This lesson covered more details on the symbolic meaning of light versus darkness in the Bible. Light represents the word of God and spiritual understanding, while darkness represents ignorance of God’s word.

The lesson described two groups of people – the “children of light” who live according to God’s will with spiritual discernment, and the “children of darkness” who live in ignorance, following their own thoughts instead of God’s word. Several contrasting characteristics of these two groups were outlined.

It examined how there have been alternating eras of “day” (when God’s word was revealed) and “night” (when it was concealed) throughout biblical history. This included the times before Jesus’ first coming, during his ministry, after he left, and looking ahead to his second coming.

The lesson emphasized the importance of being able to discern what spiritual era we are living in now by whether God’s prophetic word remains sealed or is being opened to understanding. Those who can comprehend the fulfillment of prophecies are the true children of light.

The main exhortation was for listeners to do the work of self-examination to ensure they are living as awake, discerning children of light prepared for Christ’s return, rather than slumbering in darkness. Studying the experiences of Jesus’ original followers can help model what it means to be faithful amid trials.

 

Study Guide SCJ Bible Study

Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Light Part Two

Today, we will cover more on what it means to be children of light as we examine specific examples. We will also look at places that are filled with light versus places of darkness so that we can discern good from evil.

Discerning is the most critical skill for believers. If we cannot discern truth from lies, we will be misled and devoured.

The first to fall due to a lack of discernment were Adam and Eve. They could not discern the serpent’s words as false, so they ate the forbidden fruit, costing humanity greatly. Satan continues using this tactic, making his words seem good so that we accept them unknowingly without discernment. If we cannot discern deceptions, we will fall.

Our hope for today is to be true children of light at the Second Coming, awake and alert to God’s truth. May that describe all of us here.

Main Reference

Brothers and sisters, concerning times and dates we do not need to write to you. Why does Paul start this passage saying this? He says this because the details of times and dates are sealed, the word is sealed.

They did not know the precise times or dates. What they did know is that the things written here would transpire at a future time. We will understand why this is the case as we study today.

Paul mentions two groups of believers. What we have come to realize as we study the open Word, is that both groups are made up of believers.

One group preaches peace and safety. However, destruction will come upon them suddenly.

So there are two groups of believers:

 

Group 1: the children of light, and

Group 2: the children of darkness,

 

Or you could say the children of the day and the children of the night.

Let us seek to understand these two groups more fully, because if we read any of Jesus’ parables, he and his disciples consistently reference these two groups – good and bad fish, wise and foolish virgins, those with five talents or two versus the one talent, sheep and goats, wheat and weeds. The parables speak of the same events and the same groups of people – two groups that are waiting but will be separated when the day of the Lord comes.

The day of the Lord refers to the time of the second coming. It goes by many names: today, the day of the Lord, the end times, the end of the age, but all point to the same event – the second coming.

1. Let’s understand the characteristics of each group: Children of Light  Versus Children of Darkness.

Characteristic 1:

In my absence, continue to do what I have taught you – work out your faith with fear and trembling,” says Apostle Paul.

What he means is: do not become relaxed or comfortable.

Do not let this become just a habit or ritual. Keep renewing your life of faith and continuously work at it.

Have fear that at any time, if God decides, He can take you. When that happens, I need to be right with God – that’s the kind of fear and trembling needed.

On the other hand, as we saw in 1 Thessalonians 5:3, some preach “peace and safety.” You’re fine, you don’t need to worry about anything. You’re okay, nothing is wrong. Sometimes it even comes as “come as you are,” you don’t need to change.

These two mindsets are very different. Add them to your discernment tool belt, like Batman’s utility belt.

Hearing “peace and safety” or hearing “let’s prepare” – two very different mindsets we need to tune into at this time as we build our discernment, we need to listen for these competing voices and choose which one aligns with God’s will.

Characteristic 2:

As Paul said in 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, the children of light are those who will be saved, and the children of darkness will be destroyed. 

Looking at this passage and other parables we have studied – the wheat and the weeds, the wise and foolish virgins, the good and bad fish – there is a consistent theme.

The good and righteous are gathered and saved – the wheat into the barn, the wise virgins to the wedding feast, the good fish into baskets.

