and women needing compassion and putting God's tender mercies into exercise toward them. It relieves the necessities of the poor, the broken-hearted, the miserable and unbelieving with kindly words and practical help, revealing Christlike character and ministering to needy souls out of gratitude for temporal and spiritual good received, and it forbids merely saying be warmed and fed while doing nothing. Having seen the light of truth and felt it in the heart requires living it out in character by self-denying lives, bearing the cross, and faithfully using God's money and opportunities rather than spending on riotous enjoyment and vanities, for mere profession while doing deeds of darkness wastes life and ends in suffering and want. It also requires manifesting His compassion toward those without the truth, proving that believed truth sanctifies the soul and transforms character by being kind, courteous and respectful toward those in error, including those in high positions, rather than continually charging them with vehement accusations.
The church made the repository of gospel truth is to shine in clear, distinct rays by following God as dear children and walking in love as Christ gave Himself as offering and sacrifice, bearing the Spirit's fruit in all goodness and righteousness and truth while proving what is acceptable to the Lord. By letting light expose and reprove evil, awaking from sleep and rising to receive Christ's light, and walking circumspectly as wise by redeeming the time because the days are evil and understanding the Lord's will, the Lord's glory seen upon His people draws those in gross darkness to their light. Every member through the Holy Spirit may become a child of light, an influence for righteousness and an example of a Christlike life. In these last days this calls publishing houses to receive God's renovating power and managers to cherish Christ's pitying love in order to leave darkness and live as children of light. Those who are light must let it shine in the church and teach others how to shine by example, opening the heart to Christ's grace and glory, speaking pure, sacred, holy faith, telling God's goodness and praising Him at every step, refusing to bring darkness by exalting the enemy's power above the Lord Jesus or by bearing discouraging testimony, while working with earnest, persevering zeal to prepare others for the coming great event with eyes fixed on Christ the Light and Life of the world.
Accountability and Faithful Walk
Walking as children of light is a sacred obligation measured by the light, privileges and blessings bestowed, requiring obedience and devotion equal to that light. Those who have received light must live as children of light and not as children of darkness, serving God with undivided heart and cherishing no idol. The truth professed must sanctify the soul by being brought into the life and interwoven with the character, making a separate and peculiar people who are better men and women, with faithful use of gifts rather than disregard of the obligation they bring. Failure to come up to the high calling is great sin, and neglecting light brings greater accountability and judgment, for all must be judged according to the light shining on the pathway. Those who fail to improve light and become cold and hardhearted, unimpressed by truth with palsied energies of soul, cannot expect judgment in their favor, for like Capernaum exalted to heaven in point of privilege they are exalted in privilege, and a thorough work needs to be done for those who have had light but have not walked in it. Each person must take seriously what to do to be saved, with heaven regarding every choice, and awareness of that judgment should awaken serious concern for salvation.
Conversion crosses the boundary line separating children of light from children of darkness, and remaining among children of light requires daily conversion from that moment until the close of earthly life. Being children of light is proved not by profession of Christianity but by true, humble, willing obedience to God's requirements and by true, intelligent service, which alone keeps the covenant with God. Children of light are children of adoption, recipients of grace and partakers of great salvation, with a peculiar, holy character distinctly separating them from the world, from its affections and lusts, making them a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. Those whose course and works are done in selfishness and unrighteousness, whose hearts are strangers to renewing grace, testify by their works that they are children of darkness and not of light. Children of light have experienced transforming grace, have works wrought in God, walk even as Christ walked, remain as living branches of the heavenly vine partaking of its sap and nourishment, showing life and vigor and bearing fruit to God's glory, careful to depart from all iniquity and to perfect holiness in the fear of God. One who professes to believe the truth but acts as a sinner stands as a sinner before God and, unless he repents, will be punished as a sinner, with many stripes because great light was given.
