How can we live as "children of light" in anticipation of Revelation 22:5? The Coming Eternal Day “And there will be no more night, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them. And they will reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 22:5) God’s promise of an endless, radiant day beckons us to live right now as people already bathed in that light. Here’s how Scripture shows us to do it. Our Identity: Children of Light • Ephesians 5:8 – 9: “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light— for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.” • 1 Thessalonians 5:5: “For you are all sons of the light and sons of the day; we do not belong to the night or to the darkness.” Key takeaways: – Light is not merely something we have; in Christ it is what we are. – Since darkness no longer defines us, living like it does feels foreign and false. Daily Walking in the Light 1. Stay awake and alert • 1 Thessalonians 5:6: “So then let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober.” – Guard your thought life; refuse spiritual drowsiness. – Discern cultural messages that dim affection for Christ. 2. Clothe yourself with Christ • Romans 13:12, 14: “Let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light… put on the Lord Jesus Christ.” – Begin the day conscious that your true wardrobe is His righteousness. – When temptation comes, respond, “That doesn’t match what I’m wearing.” 3. Display the fruit of the light • Ephesians 5:9 highlights goodness, righteousness, truth. – Goodness: practical kindness in action. – Righteousness: choices that align with God’s standards. – Truth: honesty that refuses any shade of deception. 4. Keep short accounts with sin • 1 John 1:7: “If we walk in the light as He is in the light… the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.” – Confess quickly; don’t let guilt linger in the shadows. – Celebrate cleansing, then move forward brightly. 5. Shine outwardly • Matthew 5:14–16: “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Visibility matters; private faith becomes public witness through acts of mercy, integrity at work, and open words about Jesus. – The goal: others glimpse the coming eternal day through you. Practices That Keep the Lamp Trimmed • Regular Scripture intake—Psalm 119:105 calls God’s Word “a lamp to my feet.” • Persistent prayer—keeps your heart facing the brightness of God’s presence. • Fellowship with believers—Hebrews 10:24–25; light grows stronger when lamps cluster. • Sabbath rhythms—rest reminds us the final rest is certain and near. • Generous giving—like reflecting sunlight onto others’ needs, proving money is not your light source. Anticipating the Final Dawn Philippians 2:15–16 urges us to “shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain.” Every faithful step now rehearses forever’s reign. The lamp of our obedience today anticipates the moment when lamps and suns are obsolete, because the Lord Himself will be our everlasting light. Until that glorious sunrise never sets, keep walking wide-awake, clothed in Christ, bearing bright fruit. Night is on its last watch; daylight is about to break without end. |
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