Meanwhile, the bad and unrighteous face destruction – the weeds burned, the foolish virgins locked out, the bad fish thrown away.

So let us strive to live as children of light, on the saved side as the righteous in these parables.

Characteristic 3:

Children of light are alert. They are alert while children of Darkness are asleep.

What does this mean?

Be self-controlled and alert. Why? Because your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. This devouring can occur in various ways for different people. 

Ultimately though, it results in someone no longer receiving the word they have heard. And reverting to old ways of thinking. The bad habits. Like a cooking pot, old yeast, an encrusted cooking pot, bad food or something familiar and comfortable. They fall back asleep spiritually.

Excessive comfort and safety leads to spiritual destruction. In fact, we know that excessive physical comfort makes the body soft and weak. We need stress and challenges to maintain strong, healthy bodies through exercise and self-control. This is a concept God designed in us. He wants people to be awake and alert because Satan is very crafty and knows how to mislead people.

So someone who is comfortable, asleep, and vulnerable like that is easy for Satan to lead astray.

The parable of the lion was used here to describe Satan. When you look at a lion hunt, who does it go after? The most vulnerable – the young, old, weak, sick or alone and isolated. Let’s not be those things.

That’s why we’re here as a group – for support and confirmation so that you will not be alone, especially on the journey of faith, which can sometimes feel lonely. Those of us who have gone through this before understand.

So let’s not be those who are asleep and comfortable. Let’s stay alert and continue growing together.

Additional Thoughts on Being Alert

It is important to be alert for Satan’s interference in every aspect of life – with family, job, finances, work, transportation, and more. Expect him to pop up anywhere and everywhere. For example, your car breaks down when you need to get home to attend this seminar. Or your son calls needing help just when you planned to leave. Or your computer dies and you forgot your charger.

These types of inconveniences happen frequently, coming from all directions. Do not be surprised when things go wrong or do not work out as intended. As followers of Christ, we must overcome obstacles while expecting them. This is why Jesus said he would come like a thief in the night – unexpectedly. But the one who stays awake and alert will recognize the thief and be able to respond appropriately. The one who is asleep, distracted, or complacent will be caught unprepared.

Let us remain awake and alert, anticipating and ready to address any scheme the enemy may use to disrupt our lives or faith.

We must be humble and listen, especially when discerning issues among one another. Rather than automatically distrusting others, we need biblical discernment and understanding. We need to selft-reflect ourselves first (Matthew 7:3-5).

Pride can lead us to wrongly think our interpretation is always right, imposing our opinions on others.  Staying silent may be seen as ignorant, yet speaking up risks being seen as boastful. This tendency of the human heart to get caught up in quarrels is why we need the Holy Spirit’s work to unify our understanding.

Characteristics 4

Someone who is a child of life will carry out life of faith according to God’s thoughts and ways

We’ve observed a profound truth: God draws a distinct line between His thoughts and actions, and ours.

He declares, “My thoughts are not your thoughts.” There are numerous reasons for this. As an eternal being, God has no beginning or end. His perspective is unique, encompassing both the start and the conclusion of all things. Consequently, His actions might not immediately make sense to us, but with full context, they begin to become clear.

In contrast, we humans have a limited lifespan—just a few decades before our time is up. Our frame of reference is narrow. Therefore, those who live by their own understanding often end up on the wrong path eventually. This is the essence of God’s warning: “Do not trust your heart.” Jeremiah 17:9 cautions that the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure.

God urges us to replace our thoughts with His words. This requires effort; it demands work to comprehend His thoughts and ways so that we can live in alignment with them. This has always been God’s wish for us.

Yet, people have drifted away; they’ve become accustomed to human teachings instead of seeking a relationship with God. The call is to return to Him, to know Him as deeply as Hosea 6:6 suggests. People tend to cling to what’s familiar, but there’s a better way.

Therefore, it is paramount that we conduct our lives of faith in accordance with God’s thoughts. There are significant consequences if we choose not to do so.

Characteristic 5:

Children of light know and do God’s will.

Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven, but only those who do the will of my Father. 

So what is the mindset of the children of darkness?