Becoming a channel of light requires leaving spiritual darkness and connecting with God the Source of light, for God does not make people channels of light while they remain content in darkness. Becoming a light involves discipline, earnest prayer and effort, unlearning false views of self, correcting errors, and abandoning old habits and customs, and by grace receiving the truth and living by its principles brings victory. Walking in the light is an active, continuing effort to represent Christ through a sweet character, requiring thought and will, putting away gloom, and more than merely claiming to be a child of God, for by beholding Jesus a person becomes changed into His likeness and advances in spiritual life. Walking in the light includes living uprightly, following the Lord's way, walking by faith, in the Spirit, in truth, and in love, living a new life, perfecting holiness, and bringing actions into harmony with God's Word. It means following the light already given without waiting for every doubt to be removed or every mystery solved, for as one advances more light is given and the path grows brighter. It also means never thinking training finished but continuing to learn to make manners acceptable and to use the voice with highest usefulness, with educators setting their mark high and ministers not giving attention only to sermonizing but keeping the church in order and educating members to conform to the divine model, because truth received in the heart purifies the soul and the religion of Jesus never makes its receiver coarse and rough and uncourteous but has an elevating, refining influence as a constant educator that molds and fashions character after Christ's likeness and fits the believer for the courts above as a grand principle worked out in practical life.
Living as children of light requires careful study of Scripture and close searching of the heart, and gives lessons for the guidance of every married man and every married woman. It means practicing God's Word in daily life, for neglect of home duties and disorder in family life eclipse the light and prevent it from shining through a right example. Those who live humble Christian lives become children of light and can work for God, bringing a good and uplifting influence to family and associates. Living this way includes rejecting selfishness, ambition to be highest, envy, love for supremacy, striving for supremacy, evil-speaking, and self-gratification, and practicing faithfulness and self-denial in the home, with self brought under God's discipline instead of wrestling for recognition. That walk bears fruit in goodness and righteousness and truth and proves what pleases the Lord, and living it produces well-balanced minds fit to work together with God and prepares believers for service to others, while failure to live it causes decided failures in missionary work.
Walking in the light is individual work that no one can do for another, requiring being taught and led of God Himself, who is Light and Counselor and exceeding great reward, rather than looking no higher than man for wisdom. Gospel workers therefore cannot be over-moderate and over-retiring, but must speak in season and out of season and seek the acquaintance of those not in the truth. Those who are in the Lord are children of light and should make that light known by using time, strength, and abilities to share truth and work for salvation and blessing of others, rather than spending themselves on selfish interests and pride, bringing heaven into their own lives so that Christlike light can shine to others. They cultivate God-given powers and acquire wisdom to serve others, use time to bring people to Christ, share what God has given, obey God, and seek Heaven's approval above the world's. Living in the light includes cultivating a cheerful, happy spirit without falling into gloom and impatience or into lightness and frivolity, showing praise to God who calls people out of darkness into marvelous light, and living as in the light of His countenance. Truly consecrated Christians who keep self hid in Christ may be all light in the Lord, showing by daily life supreme love to God and love to neighbor, working with meekness, humility, unselfish love, and obedience that fills the soul with Christ's joy, rejoicing in constant support of His grace and receiving tact and wisdom to win many to His great work and bring them to personal knowledge of truth as laborers in the harvest field, shown also in faithful attention to duties close at hand including duties in home and church.
The instruction in Ephesians chapters 4 and 5, with Ephesians 6:10-18, is to be seen and held against every effort of Satan to tear up the foundation of faith in the third angel's message, so that not a pin or pillar is moved from the building of the work of the last sixty years while the history of the past is reprinted for past, present, and future.
Those who teach truth to people in darkness must themselves live near God and be light in the Lord. Their failure to obey God's word leaves them in unbelief and darkness, so they voice doubts and discouragement instead of faith and holy cheer. God's light shines around those who trust Him and willingly obey Him, and they are to be all light in the Lord, distinct from the world in calling, character, and hope, with a difference in spirit and conduct that becomes more pronounced as the end approaches. Being children of light means being made new in Christ, dead to the world and alive to God, renewed in true holiness, and walking in love as Christ's followers, and those who come into unity with God and work with Christ for salvation will have heaven's light shining in mind and soul. Being all light in the Lord requires control, forbearance, and forgiveness toward others and readiness to teach them, continuing without discouragement even when their state brings grief and discouragement.
