John 8:12, commentary and pictures

Jesus declares himself to be the light of the world, and promises that whoever follows him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. He is the divine source of spiritual light and life for a world darkened by sin, the only light able to dispel that darkness and the only way of salvation ever given to fallen humanity. Following him means giving the heart wholly to him in trust and obedience, walking in his footsteps and keeping his commandments rather than choosing one's own path or the approval of the world. Those who so follow are led plainly along a safe path, receive forgiveness, guidance, joy and transforming power, and themselves become lights reflecting his character to others in moral darkness. Turning from him and refusing his light leaves a person in moral blindness and spiritual darkness, while receiving him by living faith brings light, peace and life into the heart.

Setting and Occasion

The saying was spoken in the morning in the temple court in connection with the services of the Feast of Tabernacles, just after sunrise when the sun had risen above the Mount of Olives and its rays lit the marble palaces and the gold of the temple walls, with pointing to the sun. It answered the illumination ceremony held in that same court after the evening sacrifice, when huge lamps on two lofty standards in its center were kindled to shed light over Jerusalem amid great rejoicing, with festive dances by gray-haired men, priests and rulers, instrumental music and Levite chants. That ceremony commemorated the pillar of light that guided Israel in the desert and expressed the people's hope for the Messiah's coming to shed light upon Israel, but the meaning is wider than Israel, for as the radiant temple lamps lighted all about them so Christ as source of spiritual light illumines the darkness of the world. Yet that symbol was imperfect, and the great light His own hand had set in the heavens was a truer representation of the glory of His mission.

He spoke with the authority of greatness in a clear, distinct voice, declaring Himself to be the light of the world as the only-begotten Son whom God gave in love to the fallen race, come to bring life and immortality to those dead in trespasses and sins. The declaration stands with His other I AM words as an opening of the resources of His infinite divine nature and a revelation of His divine identity, one with the divine name made known to Moses, giving assurance of pardon and power to lay down and take up His life to secure salvation for those in Satan's snare. The claim is not excessive, for His teaching gives light and deals with each person's heart, calling for deep thought about God's requirements, respect for every principle in His Word, and complete undivided devotion shown by keeping His words out of love rather than for reward. He came from God as the one Moses and the prophets wrote about, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, the Author and Finisher of faith, speaking as one having authority and not as the Jews.

As the light of life every phase of truth was clear to Him and to Him all truth was ever present and self-evident, and He poured out to men the whole treasure of heaven in wisdom and knowledge. He spoke truth with authority, freshness and power as a new revelation, with nothing fanciful or sentimental, revealing every truth essential for His people with unfaltering assurance of certain knowledge. He never spoke uncertain sentiments and opinions, worthless sentiments, notions, sophistries, mere probabilities, human opinions quoted by men, idle tales, or false theories clothed in beautiful language, but only important truths and principles established by personal knowledge that stand on eternal principles and need no revising. Though foreseeing the delusive doctrines that would fill the world He expressed none of them, but in all His teaching dwelt upon the unchangeable positions of Bible truth, unfolding gem after gem of precious truth, and everyone that is of the truth hears His voice.

His words convicted many that He was the Son of God, though the Pharisees rejected the evidence and accused Him of bearing false witness. When accused that His record of Himself was not true He vindicated Himself by declaring His record true because He knows whence He came and whither He goes while accusers cannot tell and judge after the flesh, and His judgment is true because He is not alone but with the Father that sent Him. Followers will meet in life just such misunderstanding and opposition as Jesus met. The words were spoken at the first advent when ambitious plans of men combined with cruel inventions to array the world under rebellion and earthly things hid eternal realities, and He stood forth in the face of every kind of error and delusion as the light for the world. When His ministry commenced His followers were only a few illiterate fishermen, ignored by the world but connected with the God of heaven with Christ as their instructor.

He could teach and qualify those humble, unlearned fishermen for their high commission of carrying on His work and becoming fishers of people. The truths He taught them and the Holy Spirit's convincing power brought light into their hearts, quickened and enlightened minds, and enabled them to understand His message and follow humbly, to speak and act in ways that would transform the world. Through association with Jesus they became like Him in mind and character, and their words and actions taught by Him would have far-reaching effects, reaching all lands, bringing many to salvation, and continuing through every age. Roman rule providentially kept the cross from being replaced by stoning, so that His death would occur by crucifixion and the cross could be lifted up publicly before all nations, tongues and peoples as a witness to the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, and thus this Light was not allowed to go out in darkness.

At His death the darkness over nature signified that the Light of the world was withdrawing His beams from Jerusalem and the world, once favored but now left, and marked its coming judgment. This darkness was a miraculous testimony from God showing sympathy with His expiring agony. It was given to confirm the faith of later generations.

Christ as Divine Light

He is the source of spiritual light and life for a world darkened by sin, and without his light the world would lie in eternal night, for spiritual darkness covers the earth because men are separated from God. As the temple lamps once illuminated Jerusalem, so he shines amid moral darkness as the world's benefactor and the source of every perfection it can find, drawing those who accept and walk in his light from moral darkness into the clear light of the Sun of Righteousness. He is the only light able to dispel that darkness, given to everyone who receives it, the only way of salvation and the only light ever given to fallen humanity, whose mission removes moral blindness and makes the prophetic promises clearer. The sacrifices had only shadowed his mission, and no other light has shone or ever will shine upon the human mind besides his.

Even the least disciple who followed Jesus and heard his teaching received clearer light than John the Baptist, for John was a lesser light inspired to expose sin, turn men to repentance and prepare the way, while himself misunderstanding the kingdom as an earthly rule and expecting release from prison. Christ's words and work revealed God more fully, giving his hearers a clearer light than John, who did not witness the full revelation of his wisdom and power. His declaration stands with his other I AM words as an opening of the resources of his infinite divine nature and a revelation of his divine identity, one with the divine name made known to Moses. By it he lays open pardon and power to lay down and take up his life to secure salvation for those fallen under Satan's falsehoods, intrigues and snare, placing every reader on holy ground in the presence of superior goodness beyond anything earth affords, close to the living fountain of mercy and love where the Spirit presses truth on heart and mind and the offering of the only-begotten Son calls each person simply to come.

He is the divine I AM who revealed himself to Moses at the burning bush in Horeb and sent him to deliver Israel from Egypt, come as light to break down every partition of nationality and position with salvation for the whole world so that all acknowledge God as supreme. In that deliverance he made known God's holiness, grace and love and showed Jehovah's superiority over every false deity, and as one equal with the Father he alone could redeem man and encircle the world with heaven's atmosphere, so that those who hear and believe receive everlasting life. In calling himself the light he declared his oneness with God, for God is light, and his relation to the whole human family as the one who at the beginning caused light to shine out of darkness. He is the light of sun and moon and star, and the spiritual light that in symbol and type and prophecy had shone upon Israel.

He is the Son of God who was with the Father from eternity, sent into the world as its Teacher and Light. His divine glory was veiled under humanity without outward display and without full presentation of his claims to deity, which helps explain why the Jewish nation did not acknowledge him as the Prince of life, and his life of perfect obedience to God's law both gave an example to all and through his death redeemed Adam's failure. He veiled the dazzling splendor of his divinity and lived as a man so fallen people could know their Creator without being consumed, for sin separated humanity from God and God is unseen except as revealed through him. Through him God's personality and character are made known, which nature with its revelation of power, wisdom and love cannot by itself reveal.

He is the promised Branch from Jesse anointed by the Spirit of wisdom and might, and the Child born as Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the Prince of Peace. The prophecies identify this light as the promised Messiah whose righteous rule brings peace and whose kingdom endures forever, through whom the earth will be filled with knowledge of the Lord. He came to this world to make God known and lead men to God, having come down from heaven as the true Teacher sent from God and chosen to reveal God's character. He is the Bright and Morning Star, the Sun of Righteousness, a light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of Israel, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would bring light and salvation to the Gentiles as well as glory to Israel, and as the true Light he enlightens every person.

He is light sent into spiritual darkness to bring truth, coming in human flesh to reveal God, counter the destroyer's work, and restore the moral image of God lost by transgression in everyone who receives him. Clothing divinity with humanity was the only means by which he could reach humanity and find a place in hearts, becoming one with the family, speaking its language and sharing its trials, poverty, meals and work, so that close contact and sympathy broke down barriers his mighty works and mysterious character might otherwise have raised. He came in human form to teach the world and guide men in the way of light to eternal happiness, rising like the Sun of Righteousness amid moral darkness.

He came as Physician and Healer, himself the Bright and Morning Star, the Sun of Righteousness, the brightness of his Father's glory, and the true Light which lights every man that comes into the world. Through him light shines amid moral darkness, and light reveals darkness so that the clearer the light the more manifest the contrast, while if the light were removed there would be nothing but darkness. He is a universal blessing to the whole world like sunshine and showers and heat and cold and every natural blessing given to both just and unjust, pouring forth treasures on a world unthankful, unholy and demoralized. He is the Son of God and Maker of the world unveiling God's character with mercy to every contrite seeker, grace for all and unlimited power as the great fountain of life and salvation who stepped in after the fall to give another trial and opportunity to recover, which only one equal with God could do, and when he is enshrined in the heart his peace and holy joy shape character and life.

As sunlight reaches the earth's remotest places so the light of the Sun of Righteousness shines upon every soul, and as the sun's blessings reach rich and poor alike he gives seen and unseen blessings and mercies without regard to wealth or status, which is to guide how men treat one another so that wealth makes none more worthy of respect. He shines still today as ascended on the firmament of truth as the sun ascends to lighten the world with glory, knowing that were he to withdraw his beams there would be eternal night, and those who walk in the light as he is in the light will not stumble. He came to break down every wall of exclusion and partition and to throw open the temple and house where God presides and every part of creation, so that every ear may hear, every eye may see and every thirsty soul may drink of the water of life freely, Jew or Gentile of every caste and nation having free access to God's presence and being individually regarded by him. Therefore exclusiveness by any people is forbidden, truth must be set on a candlestick to give light to all within the house, every soul is to join with him to reach souls of every caste and nation, and human agents are to connect with the Redeemer to seek the lost with added urgency for those made apostates by false ministry.

Life is in him, and his life is the light of humanity; he is the light of life for the person who dies to sin and is made alive in him, when divine love fills the heart, the understanding is sanctified and eternal day continually shines on the path, and the word of God directs men to this light that brings out of spiritual darkness and death into joy. He was sent by God as light because sin darkened understanding and severed men from God. At first Adam and Eve lived in perfect conformity to God's will with clear minds, no doubt of moral obligation, affections fully given to God, and enshrouding beautiful soft light from God reflected from nature while God taught them through creation, but through transgression connection was severed, the light departed, the image was defaced and understanding darkened, so he had to come to guide fallen man with heavenly light again.

Before his coming men were in spiritual darkness under the shadow of death while Satan obscured knowledge of God and the future world, and he came to lift that gloom and reveal God as the Sun of Righteousness who banishes darkness and in whom lay the world's only hope. He appeared when darkness was deepest, when false teaching and human philosophy turned men to standards of their own making like walking by sparks of their own fire instead of divine revelation, and his followers turn from such sparks to bring light, comfort, hope and courage rather than condemnation. He was the light of the world in ancient times just as now: he walked with Enoch, and Noah and Enoch taught the way of life. As invisible leader he educated Israel in the wilderness for forty years, addressing them as sons and commanding teaching of every requirement by precept and example as the condition of prosperity and life, and kept speaking through prophets and through himself so the way was plain to all who desired right, while the majority who disregarded the Word, defied the law and taught human commandments rejected that light and brought separation from God.

