People of Light
Light is Available to All
Scripture Reading: John 1:1-18
Key Verse: John 1:9
The One who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
Chapter one of John’s Gospel reveals that Jesus, whom John refers to as “The Word”, existed from the beginning of time:
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. (John 1:1-2)
Jesus may have come to earth as a baby, but He is as old as time itself.
John 1:4 (NLT) describes the very purpose of Jesus’s existence:
The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone.
God loves every human being that has or will walk on this earth, and He gives a light in them that nudges them toward God.
John 1:5 (NLT) continues that the Light shines in darkness and darkness can never put out the Light.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
The devil is no match to the Light of God, and he can never stop anyone from seeing that Light or deciding to accept God’s Light! The Apostle Paul said it this way:
Everyone has seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So, they have no excuse for not knowing God. (Romans 1:20)
Though people have rejected God, God never gives up on them. After people rejected all the biblical prophets and their messages, God sent Jesus:
So the Word became human and made His home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen His glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. (John 1:14)
Theologians have argued for decades about the availability of God’s salvation to all people. Many theologians have flatly denied that everyone has free will to choose salvation.
The Apostle Peter’s words should put an end to this idea:
The Lord isn’t really being slow about His promise, as some people think. No, He is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. (2 Peter 3:9)
Peter was answering critics that were saying Jesus was never coming back to earth again. Peter answered them that God is patient, and He does not want anyone to be lost. God wants everyone to repent of their sins and live eternally with Him.
God is continually revealing the Light of Jesus to every soul in our world. Some are hard for us to love, but God loves them and wants them to come into His Light.
Our job, as People of Light, is to stay in step with this Light, and be ready to give a reason for the Hope that we have in Jesus (1 Peter 3:15).
Father, I am so grateful for the light You have shown into my life. I accept Jesus. I want to shine bright for You. Grant me Your strength. In Jesus’s Name, amen.