Those who were darkness itself are now light in the Lord and must live a life fitting that new identity. The former state was death in trespasses and sins in the darkness of error, and the change comes by God recreating the soul, washing, sanctifying and justifying, and renewing mind, heart, life and character. Walking as children of light bears the Spirit's fruit in all goodness and righteousness and truth, proves what is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord by individual study of Scripture and searching of heart, and has no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but exposes and reproves them. Being light in the Lord means receiving divine light through Jesus Christ with Him abiding in the soul by faith, surrendering self wholly to God and letting the Holy Spirit mold the life to the divine likeness in meekness, love and mercy. Light received is not for self alone but must shine to others in good works, merciful deeds and blameless conduct to win souls, under sacred obligation measured by light and privilege given, requiring undivided obedience and daily conversion.
From Darkness to Light
Ephesians 5:8 declares that those who were darkness itself are now light in the Lord and must walk as children of light, a change of identity that calls for a life fitting the new identity. That walk bears the Spirit's fruit in all goodness and righteousness and truth, proves what is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord, and has no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but rather reproves and exposes them, with light making manifest all things reproved. It is an individual responsibility requiring careful study of Scripture and close searching of the heart, and it gives lessons for the guidance of every married man and every married woman. The attributes that exclude from heaven are contrasted with the traits of character that open the gates of the city of God, and walking as children of light refuses even to speak of shameful secret deeds, walks circumspectly not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil, understanding the will of the Lord, and refuses drunkenness with wine wherein is excess. Wine and tobacco are not essential to Christian growth, and intoxicating liquor places a man wholly under the control of the demon who devised it to deface and destroy the moral image of God, while instead the believer is filled with the Spirit, speaking in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and giving thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ. That walk requires self brought under God's discipline instead of wrestling for recognition, producing well-balanced minds fit to work together with God, leaving no room for ambition to be highest, envy, love for supremacy, evil-speaking, and self-gratification, since failure to live it causes decided failures in missionary work.
Were sometimes darkness denotes the former condition of being dead in trespasses and sins, living in the darkness of error before conversion to the truth. It includes a discouraged, perishing condition ready to die, which becomes light in the Lord when needy souls are labored for and a word in season is spoken to them.
Becoming now light in the Lord comes by God recreating the soul dead in trespasses and sins and disposing the heart to receive light, so that degraded and sinful men are washed, sanctified and justified. A renewing power enters mind and heart to change life and character, as seen when cardplayers, gamblers and drunkards embrace truth and then reflect light and testify of matchless grace, the heavenly verdict spoken over those God gathers and transforms. At conversion the darkness passes away and heavenly light shines into the soul, and those brought from darkness into God's light are to show God's character and help turn others to righteousness. True conversion makes sinners children of light who must become more and more intelligent in the Scriptures so they can speak words of light and salvation to those still in darkness and perishing in sin, laboring together with Christ to save souls from the snares of Satan so others also become children of light, expecting special blessings and definite results in that work.
Now are ye light in the Lord repeats Christ's command to walk while having the light lest darkness come, for one who walks in darkness does not know where he goes, and to believe in the light in order to become children of light. It is received by opening the mind to receive Christ who is the Light of the world, having the mind of Christ, knowing Christ by personal experience, walking humbly before God, and walking while the light is present and believing in the light. It applies to God's loyal and faithful children living in a world of atheists and worldly religionists that ever since Cain rejected every provision of Heaven to restore the moral image of God in man, even rejecting Christ by whom all things were made. God's people have been changed from darkness to light and must not live under a cloud in unbelief, for Jesus is light and in Him is no darkness at all, and His children are renewed in His image and called out of darkness into His marvelous light. To walk as children of light means to follow Christ and imitate Him closely, and those who follow Him become the light of the world, not walking in darkness but having the light of life.
Those renewed in Christ's image and called out of darkness into His marvelous light become the light of the world, and are to represent Him as lights in the world rather than walk in darkness, for Jesus is the light with no darkness in Him. The closer they follow and imitate Christ the more the enemy tries to turn them from truth and pursues them to draw them away, but nearness to Christ strengthens them to resist. Leaving darkness and unbelief and pressing forward in faith makes believers light in the Lord, and those who trust and follow Jesus have the light of life rather than walking in darkness, with His promise not to abandon them to Satan's temptations but to give them the light of His countenance.