Jesus Christ the Son of the living God was the light in the pillar of cloud that guided Israel all the way through the wilderness, commissioned to tell where to rest and when to move by halting the cloud over the resting place and lifting it when they were to move, protecting them all along while angels watched. His great light and opportunities and privileges call for knowing when God guides and for praising, honoring and glorifying his name. The first gleam of light that pierced the gloom sin brought came from him, and every ray of heaven's brightness fallen on earth's inhabitants has come from him, Alpha and Omega, First and Last. Since he shed his blood for remission and ascended to appear in God's presence, light has streamed from Calvary's cross and from the holy places of the sanctuary above, yet clearer present light does not warrant despising earlier light given through types pointing to the coming Saviour, and every additional ray gives clearer understanding of redemption.

He is the light of the world and the way to eternal life as the anointed One whom God gave to make atonement for the sins of the world, and belief in that atonement and recognition of being bought by the blood of God's only-begotten Son are essential to being freed from Satan's power. Unless this is believed a person will be bound with the wicked one and left the sport of Satan's temptations, following the enemy step by step in crooked paths and losing the moral image of God, though hope remains to turn the feet into the right path. He has met the law's claims, borne the curse, offered his life and brought in everlasting righteousness, and all truth radiates from him and returns to him, opposed to all error. Walking in the light as he is in the light means trusting him and holding fast by faith, which brings increasing strength, light, grace and knowledge, helps others find the new way opened by his blood, and completes the follower in his righteousness rather than by seeking heaven through one's own.

He is the true light, the Sun of Righteousness, the truth and the life, in whose holy human life the glory of God and pure religion are seen. He alone dispels darkness gathered about souls, lifting fallen believers on him as personal Saviour into a pure holy atmosphere, making them noble and molding them after the divine likeness, so that those joined to him and cooperating in good works shine amid the world's darkness and are changed from glory to glory with a brightness no shadow of Satan and no mist of doubt and unbelief can dim. He is himself the truth, light and only-begotten Son come to reveal saving truth in contrast with error, with bright beams to shine amid moral darkness beyond clouds of doubt and unbelief. Satan casts shadows and mists to keep heaven's light from the mind's chambers and soul temple, but they cannot dim that light from the believer connected with him.

He is the source of all knowledge and wisdom, the Light men must follow to use powers rightly, existing before human teachers, and no man is independent of him. The world's greatest thinkers and every true insight or flash of intellect reflect his light as moon and stars reflect the sun, and true higher education is received directly from him. He gives talents to be improved by exercise while learning from him how to use them wisely, and he could teach and qualify humble unlearned fishermen for their high commission so that truths he taught equipped their words and actions to transform the world with far-reaching effects. Placing human ideas first and supposing reason can climb higher than its Source leads to false conjectures, delusions and darkness, while following him keeps from darkness and gives life-giving light, and reason not used for his glory can be taken away.

With intense purpose he designed his own life to be a lamp in the world, carrying alone the awful weight of responsibility for the salvation of the human family and knowing that without decided change in principles and purposes all would be irretrievably lost, with none able to appreciate the burden on his heart. As light and life he carried the burden of humanity's salvation and fulfilled his life's purpose by being their light, and in view of his infinite sacrifice and self-sacrifice men should yield themselves to be led and taught by him. Though crucified as a deceiver he truly was the light and life of the world, and he endured the contradiction of sinners against himself. The light of truth was embodied in him, and his enemies united to put it out by rejecting and crucifying him although no crime was proved, handing him though innocent and guilty of no crime over by the ruler to a shameful death, for he is also the Way, the Truth and the Life.

Light has ever been the symbol of God's presence: at creation, in the pillar of cloud by day and fire by night leading Israel, in the awful grandeur about the Lord on Sinai, resting over the mercy seat in the tabernacle, filling Solomon's temple at its dedication, and shining on Bethlehem's hills when redemption was announced to the shepherds. That light was not given to the Jewish nation alone, but as sunbeams penetrate earth's remotest corners so the Sun of Righteousness shines upon every soul. He is the light and life of the world who came to earth to work for men that they might no longer be under Satanic control, and while bearing fully human nature he was dependent on the Omnipotent for life and in humanity laid hold of God's divinity. He did nothing that human nature may not do if it partakes of the divine nature, so every member of the human family has the privilege of doing the same.

Darkness and Light Defined

Darkness is moral blindness that rejects truth when it exposes sin, and in that blindness people may even mistake opposition to Christ for service to God. It is a pervasive moral and spiritual principle, and to follow one's own ideas contrary to God's Word is to walk in it. Such walking is incompatible with agreement with God.

The darkness from which followers are kept is the darkness of ignorance. The same promise now spoken was spoken to Enoch before the Flood, assuring him that following would keep him from that darkness even in a corrupt and unfavorable age, so that he could walk with God and perfect character. To walk in opposition to the holy law is to walk in darkness in the footsteps of the great apostate and against God, without discernment, and this is incompatible with following. God is light and in Him is no darkness at all, and darkness comes only from an intruding object between the soul and God, as shade comes when something blocks the sun.

His pure, benevolent, holy life that hated only sin is the light that reveals hidden depravity. That light wages war with pride, injustice, lust, hypocrisy and every vice, fearlessly rebuking vice with greater power than any prince though coming without earthly wealth and honors. Its holiness provokes Satan's wrath and stirs the fiercest passions of false professors of godliness. Those who cherish the sins that bind them grow weary of such piety, despise its humble authority and refuse its rebuke, wanting deliverance from oppression without giving up sin, and would accept it only if it cloaked their sins and applauded their piety. Samuel's pure, unselfish, devoted life reflected the same likeness and was itself a perpetual rebuke to scheming, self-serving priests and elders and to the proud, sensual congregation.

His presence reveals darkness and error by exposing it, and the priests' hatred arose because this light exposed their darkness. His certain speaking of truth exposed error, but self-righteous people who preferred their own teaching and practices rejected it because it condemned their deeds. He is the pure, undimmed light who exposes the darkness of error and deception, and his spotless life provokes hypocrites to harass the faithful who reflect it as Satan's agents.

By revealing God as loving, merciful, tender and compassionate He dispels the darkness concealing the Father's character. He removes the gloom and shadow cast by Satan's misrepresentations between humanity and God, so people can know God as He is rather than worship a false god clothed with satanic attributes. He reveals the Father, so that seeing Him is seeing the Father, and His words and works come from the Father who dwells in Him. As light He reveals God to humanity, sweeping away darkness about God's character and showing the Father as the Light of life.

The light is knowledge of the truth, including truth for the last days, and is clear, sharp discernment. Clear spiritual discernment comes from Him, and without it a person is blind to spiritual dangers and cannot rightly help another. The light reveals God's will, gives assurance of an indwelling Saviour and pardon for sin, and makes obedience a joy marked by love, peace, willing service and keeping Jesus and heaven in mind. It gives insight into sacred things and a personal, living knowledge of God, bringing peace, comfort and joy.

His light is His righteousness, goodness and compassion continued even to offenders, and like light revealing dust in a dark room His righteousness reveals the sinner's errors. Everyone needs this light to have errors revealed and to understand how hateful sin is. His divine light brings truth, joy and brightness, and those who receive it are to reflect it along others' path to help them find Christ. His light brings life and peace, and His church is to be transformed and illumined with each Christian revealing His joy.

Light is set before people without compelling belief, presenting Himself as truth and way against false cries of light. God does not force belief but gives sufficient evidence for choosing truth, and surrender to God chooses light while refusal from fear of reproof chooses darkness. That refusal leads to self-deception and stubborn pursuit of one's own purposes despite plainest evidence, even to crucifying Him while thinking it service to God. People need not understand every purpose of God before responding, yet refusing His word until every doubt is removed keeps people from light. Willful doubt and repeated questioning without willingness to receive answers rejects light already given, and faith takes the first step with light given to see where He is working.

His light continues to shine and cannot be quenched even when evil appears to prevail. Human pride creates self-made darkness but cannot extinguish it, which continues exposing evil, restraining sin and reviving the humble and contrite. Without Him people grope in blindness caused by pride, superstition, ignorance of Scripture, prejudice and hatred, which rivets fetters, brings ruin and destroys hope. Yet the evidence that He is Messiah is so clear that no one offered such light need walk in the darkness of error, for He is the only way of salvation.

He shines into the world to scatter Satan's deceptive darkness and reveal his workings. His life of perfect obedience and self-denial showed the contrast between loyalty to the Father and rebellion against Him, and by dying He broke Satan's power to hold humanity and opened salvation. He is the true light shining in moral darkness to reveal truth and guide, His resistance to temptation was proportionate to conformity to the word He inspired, and His life was marked by communion with God and complete surrender despite false education, customs and traditions. He gives light by pure doctrines revealing the contrast between truth and error and light and darkness, to Him all truth was ever present and self-evident so He spoke only important truths, and those today who claim truth show following His light by hearing His voice and obeying.

As source of spiritual light and wisdom He gives light clear, bright, penetrating and wholly unmixed with darkness so people need not walk in darkness. The Holy Spirit makes room for His word and He enlightens understanding, exposing and correcting mistaken ideas, traditions, theories and human commands opposing God's commandments and replacing error with truth. God's Word keeps people from darkness and gives the light of life by making clear duty to God and to one another, while deceptive human inventions through unsanctified hands obscure truth. Those who search Scripture sincerely will not walk in darkness, for truth planted by the Spirit helps distinguish right from wrong and guards against speculation. Through His pure holy life and work for others He brought God's love, kindness and goodness to every class, encouraged them to value God-given talents, and taught they could become like God in character.

Promise to Those Following

Those who follow Jesus will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life, and everyone may walk in that saving light by following him, for the promise is as true now as when spoken and remains true in every age. He invites all to come fully to the light by putting feet in the prints of his footsteps on the path his feet hallowed, which keeps the follower safe, and he is the safe guide so followers will not walk in darkness. Those who follow him receive light, forgiveness and love which cleanse even the darkest sin and forgive even the greatest criminal, bringing peace to the greatest sinner through whom flow forgiveness and love.

He is the sin-pardoning Savior who takes away guilt and gives the light of life to everyone who believes, as proved by Saul of Tarsus, who while persecuting him was stopped toward Damascus by light from heaven, made physically blind but enlightened to know God, brought to remorse, then pardoned with a new heart, so that having the light means he becomes more than the whole world. Followers are not left to grope in spiritual darkness or uncertainty, for he leads them plainly along a straight, safe path where steps will not slip, and does not leave them to find their way through dangerous bypaths. As he led ancient Israel even when the cloud and pillar of fire concealed him, so he leads now with each step ordered, and as the pillar of cloud was lighted at night so he is the courage, teacher and leader today.

His light gives guidance through dark and difficult experiences, and when the pathway seems surrounded by darkness there is light beyond the cloud, so believers must press forward and upward through trials and temptations rather than turn aside. Even amid sin and difficulties followers can trust him for light, guidance and wisdom, with faith looking beyond darkness to light ahead; since he helped out of past peril he can help out of present trials, so believers must come to God in every circumstance as a child to parents. He guides and teaches his people safely even through the darkest path and on the darkest path followers can walk safely where he leads and share his triumph and joy, though following includes self-denial, suffering and conflict.

In the peril of the last days those who look to him for guidance and follow him need not take one step in the dark, and walking in that light which shines amid darkness prepares his people to stand in the day of the Lord. He is ascended as the sun to lighten the world with glory, and were he to withdraw his beams there would be eternal darkness; he shines still today to lighten every person who will walk in his light, and those who walk in the light will not stumble. He is the source of life and grace guiding followers so their path has light rather than darkness, and the source of strength, power, sure guidance and life, so people must depend on him rather than trusting human beings or their own wisdom.

He gives clear instruction easy to understand so followers do not grope about appointed work or depend on human guidance but have living light for knowing duty, and following with trust brings plain instruction for work and duty as a sure word proved by experience. His presence and promises give comfort and assurance through conflicts, and though the way involves conflict, trial and suffering, he makes the pilgrimage more than lonely by leading and accompanying followers; the assurance that he is the light is a source of comfort and gives courage to keep praying with light becoming clear as faith is tested. He brings light, joy and peace, and knowing his character makes followers more cheerful; looking to him strengthens and uplifts, changes them into his image and gives his spirit, so gloom passes and awareness of his love brings joy.

