This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. John 3:19 WEB
Chapter three of the Book of John contains some of the most famous words ever recorded. The chapter begins by detailing a conversation between Jesus and Nicodemus, a Pharisee. Nicodemus marvels at the ministry and works of Christ. In their exchange of words, Christ introduces the concept of being born again.
This is a difficult idea for Nicodemus to understand but Jesus makes the notion clear saying in John 3:5-6, “Most certainly I tell you, unless one is born of water and spirit, he can’t enter into God’s Kingdom. That which is born of the flesh is flesh. That which is born of the Spirit is spirit. WEB” A person is born again when the Holy Spirit convicts them of their sin through the light of Christ and that person repents believing in Jesus as their Savior.
This brings us to the point of understanding Jesus’ words from John 3:19, “This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. WEB” Jesus’ words expose every person as a sinner.
The Armor of Light
Those who love Jesus admit to their sin and follow his command to repent. They turn away from sin. In contrast, a large number of people reject the truth of the gospel. Preferring to hide in darkness rather than be exposed to the light, they love sin more than the truth of God’s word. But the faithful follow the words of Romans 13:12 which states, “The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. NIV”
Light symbolizes the goodness of God and righteousness. Light exposes the truth and reveals what is hidden. The truth or “light” of Christ’s words reveals our sinful nature. Those who reject sin and put their faith in Christ are born again and saved from judgment. But those who love their sinful lives more than the goodness of God reject Christ and continue living in darkness under the judgment of God.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for the gift of salvation in Jesus Christ. Thanks to you and to your Son, the light has come into my life. Because of Jesus’ faithful obedience to your will, I am saved by your grace. Give me wisdom to understand your word. Help me to put the lessons in your word into practice in my daily life. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Keep Yourself Pure