Fruit and Proving Pleasing
Walking as children of light bears the fruit of the Spirit in all goodness and righteousness and truth. That fruit is the lived evidence that those who once belonged to darkness itself are now light in the Lord, showing the change in character that opens the gates of the city of God in contrast to the attributes that exclude from heaven. Lived out, it produces well-balanced minds fit to work together with God, leaving no room for wrestling for recognition, ambition to be highest, envy, love for supremacy, evil-speaking, and self-gratification, whose neglect causes decided failures in missionary work.
Proving what is acceptable and pleasing to the Lord belongs to that walk. It is individual work that no one can do for another, each person testing for himself what is acceptable to the Lord rather than looking no higher than man for wisdom, but being taught and led of God Himself who is Light and Counselor and exceeding great reward. It requires careful study of Scripture and close searching of the heart, with close investigation, giving lessons for the guidance of every married man and every married woman.
The command stands as part of following God as dear children and walking in love as Christ loved and gave Himself as an offering and sacrifice. As followers of God as dear children, believers are to be perfect in their human sphere as God is perfect in His sphere. That walk lets no corrupt communication proceed from the mouth but only what edifies and ministers grace, grieving not the Holy Spirit, putting away bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking with all malice, and being kind and tenderhearted and forgiving as God for Christ's sake forgave.
Walking as children of light means walking circumspectly not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil, and understanding what the will of the Lord is. It refuses drunkenness with wine wherein is excess, since wine and tobacco are not essential to Christian growth and intoxicating liquor places a man wholly under control of the demon who devised it to deface and destroy the moral image of God, and instead is filled with the Spirit. Being filled with the Spirit speaks in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs and gives thanks always for all things unto God the Father in the name of Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Rejecting Works of Darkness
Walking as children of light allows no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness but requires reproving and exposing them, for light makes manifest all things that are reproved. Wrongdoing is to be brought into the open to be corrected rather than concealed, and the life of light is to test conduct and reject darkness rather than fixate on supposed faults in others. This reproof belongs to following God and walking in love as Christ gave Himself, producing goodness and righteousness and truth while refusing even to speak of shameful secret deeds.
Reproving darkness requires purging fornication, uncleanness, covetousness, filthiness, foolish talking, jesting, unholy conversation and low sentiments. It requires putting away corrupt communication except what edifies and ministers grace, and putting away bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking with all malice, in kindness and tenderhearted forgiveness. It refuses drunkenness with wine wherein is excess, since wine and tobacco are not essential to Christian growth and intoxicating liquor places a man wholly under control of the demon who devised it to deface and destroy the moral image of God.
Children of light must not be deceived by vain words nor partake with the children of disobedience upon whom the wrath of God comes. They must not regard sinners as saints, but must hold to pure principles and truth rather than becoming servants of the enemy through vain words or valuing human projects above truth. The call to live as children of light is a call for a life that fits the new identity in the Lord and refuses joining disobedience.
Walking as children of light requires separation from the world and refusal to be governed by worldly principles, living faithfully to God and consistently with profession of godliness. Keeping connection with secret societies and taking secret vows breaks that separation and binds a person with the tares even while thinking himself the pure grain. Believers must not draw apart from God's chosen ones to associate with worldlings, nor in any case allow sinners to have supremacy over them through secret confidences, business combination, or bonds with unbelievers. Separation from the world is required, while separating feeling and sympathy from fellow believers through unbelief, faultfinding, and opposition belongs to walking in darkness rather than standing in light marked by faith, love, confidence, truth, and hearty cooperation.
Christ Dwelling Within
Being light in the Lord means receiving divine light from God through Jesus Christ and reflecting it to others in the way of life. The light comes through open communication between heaven and earth, gathered from God and Christ and then scattered in words and actions. When Christ abides in the soul by faith He makes the one who loves Him fully light, more than nominal profession of truth. Those who belong to Christ reflect His image, and Christ dwelling in the heart makes the life a life-giving influence. Although the hidden life with Christ may not be visible to the world, its effects appear in character and conduct in walking as children of light.