No one can look to him without being strengthened and uplifted, being changed into his image, cherishing his Spirit and reflecting the divine image, with sullenness gone, experience as clear as sunlight, and consciousness of his love filling them with joy and moving them to grateful service. Looking to and beholding him strengthens and uplifts, changes into his image, likeness and spirit, removes gloom, fills the heart with joy through assurance of his love, and gives a clear Christian experience with inward cheer, righteousness giving light even through life's winter, and remembering his love like searching out sunshine rays. His perfect life reveals the power of heavenly grace to free people from the curse of the law and make perfect obedience possible, and beholding his glory through the Spirit changes people into his image.

He is touched with human infirmities, having been tempted as humans are, and has provided help for afflictions and perplexities, taking the hand placed in his, setting feet on solid rock, making the follower strong in his strength and working with human effort. He supplies grace through the Holy Spirit for every emergency so none need stumble, and his followers are to shine as lights in a crooked world, making God's character and the distinction between good and evil visible. He is the believer's light and righteousness: looking to self brings darkness, but trusting in him brings the light of life, so the helpless must cast themselves on him because self-effort is useless, and he reaches out to lift those who come in faith.

Trusting the promise brought assurance, patience and confidence while seeking to know the Father's will amid doubt, opposition and fear, and strengthened the decision to attend the meeting as duty required; those who feel they have no light should not shut themselves away but rise by faith and follow him. The promise is to be believed and acted on by continually speaking light, faith and courage and by praying with believing expectation that God hears, not praying doubtingly and going away unchanged; as light who drives away darkness his people should meet him in faith rather than voice unbelief. Following causes darkness to pass away and the true light to shine, giving complete safety even though all paths are beset with peril, with the heart resting in his love while seeking sanctification of body, soul and spirit.

Following him brings the always-accessible light of life, and each step of faith draws the soul into closer connection with him in whom there is no darkness, while his grace changes disposition, subdues propensities, fills the heart with divine love and gives new life so eternal day shines continually. He waits to give the light of life to those in darkness to bring them into marvelous light, but a heart not open to his beams meets terrible loss because rejection of additional light turns inner light into darkness, stops growth, and leaves a person leading others out of peace and righteousness. He is the Light of life and Leader to follow, and following means walking in the way to heaven and living in newness of life with practical purity according to what has been revealed, while the powers of darkness try to draw people away from the narrow path.

The verse gives to God's people the same assurance given to Christ in his humanity, and is a rich promise of keeping power to those who walk in his self-denying path and keep the mind in right relation to promises instead of mingling with the world. Those who so follow become the light of the world, are kept by God's power and see his salvation; those joined to him and cooperating in good works shine amid darkness and are changed from glory to glory with brightness no doubt can dim. He is the living source from whom fallen people must draw vitalizing power every day, and his truth brought into the inner life is the grand remedy for all disorders, with whatever his Word says to be taken personally and fed upon as heavenly bread.

In the last days God gives light to his chosen people such that those who value it and share it receive more light; whoever sincerely seeks to do God's will and heeds light already received will be given greater light guiding into all truth, while those who turn from available light are left in darkness. Accepting him begins a path lit by the Son where accepted truth gives light to each step, so followers advance from strength to strength and the path becomes brighter as they continue; following the Light means advancing from light to greater light without stopping, for stopping leaves faith stunted and walking by faith ceasing enshrouds in darkness. Believers may connect with him by receiving his spiritual light, and each ray used increases ability to receive more and share it, so they are to keep receiving grace and grow in understanding of truths for their time and learn to present salvation in a Christlike way.

He is the Light of life whose glory brings rejoicing, and studying the precious things of God's word gives that light to those in darkness and shadow of death, while time spent on bright ideas of infidels leaves them in darkness. He gives the light and knowledge of God's will, so those who follow need not walk in darkness or err; drawing near brings the light of life and knowledge of God's will. Those who follow do not walk in darkness because he helps them understand heaven's thoughts, recognize the true Shepherd's voice, and walk in obedience; he is an all-powerful helper bringing heaven into heart and daily life. Those who follow him as leader walk in light, while turning away leaves people in darkness; the light of truth is meant to sanctify and renew to God's standard, and those who reject its influence are condemned with guilt proportionate to grace received.

He does not leave those who learn from him to walk in darkness but gives the Holy Spirit's enlightenment, and daily trust and continued learning bring guidance amid unexpected opportunities and growing difficulties so the work can move forward. Those who follow and walk in the light he gives will not be left in darkness, and depending wholly on the Lord, watching and praying, and following his guidance keeps them from darkness even when changing circumstances require special instruction. He guides his followers so they do not remain in darkness, and as great Teacher he helps humble students understand truth when they seek Scripture prayerfully and the Spirit works with them, with his light distinguishing truth from error.

As light he enables people to distinguish truth from opposing error and keeps followers from darkness; as light, way and truth he must by life-giving power dwell in the heart through believing, for no one can shine unless light is within. He who receives him has the light of life, implicit trust brings new light in darkness through the Spirit guiding into all truth, having this light makes rejoicing life's keynote while absence leaves sadness, and heaven's light within puts joy on the face. Following him keeps a person from walking in darkness and gives the light of life, but the light can be clouded when people turn from God and neglect watchfulness, prayer and daily consecration; neglecting received light brings darkness, for light not walked in becomes darkness.

Following him means walking in the light of life rather than darkness, where the light is himself, requiring daily certainty that he is one's own and yielding of self and will to God, since his light and not one's own efforts is the source of life. He is light with no darkness in him, and his followers are children of light renewed in his image and called out of darkness into marvelous light, with nearness strengthening them to resist efforts to draw them away. He is the light leading people out of darkness into life, and helping others into the light means guiding them toward true conversion and the joy of knowing pardoning love; coming to him brings light instead of darkness, and fixing eyes on him makes a person like him. The promise belongs to those seeking the fullness of his salvation by coming to God in faith and humility, laying burdens at his feet, and living by faith in him. Those who follow his example and through faith and trust become his servants and imitators receive the light of life and become sons of God.

Meaning of Following Christ

Following means giving the heart to Jesus and loving him with whole heart, soul, mind and strength, trusting wholly, obeying his words and doing them rather than choosing one's own path or accepting only teachings that suit personal ideas, and it is his command and promise everywhere that puts each person before the choice to follow or refuse to obey and presses what they are doing for him.
Following is opposed to worldliness and requires leaving self-indulgence and sin and the course that leads away from life, refusing worldly approval and associations, and guarding against love of the world, dress, self-love and self-indulgence becoming master, for professing is not the same as following, which is shown in living faith.
He calls people to follow rather than walk in darkness, and following means refusing to choose worldly approval over obedience to God's Word, while neglecting his call leaves people walking the world's path away from God.
Following means choosing God's will and commandments even when obedience separates from worldly friendships and causes discomfort, and means stepping in his footprints and keeping commandments as he obeyed, which is possible because as representative and substitute he was tempted as man without unavailable power so Satan's control is broken.
Following means walking in God's light rather than indulging natural inclinations that lead away from God, and means leaving self-indulgence and sin and going where he leads even along a path of sacrifice, and as followers walk in his light they become a light to the world, his light having cost his life from infinite love and preparing the faithful for eternal glory so that sharing his sufferings means sharing his glory.

Following means treading in his footsteps, and those who do so are his disciples and servants who have light and life instead of darkness; following his steps makes followers his disciples and true representatives with holy peace and joy, and the same promise spoken now was spoken to Enoch before the Flood to keep him from the darkness of ignorance even in a corrupt age so he could walk with God and perfect character.
Following him means denying self, walking humbly with God, and letting the Spirit bring temperaments and desires into harmony with his life, so submitters experience his power and sufficiency and accept his life as example by faith to overcome through grace.
His call demands a personal choice to accept him as Savior and obey rather than remain undecided or serve opposing powers; receiving him as personal Savior is the only way to come to the light and have eternal life, while refusing leaves a person in darkness without eternal life, and the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness shines into hearts to reveal through lives the knowledge of Christ so that in his light they see light.
Following means being willing to obey and give up one's own plans for his, and obedience brings knowledge of truth, while those whose hearts are separated from truth or whose affections are fixed on the world resist it because it condemns what they cherish and walk in darkness not knowing where they go.
Following means practicing the truth and not merely professing belief, greater light brings greater accountability to advance that light, and following requires continual spiritual growth without which people risk becoming self-righteous like the Pharisees while failing to do God's will.

Following him rather than merely professing him brings the light and keeps from darkness, and those who claim to live while lacking vital godliness need to follow in practice; following means not walking in darkness or seeking pleasure, but aiming at God's glory governed by supreme love of God and love of neighbor as the two great principles of the moral law.
Following means choosing obedience to revealed will over wrongdoing even when others choose otherwise or inclination draws toward evil, advancing step by step with teachable spirit, preferring truth and God's favor to error and the world's friendship, and entering the strait gate and narrow path that leads to life with him as Guide.
The verse is his promise to those who strive to enter the strait gate and narrow way, which means laying aside besetting sins including evil surmisings, doubts, criticisms, envy and unkindness, holding firmness of purpose with perseverance against forbidden paths, giving future life first attention, cutting away hindrances, denying evil inclination and habit not in harmony with God's word, being one with Christ, and refusing transgression even when inclination pulls otherwise, and his call away from sin includes a call away from criticizing others.
Following Christ is walking the right high glorious path the just God points out through his word that remains free from darkness because illuminated by the Sun of Righteousness, rejecting that path as too separated from the world is rejecting Christ and his words, and self-love and selfish ambition cannot pass the strait gate and walk the narrow upward way.
Following Christ is walking in safe paths of sanctification through truth and cheerful obedience to every part of God's law and Thus saith the Lord, rather than the enemy's path of unbelief, disobedience and sin, which gives great mental and spiritual strength, unity with Christ as Christ is one with God, sows eternal truth to a harvest of joy, and prepares for translation and building for eternity, while cherishing unbelief leads backward to despair unless people look in the moral looking glass, cease to sin and change decidedly while he may be found.

Following brings a person out of the darkness of unbelief into light, where genuine faith trusts him to save now and impart righteousness and is shown in confession of sin and backsliding and in works of righteousness; those who believe the Bible are not left in dark uncertainty but see by faith where they go because he is leader.
Following means acting on light already given by believing and walking in it, looking to Jesus rather than self and speaking faith rather than unbelief, because light not followed is of no benefit and more light cannot help if refused.
Following Jesus so as not to walk in darkness requires placing the will entirely on the Lord's side, and there is only a limited time of probation to make calling and election sure; following means surrendering will, taking him at his word and doing what pleases him, refusing to remain in past crookedness, unseen evil and unbelief which bring only weakness and deeper discouragement with no healing, since God is greater than the heart and knows all things.
Christ is the true light, and following him means following where he leads, becoming sensitive to evil, refusing false and misleading lights, and thereby gaining freedom and strength to run in God's commandments.
Following him means listening to his voice and receiving light rather than walking in darkness, with him rather than human authorities or customs directing faith, with security from following him and studying the guide he gave, and his followers are not spiritually dull but animated to work in his service.

