Topical Bible: Light: Separated from Darkness

◄ Light: Separated from Darkness ►

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Introduction

The concept of light being separated from darkness is a foundational theme in the Bible, symbolizing the distinction between good and evil, order and chaos, and divine revelation and ignorance. This theme is introduced in the opening verses of the Bible and recurs throughout Scripture, serving as a metaphor for God's holiness, truth, and guidance.

Creation and the Separation of Light from Darkness

The narrative of creation in Genesis begins with the separation of light from darkness, establishing a fundamental order in the universe. Genesis 1:3-4 states, "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and He separated the light from the darkness." This act of separation is not merely a physical phenomenon but also a spiritual and moral one, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Symbolism of Light and Darkness

Throughout the Bible, light is consistently associated with God's presence, purity, and truth. In contrast, darkness often symbolizes sin, ignorance, and evil. The Psalms frequently use this imagery, as seen in Psalm 27:1 : "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" Here, light represents God's protection and deliverance.

Light in the Life and Teachings of Jesus

The New Testament further develops the theme of light, particularly in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In John 8:12 , Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life." This statement underscores Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God's truth and the source of spiritual illumination for humanity.

The Role of Believers as Light

Believers are called to reflect God's light in a world often characterized by darkness. In Matthew 5:14-16 , Jesus instructs His followers, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." This passage emphasizes the responsibility of Christians to live in a way that visibly demonstrates God's truth and love.

Eschatological Fulfillment

The ultimate separation of light from darkness is anticipated in the eschatological visions of the Bible. Revelation 21:23-25 describes the New Jerusalem, where "the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, because the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. By its light the nations will walk, and into it the kings of the earth will bring their glory. Its gates will never be shut at the end of the day, because there will be no night there." This imagery portrays the complete and eternal triumph of God's light over darkness, fulfilling the hope of all creation.

Conclusion

The theme of light separated from darkness is a profound biblical motif that encapsulates the essence of God's creative power, moral order, and redemptive purpose. It invites believers to live in the light of God's truth and to anticipate the ultimate victory of light over darkness in the fulfillment of God's kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 1:4
And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Words which Follow the Separation of Light and Darkness ...
... added, "And God saw the light that it was good." No such expression followed the
statement that He separated the light from the darkness, and called the light ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 20 of the words which.htm

Petilianus Said: "But There is no Fellowship of Darkness with ...
... gentle temper appropriate the term of light, where shall ... Circumcelliones be esteemed
to be, excepting in the darkness? ... in fact, that you are separated from the ...
/.../chapter 39 92 petilianus.htm

The Docet??.
... of darkness and the simplicity of light, proceeded to create heaven; and after having
rendered firm what intervened, He separated the darkness from the light. ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xii the docetae.htm

Whether the Damned are in Material Darkness?
... ix): If this fire gave any light, "he would by no ... brightness of the fire will be
separated from its ... damned." Therefore the damned will be in material darkness. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the damned are in.htm

Of the Two Different and Dissimilar Communities of Angels, which ...
... and delivered them into chains of darkness to be ... either in foreknowledge or in act,
separated between these ... that the rest are justly called "light?" For even ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 33 of the two different.htm

This is He who Took a Bodily Form in the virgin
... was the first-born of God, who was begotten before the sun, who made the light to
shine forth, who lighted up the day, who separated the darkness, who fixed ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/v this is he who.htm

The Holy Jesus Said, "I am the Light of the World...
... I am the light of the world, he that followeth me, walketh not in darkness." Here
spiritual light and darkness are as immutably fixed, and separated from one ...
/.../address 144 0 0 the holy jesus.htm

Whether the Demons' Intellect is Darkened by Privation of the ...
... but "nocturnal" knowledge. Accordingly we read in Gn.1:5 that the darkness,
which God separated from the light, "He called night.". ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the demons intellect is.htm

Then, Again Discussing the True Light and Unapproachable Light of ...
... one thing, and the Light of the Son as another, separated one from ... Ungenerate Light,
the one will be found to be [1065] light, the other darkness." Let him ...
/.../gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/section 5 then again discussing.htm

The First Three Properties of Nature were Never to have Been Seen ...
... find and work with that center and root of darkness, on which ... nature, hence came
forth a dark, wrathful substantiality, separated from the light and glory ...
/.../law/the way to divine knowledge/way-3-32 the first three properties.htm