Becoming all light in the Lord requires laying self on the altar and surrendering all to God. The heart is to be opened to Christ as a heavenly guest and the Word done instead of loving self and holding ways, words and character opposed to God. The Holy Spirit is to control and mold and fashion the life according to the divine likeness, with truth taken into the life so that words testify that Christ's Spirit is working through the believer and God lives and reigns within bearing witness to the truth. This means drawing nigh to God and learning from Christ as the Great Teacher. Those once in darkness because they did not wear Christ's yoke become children of light by keeping hold of Christ's strength and learning His meekness and lowliness, revealing His character and living in His light. In that meek and lowly heart the light shines clearly and steadily, undimmed by Satan's influence, growing in efficiency, purity and knowledge of God toward a higher standard.
Being all light in the Lord comes by walking by faith and not by sight, bringing uplifting, sanctifying grace into one's own life and into the lives of others. It means closing the windows of the soul earthward and opening them heavenward toward the Sun of Righteousness. The mind is to dwell on Jesus and be directed toward what is true, pure and good, turning from sin and rejecting unbelief, distrust, suspicion and weakness. Such a life looks on the bright side and talks light and faith and hopefulness, living cheerfully and of good courage in blessed sunshine, with Christ's righteousness dispelling gloom and a peaceful, trustful spirit as genuine faith. Those who are now light in the Lord are to be all light and not darken life by talking of their own imperfections or the imperfections of others. Walking as children of light means rejoicing with eyes open to how the Lord benefits, acknowledging renewed blessings with a thankful heart that does not complain or join faultfinding, speaking only in cheerful, encouraging tones that help others gain the same experience.
The difference between children of light and children of darkness is revealed in words and actions. The Holy Spirit makes the difference clear by shaping character after God's likeness. Those led by the Spirit show Christ's meekness, love, mercy and pardoning grace. The presence of Christ in the heart appears through good and pleasant words and actions revealing His Spirit, sweetness of temper, and freedom from angry passion, obstinacy, evil-surmising, hatred toward those who do not accept truth, and the murderous Cain-spirit of hatred. To call professing believers children of darkness exposes the contradiction between profession and conduct.
Shining Light to Others
Light given by God is not for the receiver alone but must shine outward to others, for to live as children of light is to be obedient, devoted, separate and holy in keeping with faith and sacred responsibility, and neglect of this shining brings accountability. Those once in darkness who are now light are to let their lives shine in a dark world through blameless conduct and good works that bring glory to God. This shining is done in words and actions, by using time, strength and abilities to share truth and work for the salvation and blessing of others rather than spending them on selfish interests and pride. In the continuing conflict with darkness, belonging to Christ means reflecting Him in word and deed, meeting responsibilities faithfully, gathering light from God and Christ and scattering it, and thus becoming bright lights wholly sanctified in soul, body and spirit. Christ's love, goodness, mercy and compassion are to appear in prayer, cheerfulness and speech to win souls.
Those brought from darkness into light can testify to the change to encourage souls ready to despair, and canvassers who bring timely words to the discouraged bear this witness. The change from darkness to light in the Lord is to be told to the burdened and discouraged as proof of what God does, reminding them of the former condition and the new life in Christ. People who once lived in the darkness of error can become light, which gives reason not to lose hope even when sent to fields that appear unpromising, for those in darkness can be changed by bringing them Christ's light. Earnest, humble workers will see needy souls ready to die in discouragement made light through timely labor and a word in season, their former perishing condition giving way to a new saved condition. True conversion makes sinners children of light who must grow more intelligent in Scripture so they can speak words of light and salvation to those still in darkness and perishing in sin, laboring together with Christ to save souls from Satan's snares so others also become children of light, with special blessings and definite results expected in that work.