Following means sitting at his feet and learning meekness and lowliness rather than refusing God's word, allowing him to anoint the eyes with heavenly eyesalve so spiritual truths are clearly discerned and no longer seen as through a mist or by sparks of one's own kindling, receiving divine knowledge of Christ formed within as wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.
Following means refusing to be one's own teacher about eternal interests, looking daily to Jesus as Author and Finisher of faith, making straight paths, with light sown for the righteous and gladness for the upright; it means trusting the Lord Jehovah wholly, humbly and unwaveringly whether in heaven or on earth since he ever lives to intercede, because human wisdom is not enough to know how to act, speak, pray or counsel, and those who refuse conversion remain deceived and must not guide the flock.
Following means learning from him rather than turning to human channels, and looking to his lovely pure character changes people to become like him; those who follow must take light from him and not from human wisdom, for light kindled from human agencies goes out in darkness, and seeking his wisdom gives unerring counsel as the privilege of every child of God obtained by asking in faith according to the word.
As light he is to be gone to directly for wisdom and duty, not to any living soul since men are erring mortals who may encourage where they should discourage and discourage where they should encourage, and by direct communion, studying his word as lamp and light, and yielding self to be purified, cleansed and sanctified, followers receive his light to flash amid a sin-loving world and bear witness to others.
Following means studying his words attentively, keeping eyes fixed on his perfection, and beholding him with supreme love and unswerving faith and trust, so followers walk in heaven's light as he who commanded light to shine sheds light into minds and chambers of mind and soul-temple, filling the heart with knowledge of glory in the face of Jesus with spiritual discernment, while turning the face from him is walking in darkness.

Following means becoming acquainted with God's Word and walking in its truth rather than remaining uncertain or relying on feelings or signs; following and sincerely studying the word brings light for the way, while setting aside that light leads away from just dealings into ruinous speculation and greed.
Following means walking in the light revealed along one's path, where as people search Scripture and advance truth can unfold and greater light be given and they are responsible to accept light and opportunities received, while those who faithfully followed available light in their time are not condemned for not knowing truths not yet revealed, and clearer light cannot be refused because earlier generations did not see it.
Following means looking to Jesus rather than changeable feelings, refusing to be led by another guide or emotions tossed between hope and fear, leaving any other leader to follow Christ who is light, truth and life, with steadiness of purpose; by beholding him believers become light and gain enduring peace, comfort and hope giving character depth, which also means active service including winning souls.
Christians are controlled by his Spirit and not enslaved by passion, so in perplexity they do not lose patience, faith and hope; in perplexity and sorrow keeping sight of him as mighty to save brings joy and victory through faith.
Safety on the heavenward journey comes from looking to Jesus rather than personal defects and going where the Master leads in trust; trusting him and waiting patiently for his will brings assurance so followers will not walk in darkness, and following causes darkness to pass and true light to shine giving complete safety though all paths are beset with peril, with heart resting in his love while seeking sanctification of body, soul and spirit.

Staying under his leadership and not being drawn into tempting paths, his unfailing love leads upward in safe paths, and simple faith as leader works by love and purifies the soul; following means waiting for his direction rather than acting on impulsive plans, temper, ambition or human wisdom, and accepting his light means walking in newness of life while powers of darkness try to draw away from the narrow path of holiness.
Following means patiently listening for his direction rather than running ahead on human judgment, impulse, ambition or counsel, and his guidance as appointed leader keeps workers from false light and in safety, comforting those with responsibility as they seek wisdom through prayer.
Those entrusted with responsibility must follow their Leader rather than act on impulses or self-confidence, walking in light by patiently seeking guidance; following means being led by him rather than acting in self-confidence, essential for leaders, with truth for this time transforming character when wholly surrendered so waywardness becomes clear and grace brings it into subjection to shape character after the divine similitude, truth planted by the Spirit appearing in life.
His call is linked to the Spirit's sanctifying influence and individual responsibility, with his presence leading to advance and readiness to accept new plans without contention, quarreling or selfish actions; following means discharging individual duty and sharing his conflicts of self-denial, suffering and self-sacrifice to be made perfect and wear the crown, obeying light in warnings, counsels, reproof, duty and conscience without parleying, for light is full and ample, while neglect enshrouds in darkness until darkness is taken for light.
He personally leads everyone who follows so they do not walk in darkness, and following is walking in his footsteps in obedience and learning from his life as practical example, for he goes before, beats down obstructions, and serves as teacher and true helper as the way, truth and life.

He is the surest guide and true religion is living under his guidance in thought, word and deed; he takes the humble earnest whole-hearted seeker, calls him to follow, and leads him in the narrow way to holiness and heaven on a path opened at great cost, staying at the right hand so followers are not left to stumble, and all who decide to follow fully are led in the royal path cast up for the ransomed.
Following him as the Light of Life is the only safe course, and those who look to him are to walk as he walked and give a Christlike example; as light he is the only safe course to follow and one in whose light believers are to walk in all they do, walking worthily and carefully reflecting their claim.
As light and source of peace he may be met by those ruled by vanity, self-pleasing and strife rejecting both him and eternal life; those who want to keep natural independence refuse correction because he exposes the heart, staying away fearing reproof and loving darkness, ending in blind infatuation that could crucify him while thinking it service, while Satan falsely cries that light and truth are with him.
He sets true light before people while Satan falsely claims light is with him, and to follow and stay out of darkness is to surrender, choose light and accept correction with sufficient evidence to decide for truth; turning away from direction leads into darkness and ruin, and making God first in every plan and thought is safety and peace.
Following means welcoming reproof, correction and rebuke from God's Spirit instead of despising, hating and rising against it, and means not appealing to others in self-sympathy, not putting wrong construction on correction or presenting it objectionably to win sympathy, not making counsel of no effect by many words, not leaning to own understanding or refusing counsel or erecting own standard and ideas, but working in harmony with the Spirit to set things in order rather than oppositely and treating his dealing as more than human wisdom.

Following means yielding to the Spirit, humbling the soul, lifting the cross, making humble straightforward confession, drawing near for forgiveness, accepting reproof and counsel and harmonizing to set things in order, while refusing to confess, opening the heart to unbelief and doubt, leaning to own understanding, appealing for human sympathy against reproof, and erecting own standards is leaving the straightforward path, calling light darkness, and walking in darkness under another spirit toward separation from God and truth.
Following means walking in the light of life rather than darkness, and resisting the Spirit's convictions and refusing correction turns a person away so he may mistake darkness for light and trust own judgment instead of God's; a professed Christian failing to connect with heaven may spend much of life in darkness despite great light and privileges.
Following means receiving insight and close acquaintance with God, and the path shines increasingly until the perfect day; those who submit and continue come to know the Lord, with light dawning gradually like morning, God giving more when he is its source, and clinging brings victory.
Those who follow receive God's presence and blessing, while those who separate in self-willed independence cannot have them; following keeps people from darkness so they walk in light as he is in light.
Following means beholding him until mind, heart and character conform to God's will, enabling seeing faults, subjecting appetites and passions to God, and partaking of divine nature having overcome corruption through lust; the convicted sinner repenting strives to overcome and reveal grace, brought into personal touch, constantly keeping Christ before him, denying self and lifting the cross, following grade to grade toward God's standard by praying, believing and receiving blessings.

Following means putting on him and hiding self behind him with faith working by love and purifying the soul, manifesting meekness in kind courteous tender compassionate words and deportment with vital piety and renewed powers, so nothing of self intercepts rays from the throne and God makes them lights, savors of life unto life, while self-love and self-confidence make outpouring of his Spirit impossible and lose power to distinguish light from darkness, treading the Pharisees' ground while rejecting faithful messengers.
He commands his people to follow and compliers will not walk in darkness, and following means meeting discipleship terms, having his mind, denying self, taking up the cross, forsaking all, and believing and working with him in consecration of body and spirit, for he is the only hope; accepting him as personal Saviour and following his self-denial is the secret of holiness.
His Follow me requires a life shaped by his example, living not to please self but with his mind and doing as he did, and he as teacher and example goes before, removes obstructions, and leads in his footsteps; following means walking and working in the light of his life, and drawing nearer brings radiance revealing clearer views of God to world, church and heavenly beings.
He is the pattern to follow in every step, requiring self-denial and self-sacrifice prominent and pride and worldly ambition rejected; following means leaving darkness and walking in his light, and one remaining in darkness cannot be a light, so genuine repentance and changed course are necessary to reflect his character.
Those who earnestly desire to do God's will follow Jesus as the only pattern rather than walking in darkness, and following makes them lightbearers; to follow as light is to walk in his light, which the teachers failed to appreciate.

Following him means walking in his light that grows brighter toward the perfect day, his light draws family closer and prepares them for union with heaven's family, and they are to honor duties, keep souls in his love, and live carefully in close connection with him.
Following him means walking in his light, and a person connected with God and living for his glory follows this light and gains wisdom and ability even if counted ignorant or talents modest, with sincere influence drawing others to God.
Following him means following the light he gives, and turning against that light is walking away from him; following means not walking in darkness, and this calls for trusting the Lord for light and strength and commitment to his people under his banner.
As light he illuminates the narrow path of holiness and leads safely toward immortal life, his light shines on their way as they follow, and reflecting his glory they see the path grow brighter until the perfect day.
As light of the world he illuminates the narrow way for those who accept him as guide; he has trodden the rough thorny steep dangerous road before them and smoothed it, and with him they shall not fail of reaching heaven even with pitfalls, when weary they must toil on and when faint they must fight, and following makes the path brighter unto the perfect day.

The verse presents his life as a light for all humanity that shines for those in darkness so they will not be led into dark paths by others, making him the example to follow so followers will not walk without light.
He must be steadfastly beheld in order to walk in light, and those who ignore plain truth and God's word are blinded by Satan and stumble without knowing what they stumble at because they do not keep eyes fixed on him, and by teaching and example they blind others and lead those who should walk in light into darkness.
He is with those who trust God and do duty, and in greatest discouragement the divine Helper is near to those who fear and seek him and may reveal himself beyond expectations, while affliction can make love hard to see yet his everlasting arms uphold so they do not perish.
Daily trials and difficulties must be borne to gain strength and knowledge for greater troubles to come, and courage comes because the Lord knows those who are his; one who follows will not walk in darkness, and a person who trusts God, longs to save others, gives self wholly to service, and accepts honor or humility will not walk in darkness, but must press forward upward through trials with light beyond the cloud.
Those who follow do not walk alone or in darkness but have the light of life; trust and clinging to the Savior bring confidence to keep going, and in affliction faith in him and speaking faith reveal him in a life.

He is the light and life of the world, and a life of service brings people into touch with him; when a person dies to sin and is quickened to new life, divine love fills the heart, understanding is sanctified, and eternal day shines on the path and leads from worldliness and immoral practices toward purity and immortal life.
He is the light of life needed every moment, so living without him leaves a person backslidden while following means turning from selfishness and sin toward holiness; those who receive his light and do what the Word teaches will have everlasting life.
Those who trust wholly in him rather than relying on human independence will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life; those who do not follow work blindly and may spend strength on things that cannot satisfy, while disappointments and trials can reveal need for him.
He is the source of the light of life people constantly need to guide their way, and as they receive its rays shine through them to others; the light of life came to shine amid moral darkness, and the gospel brings this light to the poor and oppressed giving humble people opportunity to understand entrance into God's kingdom.
A soul trapped in darkness needs the light found in Jesus; a pleasure-seeking life leaves a person miserable and confused, while hearing biblical teaching stirs conscience and reveals need; coming to the light reveals danger, strikes self-satisfaction and shows need of holy life and Christ as Saviour.

He gives light to shine into chambers of the mind and soul temple, and following brings present and eternal good; God molds the mind and honors physicians by asking cooperation for suffering humanity as Christ would, and when the Spirit works on an inquirer the physician is to point souls to Jesus as sin-pardoning Saviour rather than urging special doctrine, while angels impress the mind and deception is swept from many though some refuse illumination.
He is the light who should guide his people, union with him is union with God and abiding gives unfading unfailing life, so when he as light and truth presides in counsels instead of self-importance, truth will triumph; Christ as light must preside as counselor, weaving him into plans, making self less important, letting human voices be heard less, and turning from self-love and self-indulgence that extinguish his love.
As the Light, Truth and Life he leads in straight paths, and following means responding to leadership and being changed by heavenly truth which sanctifies and refines character to become like him and fit for heaven.
As light, way and truth he must be followed steadily, and without steadfast following people cannot see where they stumble; human learning, talent or guidance cannot replace him and no fallible human should be chosen as guide instead of him, and following means learning from him, yielding to truth and letting him shape character.
He is the Light and the Truth and the greatest worker who was with his people through trying circumstances; he is the Light and Life, and the light and truth in the word come from divine wisdom guiding every true steadfast contrite soul like a lamp, distinct from deceptive imitations.

