The concept of "The Call of God is from Darkness" is a profound theme found throughout the Scriptures, illustrating God's sovereign ability to bring light and purpose out of obscurity and chaos. This theme is woven into the narrative of the Bible, demonstrating God's redemptive power and His desire to draw individuals and nations out of spiritual darkness into His marvelous light.

Biblical Foundation

The theme begins in the opening verses of Genesis, where God speaks light into existence amidst the darkness: "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). This act of creation sets a precedent for God's ability to transform darkness into light, both physically and spiritually.

Old Testament Examples

Throughout the Old Testament, God calls individuals from places of darkness into His service. Consider the account of Abraham, who was called out of Ur, a land steeped in idolatry, to become the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Similarly, Moses was called from the obscurity of the Midian desert to lead the Israelites out of the bondage of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10).

The prophets also echo this theme. Isaiah speaks of a people walking in darkness who will see a great light: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" (Isaiah 9:2). This prophecy points to the coming Messiah, who will bring ultimate deliverance from spiritual darkness.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the call from darkness is fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. The Gospel of John declares, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5). Jesus Himself proclaims, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12).

The apostle Paul, once a persecutor of Christians, experienced a dramatic call from darkness on the road to Damascus. He later writes to the Colossians, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son" (Colossians 1:13). This transformation underscores the power of God's call to bring individuals from spiritual blindness into the light of His truth.

Theological Implications

The call of God from darkness is not merely a historical or individual phenomenon but a universal invitation. It signifies God's initiative in salvation, emphasizing that humanity, in its fallen state, dwells in darkness and is in need of divine intervention. This call is an act of grace, underscoring that it is God who initiates the relationship with humanity, drawing them to Himself.

Practical Application

For believers, the call from darkness is both a personal experience and a mission. Christians are called to live as "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8), reflecting the light of Christ in a dark world. This involves a transformation of life and character, as well as a commitment to share the Gospel, inviting others to experience the same call from darkness to light.

The call of God from darkness is a testament to His unchanging nature and His desire for all to come to the knowledge of the truth. It is a reminder of the hope and redemption available through Jesus Christ, who continues to call individuals out of darkness into His glorious light.1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Abandonment to Divine Providence
... Letter XXIV.--The Call of God a Sign of Predestination. ... Letter XXIX.--To Leave All
to God. ... Letter IV.--Darkness and Doubts. Letter V.--Distractions in Prayer. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/de caussade/abandonment to divine providence/

Of the Name of God
... In relation to the creatures, we may call him Creator, Redeemer ... This is the most
perfect knowledge of God, that doth not drive away darkness, but increases ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture vii of the name.htm

Demonstration xvii. --Of Christ the Son of God.
... Evidently the day on which they crucified Him, for in the midst of that day there
came darkness, and at the evening time there was ... We call Him God, just as ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xvii of christ the son.htm

"If we Say that we have Fellowship with Him, and Walk in Darkness ...
... Papists call it the mother of devotion ... by unavoidable consequence, as clear as the
light, that no man can have fellowship with God that walks in darkness. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xii if we say.htm

Effectual Calling
... The word to call' signifies to choose out some from ... 3:4). How many millions sit in
the region of darkness! ... in the number of those few whom God has translated ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm

God in Christ
... from the beginning of the world in God, who created ... dying out among us; and many
who call themselves Christians ... though the sun were turned to darkness, and the ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon i god in christ.htm

Our Attitude Toward Destructive Criticism.
... passed through every storm of antagonism that the Prince of Darkness could evoke ...
highest education, and has had an open ear to the call of God""Come, let ...
/.../i our attitude toward destructive.htm

A Free Grace Promise
... if the sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood"if God shall show ...
most terrible convulsions shall occur, "Whosoever shall call on the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 35 1889/a free grace promise.htm

"This Then is the Message which we have Heard of Him, and Declare ...
... things we see and hear, that fall under our senses, therefore we call him a ... There
is a twofold darkness that hinders us to see God, a darkness of ignorance ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon x this then is.htm

Christ Saves.
... would be blasphemy for me to call on God." "You call on God ... the poor publican, he
lifted up his voice and said, "God be merciful ... I left him still in darkness. ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/christ saves.htm

What is the Macedonian Call? | GotQuestions.org

If His name was Yeshua, why do we call Him Jesus? | GotQuestions.org

What is meant by “call those things which are not as though they were” (Romans 4:17)? | GotQuestions.org

Call: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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