This passage packs a punch. Matthew 7:22-23 addresses things often talked about positively in churches today. We tend to assume that someone actively doing these works must be very spiritual. However, Jesus indicates that these activities alone are not necessarily signs that someone is following God’s will. 

Those Jesus references say “Did we not prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and perform miracles in your name?” Yet Jesus replies, “Away from me, I never knew you.” This is terrifying. It is possible to zealously serve in Jesus’ name, yet still not truly know Him or His will.  

Let this be a sobering reminder not to rely only on spiritual works and activities as evidence of God’s favor and life transformation. We cannot be complacent, assuming we are doing alright just because we are doing good things. Stay humble, keep seeking God’s face, and let Him search your heart.

Review:

 

 

	Children of Light	Children of Darkness
1	Faith —-> Fear and Trembling Philippians 2:12-16	Peace and Safety
2	Are Saved	Are Destroyed
3	Alert 1 Peter 5:8	Asleep, Devoured
4	Carry out their life of faith according to God’s thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9, Hosea 6:6	Carry out their life of faith according to their own thoughts. Jeremiah 17:9
5	Know and Do God’s Will Matthew 7:21	Do not know and Do not do God’s will. Matthew 7:22-23

2. When Light appears or the ability to discern.

In the very beginning, on the first day of creation, we see some important clues as to what was going on at that time. The earth was formless and empty. Darkness was over the surface. So in the beginning, before the light, there was darkness.

That was the state of things in the beginning. But then the first thing God created establishes a pattern – whenever God starts something new, He begins by establishing light.

So when light appears there is a separation – the light created day and the darkness, night. This was the logic God set up – when God begins his work, He separates light from darkness, day from night. This pattern repeats in the Bible.

Let’s see how this pattern of day and night eras remains and relates to people.

We’ll look at two key eras – the era of people 2,000 years ago at the time of Jesus, and the era of people today, 2,000 years later.

So we’ll examine these figurative eras of day and night in the Bible and what they meant for the people of those times.

3. Era’s of Figurative Day and Night

Period 1: Old Testament | Time of Night ——> Sealed Word

What was the period of the Old Testament before Jesus? Was it a time of day (Light) or a time of night (darkness)?

In this passage from the prophet Isaiah, there is a prophecy that the seers and leaders will be blinded, their eyes covered and their heads confounded. At that time, they will be asked to read and explain the meaning, but they will not be able to. Those who depend on the leaders for guidance will also be left unable to understand.

When Jesus says “leave them, they are blind guides,” this reflects the reality foretold by Isaiah’s words. Isaiah was right when he prophesied about the leaders’ blindness. Why? Because everything the leaders know and understand was formed during a time of spiritual darkness. 

It was not always this way. Spiritual darkness befell the people when they refused to keep God’s covenant. Those who break covenant with God are enveloped by night – confusion, conflict, and emptiness. This happened to the Israelites when they broke covenant.  

Yet even in dark and depraved times, God works through the righteous few – people like Daniel, Isaiah and Ezekiel. God calls people to carry out his will, even people as stubborn as Jonah. God needs his messengers to call people to repentance. But if those called to speak fail to do so, all remain in darkness.

Thankfully, some prophets overcame their hesitation, like Ezekiel who sat overwhelmed for a week by his vision, or Jonah who at first refused his call. They were surrounded by spiritual night – no one understood God’s word. There was only confusion and sealed prophecy without fulfillment and confusion reigns over God’s word.

Period 2: First Coming | Time of Day ——> Opened Word

The meaning of scripture was not properly understood leading to disagreements. This period of confusion came to an end when Jesus appeared at his first coming, bringing light into the world as daybreak ends night.

With his arrival, Jesus brought a renewed understanding, like the dawn reveals the landscape with new clarity. People noticed the difference between this teaching and what came before, as it was illuminated by his message in a new way.

Jesus imparted some profound truths, explaining that neither the man nor his parents had sinned. The circumstances were orchestrated so that God’s glory could be revealed through what Jesus was about to do in his life.

Whenever Jesus performed a physical miracle, He always accompanied it with the spoken word, the Word of God is what transforms hearts and minds. He wanted people to comprehend the deeper significance of what He was doing and saying.