To follow him is to walk in his light and not in darkness, with clearness and preparation essential for the last days; to turn away eclipses that light, and commercialism absorbing the mind, control by other minds, indifference to subjects needing clearness, and profession denying him in word and action is departing from that light.
Following him means walking in spiritual light rather than darkness, and growing in knowledge and strength equips people to lead sinners to Christ and direct the discouraged and unbelieving toward heaven; those who follow are strengthened and given understanding of God's perfect will as humble contrite seekers on holiness' highway presenting bodies a living sacrifice.
He is the light of life to be pressed onward toward for victory, and his light is the guide followers must walk in, without which the adversary blinds until they mistake darkness for light and light for darkness.
He shines as the way, the truth and the life in both Old and New Testament histories, and his instruction to Israel at Sinai is the same powerful light as his teaching when he came in person, and as pillar of cloud lighted at night he is courage, teacher and leader today so followers are not left in darkness.
As great teacher he poured heaven's treasure, and as divine Teacher he teaches with tender care and solicitude and presents testing truth to keep people from turning from life, giving the word of life through chosen agencies, selecting humble fishermen to preach it rather than philosophy to defend it.

As the great Light, his teaching prepares hearts by linking divine truth to familiar experiences and ordinary duties, suggesting new trains of thought and lifting hearers heavenward; all true knowledge from him acted upon leads heavenward, and by meeting people where they are he carries prepared hearts to higher thought and life in harmony with transforming truth.
Following means walking in his footsteps and receiving the fullness of his salvation, and drawing near humbles people and turns them from self-reliance to dependence on his saving power.
Following means moving forward and using abilities to work better, with the Spirit's leading developing greater efficiency.
He reveals life's true purpose and principles of right living, his light makes people accountable for received truth so that without light there is no condemnation but rejecting it leaves no excuse for sin, and following him means serving God, blessing others and winning people to him rather than making property acquisition life's chief aim, gathering enduring heavenly treasure that brings lasting riches and joy when worldly wealth, fame and honor have passed.
As true light his words must be received and practiced, and those who exalt him above money, praise or glory gain precious victories.
Following him as Light is the path of duty and safety, where prudence and caution are Christian virtues but when they become timidity, cowardice, or selfishness they lead away from him.

Reflecting Light to Others

The indwelling light cannot be hidden, and it grows brighter as selfishness and sin are cleared away, with each step of faith bringing closer connection and reflection of character, purity and holiness that makes divine goodness visible through self-denial and service. Those who abide share his spirit and motives like branches sustained by the vine, becoming pure and peaceable and shining amid moral darkness as lights inviting others to come. Walking in his light makes followers a light to the world, a light that cost his life through infinite love, and following prepares for eternal glory so that sharing his sufferings means sharing his glory.

He gives disciples a part in shedding his light for a sin-darkened world so they become the light of the world with him, and the church as depository of gospel truth is the agency through which that light shines in clear distinct rays. That shining comes when believers obey and work out salvation while God works within, doing all without murmurings, remaining blameless and harmless as sons of God in a crooked nation, abounding in love and knowledge, approving excellent things, staying sincere without offense, filled with fruits of righteousness to God's glory, walking as children of light after being darkness, and arising to reflect risen glory so Gentiles come to the light. He is the great light and Christians and the church are appointed to reflect it, but when the world comes between them and him the light grows dim and souls may be lost, so witness must not fail through neglect or unfaithfulness but keep shining for those endangered by temptation and danger.

Amid a morally dark and disloyal world he transforms and illuminates his church by his glory, and as his light shines through it the lost and straying who come find refuge, spiritual life, knowledge, peace, light and joy. He has provided for the church to be a transformed body lit with the glory of Immanuel, and every Christian is to be surrounded with light and peace by putting self aside, making room for the Spirit, and living wholly consecrated, with the indwelling Spirit shown by outflow of heavenly love. Every soul may then be a living channel giving treasures of grace and unsearchable riches to the world, representing his Spirit and character and showing his love so divine fullness flows through to others as joy and blessing. His presence illumines his people, and when he dwells within the Spirit's love flows out bringing light, peace, joy, courage, helpfulness and healing, revealing his beauty and glory in a transformed character not produced by human effort and changing beholders into his image.

He must be uplifted before people so the light of truth can reach them, and spiritual sight given by the Spirit enables them to see him so the perishing may be saved. His promise remains true in every age, giving comfort to followers and hope to those in darkness and shadow of death, and followers are to lift him up so human nature may be lifted with him and people brought from darkness into marvelous light. Those who believe are to let that light shine clearly and steadily to make him known and warn of spiritual danger like a lighthouse warning ships on a dangerous coast, for believing about him is not the same as believing in him.

The light is carried onward as one person lights his taper from another until others are brought out of darkness, for when a sinner receives him as personal Saviour his life-giving presence shines into the sin-darkened heart. His light brings people out of darkness into hope of salvation, and followers reflect it amid moral darkness so observers recognize that hope and can be led out, with even a small God-given light creating responsibility to let it shine by warning and encouraging and sharing salvation. Each person is responsible to let even a small light shine forth, for one light kindles another's until others are led out.

Coming to that light means seeking to understand his sacrifice, and without coming a person remains in darkness with darkened understanding. His light must be received and practiced and welcomed into the heart to illuminate the soul, for without him the world is dark, and Israel's only hope was to believe and obey the truth while beholding him as brightness of the Father's glory full of grace and truth, with those reflecting his image and character worthy of everlasting life. He is source of the light of life guiding the path and then reflected to others, and the greater the burdens and duties the greater the need for divine help and this guiding light.

He is source of all light and power from whom believers receive light, and those who have received light, if consecrated, can enlighten many, for sharing does not lessen but increases and brightens it, and as believers bestow grace they receive more and grow until light increases toward the perfect day. Those who walk in his light are charmed by its beauty, illuminated in heart, filled with desire to share, and made light-bearers, with purest devotion leading to unselfish effort for those outside the fold. He is source of life-giving light, and those who believe receive it to share through unselfish efforts to bring truth to others, carrying him into social relationships to brighten the way for those who do not know him with holy social influence leading to the Saviour.

Those who receive heavenly teaching reveal that light by sharing knowledge of God and Christ, for rightly knowing them is eternal life, and opening the heart brings light with a part given to all who serve, including teachers and those carrying truth to nearby towns and villages through humble work. Everyone who follows becomes a shining light revealing him in word and act and diffusing it everywhere, with God's people in every age to shine upon idolaters and those now with greater privileges and greater light to shine still more brightly. The follower does not remain crusted with selfishness, following inclination, stubbornly clinging to convictions, or following human devising instead of God's plans, but perceives truth, is blessed by its sacred influence, sees the verity of the Word and its infinite superiority to everything selfish and the foolishness of human plans, a sight given by God that converts to love God supremely and neighbor as self and qualifies to bear truth with authority as his representative.

Those who follow have light to reflect, and in school work reliable helpers carrying responsibility in fear of God let light and knowledge reflect under sanctification of the Spirit with angels presiding in educating under discipline to God. Followers receive light from the great Source and become lights to others, and those in whose hearts he dwells shine amid moral darkness without dimming through selfishness, wrongdoing, harsh words or anger, while people in error remain under delusion blinded to truth and not knowing where they go. Those connected with him reflect his light to shine amid moral darkness, showing through service and love the excellence of the Christ-life and becoming a blessing to those around. His faithful servants reflect the light that brings out of spiritual darkness into hope of salvation, so beholders may receive its healing and become light-bearers to others still in darkness, with partaking of his grace making believers a blessing to all.

The world lies in darkness with souls going to ruin and death, he sheds the light of his love upon followers for them to reflect upon others, and his truth shining on the world calls disciples to represent God's glory and help light others along the way. Keeping him continually in view brings his light into mind and soul as source of life, peace and assurance, steadying the soul on God and giving peace as anxieties are committed, with received light reflected to others and beholding changing heart and character into practical obedience. Following the light of life means receiving light and reflecting it with cheerful happy lives marked by work blessing others, and having the Light means receiving righteousness, sanctification and beauty of holiness to reveal especially in the home by avoiding harsh rasping words and inviting him and angels to abide, even singing psalms as he did at the carpenter's bench when surrounded by provocation until others joined under the Spirit's influence.

No one who has really accepted him is satisfied to enjoy favor and cheering joy without giving it, but illuminated hearts become light-bearers shining more and more to the perfect day in persevering unselfish effort for salvation of those outside. Followers can be lights only when they have attributes of God's children and rightly represent him, receiving light to let shine through good works to those in error's darkness, and he carries his work forward through appointed servants through all time. To be a light people must receive him, know him personally and have his mind, and then they can shine before others amid moral darkness, revealing his divine character by following in simplicity of the gospel. Followers reflect light by receiving grace and showing character through faithful unselfish service, words of comfort and wisdom, and lives shaped by the gospel, which helps others overcome and carries mercy to the world.

He gives followers to the world as representatives to reflect his character just as he represents the Father, through self-sacrificing service, pure unworldly benevolence, and lives opposed to selfishness and injustice, with transformed character becoming doers and not merely hearers. He lights the world through humble works of mercy shedding light on all people's pathway, in constant self-denial, benevolence and healing performed as quietly as possible without seeking gain or honor or calling others to behold virtue, in contrast with display, public prayer and trumpeted charity done for effect, though the world did not know him and counted his religion worthless because his lowly unassuming walk opposed display. His earthly work was to reflect the light of his righteousness to those in darkness and point them to the Father without turning from appointed work, and the light of truth also shines through Sabbathkeepers to temperance workers who do good though not having whole truth on every point.

The light of truth must pass through dark unworked places as a burning lamp, so districts from Newcastle, Maitland, Singleton and Toowoomba to Cooranbong and on to Sydney, now as dark as heathen lands, are lit and joined as links in a chain of light, answering spiritual darkness as God answered first darkness by commanding light to shine. His followers have the light of life which is the truth to be brought before people through every justifiable means with strong efforts to draw public attention, and following gives light to shine through gracious words in conscious and unconscious influence, sowing truth beside all waters without publicly dwelling on distinctive features. That light is the oil of grace seen in influence and made known through a life under grace, shining in direct positive testimony on agreed subjects without publicly pressing prominent points or being too definite, and used through every faculty this example draws souls to truth's standard with telling effect.

He who would work successfully must kindle his taper from his divine life and live as he lived for God's glory, and his workers carry that light wherever directed. He came as light to bring many souls to the Father so the Father is glorified in the Son, and those who have given themselves to him are given by him to the world and sent forth to be its light. His people do not shine by their own light but reflect what he gives, so those receiving truth into an honest heart become channels with clear understanding and joyful heart. The light proceeding from him must not be quenched or perverted by false theories, but guides away from sin and false ideas and enables an education acceptable to God, with life flowing from him bringing through parables in present and eternal bearing a conviction deeper than logic, divine knowledge qualifying for the higher grade, and pure education cutting away rubbish from schooling.

The light of truth shining from him brings comfort and blessing, and those receiving it are to carry it to others as a sacred responsibility faithfully used for God's glory, letting it shine through hopeful encouraging words and actions that help others. Hearts must be opened to him as Light of Life by seeking the Lord in prayer, and plain sensible intelligent preaching should show churches this need and lead members into humble work, for to every person God has given a work and to each worker a part in communicating light and truth. Enjoying this light requires effort to bring others to know truth, with the water of life within flowing outward bringing life as believers work out what God works within, and a life of effort and sacrifice for others' good brings enjoyment rather than complaints of its lack.