Walking as children of light means being all light by scattering blessings through active works of mercy, surrounded by men and women needing compassion and putting God's tender mercies into exercise toward them. It relieves the necessities of the poor, the broken-hearted, the miserable and unbelieving with kindly words and practical help, revealing Christlike character and ministering to needy souls out of gratitude for temporal and spiritual good received, and it forbids merely saying be warmed and fed while doing nothing. Having seen the light of truth and felt it in the heart requires living it out in character by self-denying lives, bearing the cross, and faithfully using God's money and opportunities rather than spending on riotous enjoyment and vanities, for mere profession while doing deeds of darkness wastes life and ends in suffering and want. It also requires manifesting His compassion toward those without the truth, proving that believed truth sanctifies the soul and transforms character by being kind, courteous and respectful toward those in error, including those in high positions, rather than continually charging them with vehement accusations.
The church made the repository of gospel truth is to shine in clear, distinct rays by following God as dear children and walking in love as Christ gave Himself as offering and sacrifice, bearing the Spirit's fruit in all goodness and righteousness and truth while proving what is acceptable to the Lord. By letting light expose and reprove evil, awaking from sleep and rising to receive Christ's light, and walking circumspectly as wise by redeeming the time because the days are evil and understanding the Lord's will, the Lord's glory seen upon His people draws those in gross darkness to their light. Every member through the Holy Spirit may become a child of light, an influence for righteousness and an example of a Christlike life. In these last days this calls publishing houses to receive God's renovating power and managers to cherish Christ's pitying love in order to leave darkness and live as children of light. Those who are light must let it shine in the church and teach others how to shine by example, opening the heart to Christ's grace and glory, speaking pure, sacred, holy faith, telling God's goodness and praising Him at every step, refusing to bring darkness by exalting the enemy's power above the Lord Jesus or by bearing discouraging testimony, while working with earnest, persevering zeal to prepare others for the coming great event with eyes fixed on Christ the Light and Life of the world.
Accountability and Faithful Walk
Walking as children of light is a sacred obligation measured by the light, privileges and blessings bestowed, requiring obedience and devotion equal to that light. Those who have received light must live as children of light and not as children of darkness, serving God with undivided heart and cherishing no idol. The truth professed must sanctify the soul by being brought into the life and interwoven with the character, making a separate and peculiar people who are better men and women, with faithful use of gifts rather than disregard of the obligation they bring. Failure to come up to the high calling is great sin, and neglecting light brings greater accountability and judgment, for all must be judged according to the light shining on the pathway. Those who fail to improve light and become cold and hardhearted, unimpressed by truth with palsied energies of soul, cannot expect judgment in their favor, for like Capernaum exalted to heaven in point of privilege they are exalted in privilege, and a thorough work needs to be done for those who have had light but have not walked in it. Each person must take seriously what to do to be saved, with heaven regarding every choice, and awareness of that judgment should awaken serious concern for salvation.
Conversion crosses the boundary line separating children of light from children of darkness, and remaining among children of light requires daily conversion from that moment until the close of earthly life. Being children of light is proved not by profession of Christianity but by true, humble, willing obedience to God's requirements and by true, intelligent service, which alone keeps the covenant with God. Children of light are children of adoption, recipients of grace and partakers of great salvation, with a peculiar, holy character distinctly separating them from the world, from its affections and lusts, making them a spectacle to the world, to angels and to men. Those whose course and works are done in selfishness and unrighteousness, whose hearts are strangers to renewing grace, testify by their works that they are children of darkness and not of light. Children of light have experienced transforming grace, have works wrought in God, walk even as Christ walked, remain as living branches of the heavenly vine partaking of its sap and nourishment, showing life and vigor and bearing fruit to God's glory, careful to depart from all iniquity and to perfect holiness in the fear of God. One who professes to believe the truth but acts as a sinner stands as a sinner before God and, unless he repents, will be punished as a sinner, with many stripes because great light was given.