He cautioned against relying solely on miraculous signs, which were intended to capture attention during times of uncertainty. The true substance lies in the Word of God, which illuminates and provides understanding.

Those who intentionally seek signs do not possess genuine intentions. Jesus often referred to such individuals as a wicked and adulterous generation, implying that those who intentionally seek signs may not genuinely desire the deeper understanding that the Word offers, but rather focus on the sensational aspects of His miracles.

Miracles alone are not effective in convincing people. Numerous biblical examples illustrate that witnessing miraculous events did not prevent individuals from complaining against God or abandoning Him.

For instance, the Israelites witnessed countless miracles during their journey from Egypt, yet they still fell short of entering the Promised Land due to their lack of faith and understanding. Similarly, thousands were fed by Jesus during the miraculous feeding of the multitudes, yet many still walked away when His teachings became challenging.

Jesus emphasized that the Word—His teachings—is the substantial nourishment that sustains faith. Those who truly understood His words followed Him not merely for His miraculous deeds but for the profound wisdom He imparted. Those who lack understanding may be initially impressed by His miracles, exclaiming, “This man can perform extraordinary feats! God must be with him!”

However, when confronted with the depth of His teachings, they falter and walk away.

Jesus’s preaching was unique because he proclaimed a message that fulfilled the scriptures (open word). He explained this fulfillment as no one else could.

This is why He declared, “I am the light of the world.” He is likened to the Word itself, embodying the fulfillment of His Father’s words through His actions and teachings. Jesus’ miracles were not merely acts of compassion but also the fulfillment of prophecies.

He healed because it was prophesied that He would, not solely out of pity. His death on the cross was not arbitrary but rather a fulfillment of ancient prophecies, including those in Isaiah 53, Psalm 40, and Psalm 41.

He acknowledged the Father’s will and knew that He had to endure this suffering for the sake of humanity’s salvation.

In Luke 24, Jesus reminded two disciples that Christ had to suffer and enter His glory, as prophesied. He questioned their lack of understanding and offered to teach and demonstrate the fulfillment of God’s plan and reveal Himself to them once again.

The difference between before and after the fulfillment of prophecy is akin to the difference between day and night. During the time before the prophecy is fulfilled, there is a sense of blindness and confusion.

However, once the prophecy is fulfilled and explained by God, the understanding becomes clear, and the deeper meaning is revealed.

This is the essence of Jesus’ teachings, conveying profound truths that no one else could communicate, emphasizing the significance of the Word of God, and demonstrating the fulfillment of prophecies through His actions and sacrifices. His ultimate purpose was to bring glory to God and offer salvation to humanity.

John was writing about something profoundly significant. His words reflect why Jesus’ followers were willing to face death and give up everything to be with him. Right here, John captures what Jesus said that so deeply impacted them: “That which we have heard and seen, we proclaim to you—the eternal life which was with the Father and was made manifest to us.”

Imagine hearing those words directly from Jesus, being able to touch him and feel his presence – the long-awaited Messiah standing right before them. After waiting thousands of years, the Christ had arrived. No wonder they were willing to give up their lives to spread the Gospel message around the world.

“The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you this eternal life which was with the Father and has appeared to us.” This is why they felt compelled to proclaim the good news. The ancient prophecies had been tangibly fulfilled before their eyes.

Yet, let us not forget Jesus’ cautionary words in John 9:4-5: ‘As long as I am in the world, there is light, for it is day. But be aware, night is approaching.

Period 3: New Testament | Time of Night ——> Sealed Word

Has the night already come? Yes, the night has already arrived.

Why is this so? It is because the prophecies of the New Testament were proclaimed. Jesus clarified what had been fulfilled during the Old Testament era. However, he also spoke about the time of his second coming, as foretold in the New Testament.

The things he spoke about were prophecy, often communicated via parables so they were not fully understood at the time.

Why were these prophetic parables not understood when Jesus spoke them? Because they depicted events that were still sealed, or yet to occur.

Their prophetic nature meant that the events had not yet taken place, so one could only guess at their meaning.

Importantly, the prophecy itself is not dangerous – it is the guessing that is dangerous. We must be careful not to speculate beyond what is revealed.

I saw a scroll in the hand of the one seated on the throne. The scroll was sealed with seven seals and no one could look inside. No one could open it.