For the convicted and converted sinner following means leaving darkness for a life of service, receiving individuality and distinct work including carrying light and seeking souls, going forward in home field and regions beyond in dependence on God, beginning small but enlarging under God for the unselfish self-sacrificing laborer as Abraham was called to new territory among the heathen not living to please self but caring for every precious soul. He shines in darkness that does not comprehend him, drawing people to surrender to the Spirit's guidance, for he uses mercy and compassion never force to lead to truth and obedience. As Light shining divine light on people in error he is God's revelation whose words the Spirit brings back to minds, and the person seeking light by studying Scripture receives heavenly illumination as he is revealed through the word. That Word helps resist efforts to draw minds away and obscure his mercy, love and sufficiency, and as he becomes clear they see God's requirements as Christlike and understand redemption, his divinity, atonement and the Spirit's work.

He must be followed as the only safety for what lies ahead by not forsaking him, keeping commandments and bringing purity and truth into practice so God remains to bless, for outward opposition cannot dim such faith but neglect of purity grieves the Spirit and weakens, and internal corruption brings denunciation as upon Jerusalem, while those not making their own the sins that brought wrath upon the old world, Sodom and Gomorrah, and ancient Jerusalem will have God working with and for them. Following him as light is complete allegiance with no neutral position, with followers on the Lord's side as co-laborers doing works he would do, marching under Prince Immanuel without dishonoring God, proving traitors, or taking commands from the rebel captain, thereby becoming children of light and day not of night nor darkness, while refusal or half service puts a person on the enemy's side as ally of darkness bringing forth evil works.