Becoming a channel of light requires leaving spiritual darkness and connecting with God the Source of light, for God does not make people channels of light while they remain content in darkness. Becoming a light involves discipline, earnest prayer and effort, unlearning false views of self, correcting errors, and abandoning old habits and customs, and by grace receiving the truth and living by its principles brings victory. Walking in the light is an active, continuing effort to represent Christ through a sweet character, requiring thought and will, putting away gloom, and more than merely claiming to be a child of God, for by beholding Jesus a person becomes changed into His likeness and advances in spiritual life. Walking in the light includes living uprightly, following the Lord's way, walking by faith, in the Spirit, in truth, and in love, living a new life, perfecting holiness, and bringing actions into harmony with God's Word. It means following the light already given without waiting for every doubt to be removed or every mystery solved, for as one advances more light is given and the path grows brighter. It also means never thinking training finished but continuing to learn to make manners acceptable and to use the voice with highest usefulness, with educators setting their mark high and ministers not giving attention only to sermonizing but keeping the church in order and educating members to conform to the divine model, because truth received in the heart purifies the soul and the religion of Jesus never makes its receiver coarse and rough and uncourteous but has an elevating, refining influence as a constant educator that molds and fashions character after Christ's likeness and fits the believer for the courts above as a grand principle worked out in practical life.
Living as children of light requires careful study of Scripture and close searching of the heart, and gives lessons for the guidance of every married man and every married woman. It means practicing God's Word in daily life, for neglect of home duties and disorder in family life eclipse the light and prevent it from shining through a right example. Those who live humble Christian lives become children of light and can work for God, bringing a good and uplifting influence to family and associates. Living this way includes rejecting selfishness, ambition to be highest, envy, love for supremacy, striving for supremacy, evil-speaking, and self-gratification, and practicing faithfulness and self-denial in the home, with self brought under God's discipline instead of wrestling for recognition. That walk bears fruit in goodness and righteousness and truth and proves what pleases the Lord, and living it produces well-balanced minds fit to work together with God and prepares believers for service to others, while failure to live it causes decided failures in missionary work.
Walking in the light is individual work that no one can do for another, requiring being taught and led of God Himself, who is Light and Counselor and exceeding great reward, rather than looking no higher than man for wisdom. Gospel workers therefore cannot be over-moderate and over-retiring, but must speak in season and out of season and seek the acquaintance of those not in the truth. Those who are in the Lord are children of light and should make that light known by using time, strength, and abilities to share truth and work for salvation and blessing of others, rather than spending themselves on selfish interests and pride, bringing heaven into their own lives so that Christlike light can shine to others. They cultivate God-given powers and acquire wisdom to serve others, use time to bring people to Christ, share what God has given, obey God, and seek Heaven's approval above the world's. Living in the light includes cultivating a cheerful, happy spirit without falling into gloom and impatience or into lightness and frivolity, showing praise to God who calls people out of darkness into marvelous light, and living as in the light of His countenance. Truly consecrated Christians who keep self hid in Christ may be all light in the Lord, showing by daily life supreme love to God and love to neighbor, working with meekness, humility, unselfish love, and obedience that fills the soul with Christ's joy, rejoicing in constant support of His grace and receiving tact and wisdom to win many to His great work and bring them to personal knowledge of truth as laborers in the harvest field, shown also in faithful attention to duties close at hand including duties in home and church.
The instruction in Ephesians chapters 4 and 5, with Ephesians 6:10-18, is to be seen and held against every effort of Satan to tear up the foundation of faith in the third angel's message, so that not a pin or pillar is moved from the building of the work of the last sixty years while the history of the past is reprinted for past, present, and future.
Those who teach truth to people in darkness must themselves live near God and be light in the Lord. Their failure to obey God's word leaves them in unbelief and darkness, so they voice doubts and discouragement instead of faith and holy cheer. God's light shines around those who trust Him and willingly obey Him, and they are to be all light in the Lord, distinct from the world in calling, character, and hope, with a difference in spirit and conduct that becomes more pronounced as the end approaches. Being children of light means being made new in Christ, dead to the world and alive to God, renewed in true holiness, and walking in love as Christ's followers, and those who come into unity with God and work with Christ for salvation will have heaven's light shining in mind and soul. Being all light in the Lord requires control, forbearance, and forgiveness toward others and readiness to teach them, continuing without discouragement even when their state brings grief and discouragement.