This is described in the Book of Revelation, a two thousand year old biblical prophecy. We know it is prophecy because of the first words in Revelation chapter 1 – “The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place.”

There are many interpretations about the fulfillment of Revelation. However, all of them only explain part of it, which is confusing.

When Jesus came, every prophecy was fulfilled – during his ministry and lifetime. Revelation will likely be similar – the prophecies fulfilled in a single generation rather than stretched over centuries.

This is why we can’t link one news event to Revelation without connecting it to everything else that must happen too. The prophecies are intertwined and fulfilled together.

Until the appointed time, the full meaning of Revelation is sealed by God. No one in heaven or earth was worthy to open the seals and look inside.

The answer is in Revelation 5-6. If you want to know who was worthy, read those passages. You’ll understand who the only one worthy to open the seals was. It will make perfect sense.

So the full meaning was sealed for 2000 years until the time it is opened. During that sealed period, people add to and subtract from the word, guessing at the meaning, which leads people astray. This is why discernment of Scripture is so critically important.

Period 4: Second Coming | Time of Day  ——> Opened Word

But this time of night that has befallen us all for so long finally comes to an end. The time of the second coming arrives, when the word is opened by the only one deemed worthy to open it. And it will be as if it were daytime, not just for a short while, but forever.

I have been speaking figuratively. A time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of figurative language, but will tell you plainly about my Father. 

When this time comes, if there is an answer I do not know or did not know before studying, what does that say about me?

What position does that put me in if I did not have this knowledge? And how can I work to change and improve?

Our final point for today is that now we have the content to understand how this works.

4. How does it apply to me?

First Coming

Understand this. First, we must understand the time of the first coming.

Real children of the light, the first coming. For those who recognize the day and came to the day. But not everyone, recognized the day. Most ran from the day.

That what Jesus has done has been done through God. Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead. They refused to come into the light and receive life.

They followed what had always been – the Pharisees, Sadducees, those who were greedy, hypocritical, and led people astray.

So at the time of Jesus’ first coming, people had a decision to make: Do I continue following what had always been? Or do I jump ship and follow this new one? It would not be an easy decision, as there may be persecution for choosing to follow Jesus.

Believing in Jesus 2000 years ago was countercultural – very few did, and they faced persecution for their belief. Most were comfortable remaining in darkness and invisibility, following what had always been.

This is why Jesus called them children of the devil – their father was no longer Abraham or God. What then does this say about our time? What about me and the time we are living in? How can we know for sure where we stand?

Remember the early lesson on distinguishing good from evil? Those first lessons were foundational.

Let’s revisit: there is a spiritual war that has played out since the beginning of time. This war makes its way into the physical world – one side in the light, the other in darkness.

How do you distinguish between the two when one who is not in the light cannot discern? All looks the same to them. So if I can’t perceive the light, how can I be sure I’m in it?

Let’s not assume “they” are in darkness while we are not. That means we haven’t self-reflected.

As Jesus said, take the plank out of your own eye first. What am I? Where am I? Am I on this side or that side? We have to discern.

I repeat this because I want our hearts to be on fire. Now is the time to wake up, be alert, and understand God’s word in new ways. Are we there yet? How do we know? I’m glad you’re studying, but let’s be on fire and run toward the light.

I’ll end with one more encouraging verse…

What does it mean when it’s said, ‘Send forth your light and your truth’? Some versions may use the word ‘care’ instead, but the meaning remains the same. Let light and truth guide me. But we must ask ourselves, what are ‘light’ and ‘truth’? Now that we understand this, what do they signify?

Then consider ‘your word.’ Let your word guide me like a path to the place where you reside.

So, what is the solution? How can I recognize the word? Which word is being taught?

Are we only learning about the old teachings, or are we also being introduced to the new? Is the word being taught openly, as in Psalm 119:105?

The unfolding of your words gives understanding. It’s straightforward: Your word is a light for my feet, a lamp to illuminate my path.

So today, let’s all discern for ourselves. Am I hearing the open word, or am I not?

Am I listening to explanations of prophecy and its fulfillment, or am I not? We have the ability to discern this.

Memorization

Let’s Us Discern