Rejection, Reception and Life

Many failed to recognize him as truth and light because his humble, unpretending appearance did not match their expectation of an earthly, glorious Messiah, while his divine majesty and authority were shown in power to heal disease and raise the dead and in the rest and joy he brought to the weary and sorrowing.
The world did not know him, and the Jews counted his religion worthless and rejected him because his lowly walk and unassuming manners stood in direct contrast to display, public prayer and trumpeted charity done for effect, his lighting the world being constant self-denial, self-sacrifice, benevolence and healing performed as quietly as possible without seeking gain or honor or calling others to behold virtue.
His own life shows what following that light looks like, for he had grief yet did not show gloom, brought blessing wherever he went and gave joy and gladness, children loved to be with him and he took them in his arms, he worked earnestly and thoughtfully for others' good without frowning, his life shone with calm steady holy peace that quieted levity and made people feel life earnest and serious and charged with responsibility, and knowing his character brings cheerfulness.
He is the Light of life whom humble worshipers recognized because they had not studied prophecy in vain, while rulers and priests though having prophetic words were not walking in the Lord's way and could not see him, and the same blindness occurs when leaders overlook God's significant work and acknowledge him only as history, rejecting the living Christ who calls for self-sacrifice through his word, the poor and suffering, and righteous causes bringing poverty, toil and reproach.
Those who follow him as light see truth and walk in the Lord's way, while those who do not walk in that way fail to recognize him, for knowing prophecy alone is not enough since rulers knew prophecies yet did not have eyes open to behold him.
He is the true Light the people needed, while the light that led Israel through the wilderness was only a representation, and though he longed to save them from approaching doom the people and leaders rejected him, their departure from God's Word leaving them blind to truth and ready to attack it.
He is the Light of the world whom Jewish leaders rejected, for although they professed belief in sacrifices foreshadowing the Lamb of God they closed eyes to him whose teaching revealed him as the great Antitype of the Jewish system.
People must turn to him to discern true light, for Jewish ceremonies represented and typified him as foundation yet did not give leaders real understanding, and although his mission and coming had been foretold they failed to recognize or receive him and instead demanded a sign.
As light he came to bring heaven's truth whose beauty and brightness are light, but those he came to save rejected it, and his rejection arose from no fault or criminal act but he suffered insult and danger because he taught truth from heaven.
The Jewish rejection came from mistaken hope for a powerful earthly king who would overthrow enemies and establish a magnificent kingdom, and the earthly-minded rulers were unwilling to come to him to receive light.
He reveals the true God and Old Testament communications come from him, but human traditions can pervert Scripture and obscure that light as when Jewish leaders placed their own teachings above God's word.
He is source of all true light so coming gives light while refusing cuts off from all true light and leaves mind darkened with error, as illustrated by the Jewish people whose minds were filled with error and whose condition was pitiful because they would not do known right and would not come though he longed to shine into darkened minds.
Rejecting him as Light leaves people in darkness and surrounded by darkness, and the nation's rejection brought foretold doom with uncontrolled passions, rebellion, pride and blind rage leading to destroy one another and bringing Roman conquest, Jerusalem destroyed, temple laid in ruins and its site plowed, many perishing terribly and millions sold into slavery in heathen lands, the vineyard taken and abused privileges and neglected work entrusted to others.
As light shining amid moral darkness the Jewish rulers rejected and condemned him though in a moment he could have struck off fetters, submitting to injustice and fraud, and because they resisted righteousness they had served their day and the vineyard would be given to other husbandmen, for claiming the only true religion while turning from truth itself they crucified the One who is truth because he bore witness against evil works, while light shone though darkness comprehended it not.
As light his rejection leaves people in spiritual darkness as the Jewish people by rejecting him had souls surrounded by darkness, and unfaithfulness brought separation from God and foretold judgment, his generation being responsible for rejecting light while he was among them and refusing his call and offered life letting things belonging to peace become hidden.
He is Light of the world, King and Redeemer whom the Jewish people rejected when priests and rulers led them astray, and following means receiving and walking in light of truth by seeking that light in Scripture for oneself rather than rejecting through criticism or reliance on others' opinions, letting received light shine to others, since refusing can lead to calling truth error and error truth.
His works testified to his divine mission and character and marked him as such and bore divine credentials, but self-righteousness and prejudice kept people from believing heavenly authority or discerning true character so they turned from the true Shepherd's voice to listen to the enemy, and opposers sought grounds to condemn because they disliked teachings and were displeased people turned from former leaders to him.
As light and greatest witness for truth the world ever saw he spoke when necessary truth keen and cutting as a two-edged sword sent home to conscience so forcibly that priests and rulers could not bear words and planned again and again to put him to death, and when they sought to take life he departed to other places.
As light to come to and walk in he keeps followers from darkness, the light being God's truth shining to his people including justification by faith, and rejecting or opposing it leaves people in darkness though the message will go forward with power.
Accepting him brings light, peace and joy, while turning from him rejects truth, love and righteousness and closes heart to heavenly illumination leaving darkness and despair, and those with accumulated testimony of his followers have greater light than the Jews, so rejecting in face of that light is grave sin.
Rejecting him as light leaves people with darkened understanding following their own darkened understanding, while coming in humility putting away pride, vanity and selfishness and sincerely desiring and believing truth lets his light shine into minds and clear darkened understanding and reveal truth obscured by error and traditions, for his mission is to seek and save the lost.
He gives light of life to those who believe, and those who call his doctrine of unreserved consecration a hard saying and walk no more with him turn away from the One who would have been that light, a turning that will be seen today.
Receiving him as world's light by living faith brings light into the heart so people can remain cheerful and bring happiness even amid clouds and disagreeable circumstances, the soul receiving light through his abiding presence in the heart.
Opening the heart brings light, and welcoming him by living faith is a privilege, so resisting the Spirit and turning away is rejecting that light and truth.
His invitation is to follow out of darkness into life, where rejecting closes windows of the soul so light cannot shine into chambers of mind, a blindness gathering gradually like a funeral pall over generations until those resisting clear distinct light forge fetters of midnight darkness and light passes so they can no longer discern spiritual things nor be susceptible to the Spirit, while even the least religiously inclined who feel and respond receive him.
Turning away leaves walking in darkness while fixing eyes on his perfection leads to walk in heaven's light and grow in understanding through manifestation of divine glory, his light being what the adversary seeks to obscure, where unbelief darkens mind but beholding him and his character brings change into divine image.
The verse contrasts following with darkness shown in complaining that serving God is useless and the wicked prosper, which results from failing to understand duty to return to God the portion he specified as his own.
Complaining of darkness and unbelief misrepresents him as though he had deceived followers and can discourage others or lead them to doubt that truth and his service are satisfying.
Professed followers who are sad and mournful show they are not following him, fail to represent his character and sufficiency and perfection, lead others away and hinder rays of the Sun of Righteousness from reaching them, and believers gathering unbelief and gloom misrepresent the Saviour and cannot reflect light but become a body of darkness rather than bright shining light.
Those who do not stay close to him are marked by unbelief, while following means surrendering will and ways to God and living in keeping with requirements, and continuing in darkness is opposite of coming to him who alone can save, help and bless, turning to him and letting truth work leading out of darkness toward God.
He is light and life of the world, and a person's excellence is measured by possessing his virtues and choosing to follow rather than looking to sinful humans, for he is unerring pattern and failures of fellow believers are no reason to stumble or turn.
He came to save souls and diffuse light amid moral darkness with living voice still saying he is way, truth and life, shining amid sinful corrupt world as bright and morning star, and following means giving heart and resting in compassion and love with hopeful saving faith, lifting from fear, terror, discouragement and unrest into peace, rest, contentment, cheerfulness and joy, restoring body and soul.
He shines amid moral darkness to give representation and knowledge of God with new motives and obligations, and those receiving and honoring him as Saviour and Redeemer able to save to uttermost all who come gain restoration to favor and precious advantage, while those not receiving lose hope of restoration and that advantage.
As life and light shining amid moral darkness Satan seeks to overcome, those receiving and believing have power to become children of God, for believing he is personal Redeemer who redeemed through suffering and death brings joy and grace to overcome, to be confessed through well-ordered life and godly conduct.
The verse presents him as Light of life, so following turns from darkness toward life, and looking to the Saviour rather than dwelling on sinful imperfect self makes possible shaping into divine likeness and overcoming through grace.
The verse presents him as Light and Morning Star and Truth, so receiving light means standing under his banner and following example of keeping Father's commandments, and his light shines because he undertook to redeem humanity, give life for sinners and keep world from being left to the deceiver.
The verse presents him as Light of life whose words bring divine light enlightening understanding and healing souls, as when he taught by the Sea of Galilee this light dawned on many, and truths he spoke could change nature from darkness to light and pollution to purity and would reach farthest earth.
The verse presents him as Light and Leader, so advancing in footsteps makes path grow brighter and brighter, and keeping close fills every heart with divine love to God and one another.
The verse presents him as Light whose rays shine to every soul to give light of life, while the adversary casts hellish shadow athwart every pathway to eclipse every ray presenting evil falsely under semblance of angel of light to draw feet especially of youth under black banner into darkness, so he who believes as personal Saviour defeats darkness as faith penetrates within the veil to walk in beams of Sun of Righteousness, and followers must shine shedding light at every step with cheerful words, fortitude, courage, stability and talents honoring Creator rather than interposing defective cold forbidding selves, so youth are won to safe paths toward glorious inheritance with saints in light.
The verse presents him as Light of life who is inexhaustible source of energy for the true Christian, so one making God first and last and best and uplifting Christ with steady persevering ever-increasing force receives strength no ambitious motive can chill.
The verse presents his light as what enemies united to put out by rejecting and crucifying though no crime was proved, and as light and source of truth and life those looking to him and receiving strength and grace can live in purity and holiness, while those failing to exalt him become false guides where pleasing manner increases harm.
Just as the prince of darkness marked him, he also marked those who followed the Bible rather than human tradition, the light of truth bringing them into conflict with religious powers opposed to it.
Satan interposes hellish shadow between him as great Teacher in the world as light to save souls and those he came to save, working through men with oracles who break law themselves and teach investigators to do same, and religious teachers making void God's law by human tradition deceive people and obscure that light as leaders did in his day.
He is world's light, life and truth, the enemy's influence like dark shadow seeking to keep blessed presence from path requiring God's help and Spirit to overcome, and when Light passes by hardships reveal opportunities for service, confusion gives way to order and right order, and apparent failure reveals God's wisdom and success.
His presence as Light changes how hardship is seen, so where misery and failure might discourage his light reveals opportunities to serve, order in confusion and wisdom and success, calamities seen as disguised blessings and woes as mercies and needs of poor and suffering as places for mercy and useful work.
Following him the light is no cause for shame, those who follow having hope and attraction unbelievers do not understand because understanding is blinded and not in living touch, and people are called to keep following moving beyond merely ceasing evil to learn and do good.
Those who follow are delivered from darkness and have light of life, where not walking in darkness is deliverance from discouragement and bondage and light is pictured as streams from the Father with God's presence filling the room, faith breaking selfishness and self-idolatry while rejecting leaves without life-giving truth.
Those who follow do not remain in discouragement and bondage but receive light of life, as Spirit's light and presence breaks through darkness and living active faith penetrates clouds to let radiance and glory shine through.
Walking with him is not walking in shadow or darkness, for he is light of life, and those trusting and gladly doing bidding are happiest with unrest and discontent banished, even in trials full of joy because he walks beside and presence makes pathway bright, while self-imposed burdens must be dropped because thinking and talking of them makes them grow until destroying faith and courage.
Following means walking in light of life rather than darkness, where his presence makes pathway bright banishing unrest and discontent, so even amid trials those trusting and gladly obeying can live with joy.
He himself is believer's life and light and crown of rejoicing, so having him means leaning whole weight with trust he will bear up, clinging closely as Life-giver no power can shake loose, receiving through striving Spirit fresh constantly growing daily experience in knowledge of God and Christ, and showing firm faith and genuine love before children while fortifying by wise instruction and steady advancement.
Having him as light is cause for thankfulness, and looking to him and believing brings comfort, joy and peace even amid trying experience with eyesight, for though not visibly walking as on earth he is still present working, bringing mercy to receivers and giving Living Spirit to every hungry heart humbly earnestly seeking.
As light he shines into morally darkened heaven now to save souls oppressed with guilt and ready to despair, having so loved as to give life, merciful and gracious ready to pardon every sin and heal backsliding without merit, and light shines on followers so they absorb divine rays and let light shine in good works pointing tempest-tossed souls to him to escape hidden rocks and lying temptations, leading many to glorify the Father longsuffering and not willing any perish but all come to repentance.
As light giving life and shining into sin-darkened heart when received as personal Saviour, he gives light to those who come shining into moral darkness to save souls, and believers are to grasp rays, absorb divine light and diffuse in love through earnest skillful soul-winning, pointing guilt-oppressed despairing souls to him who gave life, letting light shine in good works so others escape and glorify the Father.
He alone can give light to the heart, when he shines within believers reflect it and make brightness about them, he desires followers to increase in faith, confidence and knowledge and will not disappoint expectation, and light is received by praying and in faith taking hold of strength.
He the great Teacher will not leave followers to walk in darkness, and he is also propitiation for sins of believers, Christians receiving instructions and example and needing living connection with God and saving grace.
He is light of the world and light, life and joy of his people and source of joy and deliverance, and heaven itself is all light, peace and joy.
This light is expressed in command to love one another, so followers show his light through love for brethren while hatred leaves in darkness.
Following closely means following example closely and cultivating peace, hope and joy manifested in unfeigned cheerfulness and habitual serenity, shedding light by good works leading men to glorify the Father instead of casting dark shadow of discouragement and gloom, which comes not from obedience to moral law but from disregard of physical laws and diseased bodies and minds beclouding moral faculties.
As light of the world with heaven full of light, following means talking of light and speaking hopeful strong comforting words instead of discouraging by talking of defects, looking away from imperfections and by practical godliness showing better way.
Drawing near as light enables reflecting glory in words and actions, applied as call to stop faultfinding and complaining and live reflecting his light.
Those representing him show light not in gloomy appearances, talkative piety or claims to know truth but in well-ordered life marked by Spirit's meekness, kindness, compassion, love and humility, not dictatorial or eager to condemn but learning from him and treating others with gentle courtesy.
A minister who walks with him is connected to that light as source of spiritual light and displays it through righteous life, daily piety, concern for sinners and truth in words and character, a living witness difficult to resist strengthening work toward victory.
As light and righteousness those he accepts as lightbearers in ministry receive light to bear to dispel darkness, and he that follows walks in light as he is in light and becomes lightbearer, while as source of light and power ministers must be attached to him not following another's shadow or letting leaders do thinking.
A teacher must first come under his control, for with divine enlightenment the teacher can work as he did and let light shine on path of those not repented and impenitent transgressors and help lead them toward him.
As Light and Divine Instructor following means not walking in darkness and having light of life, teachers of Scripture themselves knowing him as personal Saviour and learning from him, while he shines through minds of representatives and brings light of life.
He is light and life from whom educator's power comes by heart connection, shaping educator in humility, pity and love and enabling seeking others' good rather than blaming or magnifying importance.
The light of life is needed in Sabbath-school work, and those teaching young must learn truth at his feet and abide in him as spiritual knowledge enabling teaching others.
As light and great teacher sent into the world he is one to whom education must direct students, leading to believe in him as likeness of God in whom Father is seen, Scriptures' rays pointing to him and knowing him essential to eternal life.
All scientific conjecture apart from him is false science bearing no likeness to God, chaff to wheat, lessons not to be learned from worldly-wise and soothsayers stumbling over divine mercy but only under divine guidance in oneness with him few understand, and even great deep knowledge is of no value unless born again receiving new ideas, understanding God in all true science, divested of self teachable as child and feeding on him as bread of life one with him in God.
Human knowledge, reason and talents are gifts from God but cannot place anyone above him as source of wisdom and light, and pride in them leads to rejecting him and guidance, for he is source from which reason flows and light men must follow to use powers rightly with none independent, giving talents to be improved while learning wise use, while placing human ideas first supposing reason climbs higher than source leads to false conjectures, delusions and darkness, and reason not used to his glory can be taken away, human wisdom not to replace his in character building.
As world's light and source of wisdom he cannot be outshone by human knowledge and influence as stars cannot outshine sun, so people should not prize talents while despising Giver who can make gifts continually increase.
As Light his converting power must shine into confused minds, correcting pride making people think they are gods and teaching them to leave God to deal with workmen.
He draws from false to true, so following and learning guards against error and is only safety against false education, requiring cherishing Bible principles, keeping world subordinate and working to convert world rather than be converted, in contrast to human teaching turning from God leaving dependence on weak human power where appearance replaces reality.
Beholding him brings heart, mind and character into conformity to God's will, and his divine glory and beauty revealed through truth as it is in him exposes ugliness of worldliness to those blinded and gives power to be transformed, put away sin and live for him.
