Walking in the Light

How important is it that we walk in the light when it comes to us?

“Then Jesus said unto them, “You are going to have the light just for a while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going.” John 12:35. 

Note – It is important to settle a plain question of duty at once, and not delay obedience under the excuse of waiting for more light. To do as did Balaam – ask God again concerning that which he plainly and expressly spoke – is dangerous. Nor should we, like the unbelieving Jews, seek a sign from Heaven to convince us that we ought to obey the Written Word. Has God spoken? Is it His word? Then obey. Do not insult Heaven with the question whether it is right to obey. (See 1 Kings 22:1-36; Ezekiel 14:1-5.)

Upon what condition are we promised cleansing from sin?

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, His Son, purifies us from all sin.” 1 John 1:7.

Sources of Light

Who is the light of the world?

“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12.  

How are we to walk in Christ?

“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him.”

 Colossians 2:6.

What has God given to guide our feet aright in the path of truth and duty?

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105.

 (See Proverbs 6:23.)

What does the entrance of God’s Word give?

“The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.”

Psalm 119:130. 

What does Christ say will be blessed through the prophecies of the Book of Revelation?

“Blessed is the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.” Revelation 1:3.

Note – We are in the last days, in the generation that is to hear the final warning message contained in this book. (See Revelation 14:6-10; 18:1-5.)

More Light for the Righteous

How long may the just expect increased light to shine upon their pathway?

“The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter till the full light of day.” Proverbs 4:18.   

Note – The more earnestly one desires to know the will of God, while living up to all the light he has, the more light and truth from God will shine upon his pathway. If light is sown for the righteous, such are the very ones who may expect advanced light to come to them and to see new duties presented to them from a study of the Word of God.

How did God respond to Cornelius’ sincerity of worship?

“One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, “Cornelius!” Cornelius stared at him in fear, “What is it Lord?” he asked. The angel answered, “your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.” Acts 10:3,4.

Because God acknowledged Cornelius’ worship, was this evidence that he had nothing more to learn or do?

“Now send men to Joppa to bring back a man named Simon who is called Peter. He is staying with Simon the tanner, whose house is by the sea.” Verses 5,6. [He told the men what they had to do and bring Simon Peter back to bring more light to Cornelius and his entire house]

Note – The reason the Lord favored Cornelius with a visit from one of His angels was not that Cornelius knew the way to salvation perfectly, but that the Lord saw in him a sincere desire for more light and a willing mind to comply with every known requirement. That spirit was pleasing to the Lord. All may receive advanced light if, like Cornelius, they seek it and are willing to walk in it when it comes to them. If it is neglected, they are guilty before God and will be left to the buffetings of the enemy. 

Results of Our Choice

What will become of the light that one has if he fails to walk in it?

“Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eyes are good, your whole body is full of light. But when they are bad, your body is also full of darkness. See to it, then, that the light within you is not darkness.” Luke 11: 34, 35.  

Why did the sin of those who rejected Christ remain?

“Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” John 9:41.

Note – With advanced light comes increased responsibility. Duty is always in proportion to one’s light and privileges. Present truth always brings with it present duty

Why are those condemned who do not come to the light?

“This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” John 3:19.

If one is really seeking the truth, what will he do?

“But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what he has done has been done through God.” Verse 21.  

What will those who reject light and truth finally are led to believe?

“For this reason God sends them a powerful delusion so that they will believe the lie and so all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.” 2 Thessalonians 2: 11, 12. 

Note – The opposite of light is darkness; the opposite of the truth is a lie. For those who reject the light and truth, only darkness and error remain. God is sometimes in the Scriptures represented as sending that which He permits to come.

Upon what condition only may we be made partakers of Christ?

“We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first.” Hebrews 3:14.  

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