He is light of life to be pressed onward toward for victory, and he is way, truth and light whom careless unbelievers need to turn about to behold.
He is light for the world and Way, Truth and Life, seeing eternal interests hang on each choice, and following means gaining science of salvation, true godliness and true higher education enduring into courts above through eternal ages revealed from eternity expressing mind of God found only in Word with deliverance granted to all, so overcomers receive immortal crown and eternal life while neglecters face unhappiness, eternal ruin and certain loss.
The light of his righteousness is to shine steadily in the home guiding parents in training children to belong to the Lord and leading whole family to devote talents to service, and family government, customs, practices and order shaped by obedience give world evidence of what truth can do.
His followers are to shape lives after him, and he gives help to form strong beautiful characters reflecting light displaying God's truth and revealing value of soul through the cross, and light of truth is to shine into homes and lead out of error.
He who follows has light of life to carry in every place, as Enoch walked with unseen God with Companion in busiest places, the light to be carried especially where God least thought of, in temptation and confusion and rush of business, by keeping God ever before mind, taking him along, cherishing Thus saith the Lord and keeping unbroken faith, communion and trust, drawing into secret pavilion with presence as safeguard and quiet rest maintaining integrity, while leaving God out and breaking communion leaves soul to itself in positive danger and integrity not maintained.
Those receiving him as personal Saviour carry lamp of life including in busy difficult settings such as marketplace, and following means setting Lord ever before and carrying lamp wherever they go with purest Christlike influences controlling life through purified heart by obeying truth and reformation, keeping scientific knowledge from Satanic use to lead astray, shame God, sacrifice principle or bring worldly methods into God's work.
As light his followers receive instruction, and through living connection with God and saving grace lives and characters are purified through truth and gain saving influence keeping world from moral corruption and leading toward reformation, those seeking wisdom in him shining amid sinful darkness since connection enables witness without which they cannot be channels.
As light he lived prayer, self-denial, self-sacrifice and doing good, and followers are to follow example and continue work, close connection equipping to warn world and lead from deceptive errors to truth involving a cross.
As Life and Light connection is joined to obedience and service in which followers serve fellows doing good temporal and spiritual, leading others to him being blessing, and followers revealing him through words and actions.
As Light he uplifts and regenerates whole soul by entering moral darkness and misery himself, making home thirty years unhonored unknown among wicked despised Nazareth to set feet on paths poor neglected souls must tread, pouring contempt on pride of place, station, honor and fame, refusing home in renown so followers in lowly places have no excuse for sin or rough discourteous character, proving any hard lowly post honorable by fidelity.
He came as God's representative, Light of the world, to dispel with clear bright rays moral darkness by living out holy law misrepresented and buried beneath human tradition and commandments, giving no heed to opposed traditions and removing mass of rubbish men covered law with.
His divine light enlightens Jewish economy and reveals gospel veiled within, uncovering Old Testament truth separating from superstition, error and human inventions and traditions wrongly taking God's authority, unlocking treasure house exploring hidden things and presenting old truths in new settings, educating minds accepting men's sayings as God's commandments to look to God as Author of all truth instead of putting human devisings where Thus saith the Lord should be.
As Light he sends divine rays illuminating entire Jewish economy revealing whole system as gospel veiled and teachings as old truths in new settings, showing how far minds are from grasping, humbling dignity and pride calling men to work mines of truth, leaving those who will not consider like the Jews, and educating minds to look to God himself author of all truth.
The Jewish sacrifices symbolized him whose blood would be shed for salvation, repeated offerings teaching atonement and remission require shedding of blood and Son of God would be offered for sin, while through him flow forgiveness and love cleansing darkest stain and bringing peace to greatest sinner.
He is light given through Father's sacrifice of only Son so fallen men and women might hear salvation and live, and refusing turns from truth, rejects mercy and sign and accepts deceptions to transgress law especially exalting spurious rest day leading others to honor false Sabbath, and as leaders inspired by Satan killed him for condemning practices, in judgment refusers will see sacrifice, see Satan's course, comprehend virtue of God's sign and understand they might have been saved had they accepted mercy.
His light shines clearly so none need walk in darkness, in this making plain slavery is unjust and contrary to God's Word and those embracing present truth must be freed from sentiments supporting slavery.
This light of clear sharp discernment and knowledge of truth including last-day truth was to come to women workers in temperance lines to prepare to carry temperance principles in connection with present truth to hearts softened by Spirit searching for truth, flashing all possible light rather than entering political questions and debates and theories they need not touch, learning of him not of them and keeping principles clear distinct in purity, while becoming politicians against God or walking in opposition to holy law in footsteps of apostate loses light and discernment.
He calls each to follow by refusing political speeches in or out of pulpit and refusing to meddle with side issues, keeping mind fixed on Jesus Christ and him crucified, preaching word, making third angel's message burden of warning and saving souls for whom he gave precious life the personal engrossing work of all feeding flock.
As Sun of Righteousness he is to become to all people light of world and center of authority and government to ends of earth, which God brings about in preparing people for second coming by teaching great special truths for time with promulgation of health principles as part of work.
As world's light and Sun of Righteousness following means walking in light of life rather than darkness, while those rejecting God's will and following own course turn from it to follow another leader walking in darkness without knowing where going even while imagining path safe.
As light his life and work bring light to humanity, he desires his work to become light of world, and he himself came to be that light by making gospel of salvation known to all classes, that light to reach poor unfortunate degraded outcasts needing help and higher classes, some workers fitted for each without lessening influence by association largely with rescue work.
He is Light and Life and only source dispelling moral darkness worth more than pomposity, self-righteousness and boasted intellect, even prior intellectual light coming from him though not understood, and light shining from receivers is not self-originated but kindled by him like fire for service, he himself being light, life, holiness and sanctification, his light to be received and imparted in all good works working as salt preserving good and destroying evil.
He is Light of life, Son of God and Son of man stooping to take human nature to reach fallen race and lift up, beneath humanity revealing divine character, grace, power and excellence far above honored rabbis, identifying with human joys and griefs and teaching with simplicity, dignity and power, to follow being drawn from false guardians to listen gladly, but minds darkened with benumbed faculties failed to discern divinity and priests hated very grace drawing multitudes, through their influence nation rejecting Redeemer and blocking desired work.
As Light amid moral darkness he came bringing principles of heaven meant to be received in words, though those to whom he came failed to understand and accept merciful gift, and knowledge of God's Word makes holy.
As Light he is revealed through searching Scripture in both Testaments, whose words when Spirit impresses reveal deeper light and meaning, turning mind to him and showing need for Christlike character and redemption through divinity, atonement and provision of Spirit.
Workmen need divine guidance every hour looking to him continually asking if way is Lord's way, daily recognizing personal part and acting intelligently, content to give instruction he gave instead of getting up something new singular odd strange to create sensation, working unselfishly earnestly devotedly with eye single to glory leaving none excusable for ignorance, for following gives clear easy instruction and living light to know appointed work and stand in lot as God's agency rather than grope depending on human guidance.
He is source of all spiritual illumination and perfection giving what followers need for work, and followers are to reflect holiness, unselfishness, faithfulness, intelligence and purity in work and business with no dark corners of dishonest deeds, for injustice is deeply displeasing.
A president must walk in light of life, otherwise making repeated mistakes including honoring and relying on men not walking with God and rejecting spiritual counsel.
As source of light he brings followers out of darkness to receive light reflected at Calvary where ransom reveals love, so receivers are to work with him, love those for whom he died and build kingdom rather than follow world's customs.
Those following as light receive clearer light as they advance in obedience step by step, bringing healthy balanced experience and guiding to live by teachings including honesty in business and responsible use of entrusted things, proving those following on to know Lord find going forth prepared as morning.
As world's light present to help and guide none need remain in ignorance or make grave errors when ready to help, his light giving hope and courage and calling wrongdoers to stop dishonoring God and turn for help to do right.
As light he is connected with Angel of covenant ascending from east, Dayspring from on high and One having life in himself, commanding angels to hold back harm until servants sealed.
The prodigal's restoration pictured in Father's best robe illustrates change from ruin to restored life, he is Father's glory inviting everyone to follow, and followers will not remain in darkness into which Satan would cast soul but have light of life.
His light calls for deep thought about God's requirements, respect for every principle in Word and complete undivided devotion shown by keeping words out of love and reverence rather than for reward, his claim not excessive for teaching gives light and deals with each heart.
The verse shows fullness in him joined with other great titles to promise life more abundantly, that life to be possessed and possessed more abundantly, God breathing into every soul dying to self and living to him, entire self-renunciation required for without it evil destroying happiness is carried along but when self crucified he lives within and Spirit attends efforts.
The fullness of claim as light is linked with being bread of life, way, truth, life and good shepherd, giving abundant life God breathes into those dying to self and living to him requiring complete self-renunciation.
As light, way and truth his life-giving power to save must dwell in heart through believing he means to save, none letting light shine unless within, putting on him and taking as loving Helper joining human righteousness to power so sinning unnecessary because no sin in him, righteousness and salvation wholly by merits with God working within to will and do without weaving self-importance or own merits.
Holiness comes from God through him not by inheritance or from another, as Light, Truth and Life leading in straight paths, light of truth meant to sanctify, receiving him as personal Saviour bringing to light and eternal life while refusing leaves without either, his light shining into hearts giving knowledge reflected in lives.
As Light of righteousness he is what people need for rest, peace and quietness of mind found in him not wealth or outward luxury, shining amid moral darkness of sinful world, all giving hearts finding peace, rest and joy.
He is light for those in darkness, and pressing toward brings joy and consolation, even after temptation overcame and hope and strength seem gone remaining welcome light, refuge and stronghold calling sinner to keep going rejoicing probation not yet ended.
The verse presents him as Light of Life, so when darkness is cast across path looking beyond to brightness brings assurance because he is Advocate, his words bringing divine light.
As light of life and Saviour his presence gives hope and comfort in suffering and lonely wakeful hours, Spirit's enlightenment essential to see glory, beholding through faith changing character, turning from shortcomings to atonement and bringing joy in assurance of righteousness, grace and pardon.
As light of life looking to him by faith brings hope and comfort, Spirit's enlightenment enabling seeing glory, as they behold being changed through faith.
The Light shines with rich blessings providing temporal and spiritual needs, people to respond with praise and thanksgiving but often failing to honor Giver.
He is presented as light to follow, with light shining and following it the way forward, following leading from darkness into light rather than walking in darkness.
The light of truth is allowed to shine so people can know duty and each must choose to follow light instead of darkness, following him meaning not following world and world-followers not his, people not loving truth because it cuts across pathway.
As light and Source of all light, righteousness, peace and grace everyone must go directly to have lamp lit with understanding, he that follows by wearing yoke of obedience and restraint not left to walk in darkness in sparks of own kindling devising for self and led into complaint and sadness, those feeling weakness and hunger coming sincerely never seeking in vain but as bitten looking to lifted serpent were healed all looking receive light and help, while no human helper has anything except from same Source.
As light his light of truth reveals duty requiring choice between following and walking in darkness, so following world is not following him, people may reject because conflicts with chosen way, and those walking in darkness refuse and hate light.
He is true light shining for his people, so when they appreciate given light they will no longer walk in darkness, to follow as light being to walk in his light.
As light guiding followers, keeping in channel of light means keeping eyes fixed on him while working patiently perseveringly to warn others before day of the Lord.
Following means walking in light of life rather than darkness, for he is light guiding young people who follow.
He constantly invites to look and follow including in business enterprises done for God, meaning trusting implicitly recognizing sacredness of work and power to carry forward keeping from losing ground in darkness and doubt, none looking without being strengthened and uplifted, beholding changing into same image cherishing same Spirit reflecting divine image, sullenness gone, experience clear as sunlight, consciousness of love filling with joy moving to grateful service asking what to render for infinite love.
To look to him is to receive light and knowledge, and to look away is to turn to teachers knowing not God, doctrines and maxims of men and infidel authors, those influences lessening faith, denying him, making void law and bringing deleterious spirit upon dependent students.
John accepted obscurity and silence welcoming rising prominence so eyes would be directed away from himself to him the light of life, people turning attention toward him.
Coming as man he shed flood of light as Sun of Righteousness awaited by many in death's shadow, many ready to receive gladly and follow rather than remain in darkness, but priests and rulers failed to be true and give true interpretation, by long misapplication through maxims and traditions misleading with falsehood and keeping from light.
As light he shines truth into darkness of sin and superstition exposing error by contrast and unfolding truth, prejudice and unbelief closing hearts of rulers and keeping many from receiving, while others were prepared and he continued work he came to do and prepared others.
As light he continually shines fresh beams of truth, those prayerfully receiving brought into harmony with truth God sends, opposition not making truth less true, but refusing making it darkness to resister, he being source of life's light.
As light he must be seen by spiritual sight, bringing light to those in spiritual darkness, Spirit giving sight to recognize him, he to be uplifted so light of truth can reach them.
His Spirit is distinct from spirit of darkness, those refusing to see and hear remaining in darkness while his presence and message bring light.
He is light whose followers reflect amid moral darkness, world lying in darkness waiting for him as light of life, he giving life for dark world in plan to redeem fallen race, so because world needs light believers must be very careful in conduct.
As Light of life given for world lying in darkness and waiting, carefulness required, and in plan he came subject to same temptations more severe than any will face, so as High Priest knowing how to succor and sympathize with tempted calling for help, not leaving children but sending angels to minister and answering prayers for deliverance.
He is light and light of life freely offered to every person as great remedy for sin guiding all who follow so not walking in darkness, followers having no light of themselves but heaven's light falling and they must reflect to those groping in error and superstition, none excusing rebellion by circumstances, education or temperament for remaining in sin is deliberate choice and opposers do so because loving indulgence condemned and hating light reproving evil.
As light he illuminates all accepting, to be illuminated being to accept, lay hold of eternal interests, recognize God, leave hopeless life and gain ability to speak simply tenderly of love and willingness to save even at last hour exerting noble influence, while refusing is rejecting eternal interests living hopeless life God not recognized far worse than disease.
He is light illuminating accepters ending hopeless life without God and giving hold on eternal interests, refusal remaining in darkness worse than disease, and illuminated can stand by sick and suffering pointing to him as sin-pardoning Saviour healing every physical and spiritual malady, speaking simply of love even at last hour bringing blessing and peace to sin-tortured soul.
Following means treading in footsteps, those following in faith receiving light of life and needing not remain in spiritual darkness or unbelief, for he does not abandon trusters to fall under temptations but promises to shine light of countenance upon them.
His followers receive light of life and do not walk in darkness, and as source of wisdom called Sun of Righteousness, peace and lasting assurance, servants are to study word and keep looking to be changed into image rather than rely on human wisdom.
Those following receive light of life and are no longer in darkness, and light shines through opening of Scripture to those in spiritual darkness.
Those following receive light of life, and influence should exalt him, otherwise even attractive conduct can mislead away from him who is Truth, Life and Light.
To follow as light means conversion changing whole tenor under conviction of Word including acceptance of unpopular truth, those born into kingdom adopted into household of faith and following on receiving enlightenment from Sun, only safety in footsteps, while failure leaves family in constant peril remaining in disobedience under banner of prince of darkness uniting powers with enemy instead of gathering with him.
He is world's light, and those born into kingdom adopted into household of faith, conversion changing whole tenor turning from darkness toward him, lives and powers not to be joined with enemy.
He brings light of life to those in spiritual darkness, Spirit giving sight to recognize him, coming to bring light and spiritual sight with works attesting mission, presence and teaching revealing God more fully and testing character bringing judgment as people respond, so those recognizing need and coming receive help and sight while those claiming to see yet rejecting remain in guilty blindness.
He guides and protects soul from darkness into which Satan would cast it, following bringing freedom of heavenly light with renewed energies room to serve God.
Their path is to be bright because connected with him following consistent example, by beholding becoming light and gaining enduring peace, comfort and hope giving character depth and stability, following also meaning active service including seeking to win souls and taking direction rather than turning to distracting concerns with saving souls central, for he leads and brings light amid moral darkness.
Rejecting God's will and process through which he works keeps from seeing light, willful doubt and repeated questioning without willingness to receive amounting to rejecting given light, God not forcing belief by miracle when rejected, faith taking first step with given light and following leading to see where working.
Coming to light reveals danger and sin, strikes death-blow to self-satisfaction and shows importance of holy life and need of him as Saviour, Satan working through agents to turn away by leading to point with satisfaction to faults of professed Christians, spread evil reports and sympathize with expelled as uncharitably treated, but one following does truth and comes so deeds manifest as wrought in God, giving daily testimony against sin by godly life, one he is not ashamed to call brother, showing zeal leading to eternal life, doing known duty heartily fearlessly without excuses or fear of trial, hardship, reproach or friends, keeping following regardless of consequences, having God of truth never forsaking, finding all apparent losses infinite gain.
As Light of life those careless and indifferent to warnings become separated from divine Teacher, fail to discern Light and lose knowledge of way of righteousness, so abiding is necessary to receive nourishment.