Table of Contents
This lesson explores the biblical concept of light versus darkness in a figurative or spiritual sense. Light represents the word of God that gives life and understanding, while darkness signifies ignorance and lack of God’s word. The lesson examines how Jesus, as the light of the world, brought the light of God’s truth during his first coming. His disciples also became “children of light” by receiving his teachings. In contrast, the religious leaders remained in spiritual darkness by rejecting Christ.
The lesson suggests we are now in a prophesied period of spiritual “night” or darkness before Christ’s second coming. To avoid being caught unprepared like those in darkness, we must diligently study God’s word to gain true understanding and become lights ourselves. The goal is to be among the “children of light” who will welcome Christ at his return, rather than being caught in ignorance like the “children of darkness.” Becoming spiritually illuminated requires humbly receiving the revelation of God’s sealed prophecies when they are opened to those who are wise.
Shincheonji holds distinct theological views that differ from mainstream Christian denominations, yet it also shares some common teachings. This overlap can sometimes blur the lines between their beliefs and those of traditional Christianity. Therefore, it is essential to exercise critical thinking and discernment to differentiate between these shared elements and the unique doctrines they present.
While their interpretations warrant careful examination through a critical and biblical lens, it is equally important to approach these matters with an open yet discerning mindset.
The following notes were documented in person during Shincheonji’s 9-month Bible Study Seminar. They provide insight into the organization’s approach to introducing and explaining its beliefs to potential new members, often referred to as the ‘harvesting and sealing.’ This process is described as being ‘born again’ or ‘born of God’s seed,’ which involves uprooting the old beliefs and replanting new ones. This uprooting and replanting must occur continuously. By examining this process, we can gain a better understanding of the mindset and beliefs held by Shincheonji members.
Figurative meanings:
Light = the word of life | Darkness = death, ignorance
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Light Part One
Those Who Shine Bright for the World
Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.
Let this be us. Let’s be those who lead many to righteousness. And shine, like the brightness of the stars.
So we’ll understand how we can do this today – what it takes, what it requires.
Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Light, this will actually be a two-part lesson on figurative light.
What is light and what is darkness?
Light is Jesus and God. What do God and Jesus have and give? The word of life.
1. Light represents the word of life.
2. Darkness is the opposite – it represents ignorance, especially of not having the word.
So the way we can understand this is that those who are in darkness don’t know – they are in darkness. That’s the signature of those who are in darkness, they often think they have the light.
As we are studying, I want us to keep in mind that just as the figurative rod was the word, a person with the word is like light. Someone who has the word also becomes light and they too shine so that others can see and be enlightened by them. So let’s be those who are like light.
Figurative Light
Main Reference
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you, 2 for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.
4 But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. 5 You are all children of the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. 6 So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep, but let us be awake and sober.
So, the Apostle Paul prophesies about two groups of people at the time of the second coming.
He prophesies about the sons of light, also known as the sons of the day. Light and day are often used together metaphorically. There will also be the sons of night or darkness.
So which group are we going to be? Let’s make sure we understand more clearly at this time.
Reminder:
Two groups of people:
1. Sons of Light (Day)
2. Sons of Night (Darkness)
1. Physical Characteristics of Light
What are the characteristics of light?
1. Light illuminates. It cannot coexist with darkness. Light also gives life and is often compared to knowledge. We use similar terminology in everyday language – calling bright people “bright” because they are knowledgeable. And saying someone is “in the dark” about a topic when they lack understanding. We often use physical concepts to illustrate spiritual truths, like analogy and allegory (Romans 1:20, Hosea 12:10). Without light there would be no life on Earth, since the sun is the primary source of energy. Light and life are inextricably connected.
2. Darkness is the absence of light. It represents death, ignorance, and the scariest times are when we cannot see, as our fears overwhelm us when we cannot defend ourselves from the unknown. Those who are in darkness cannot guide others to light. To bring someone into the light, you must first be in the light yourself, as Jesus said “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Matthew 15:14). We must first illuminate ourselves before claiming others are in darkness. As believers seeking to understand God’s word, we must first self-reflect – am I walking in the light?
2. Spiritual (True) Meaning of Light
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
It means all the same thing, equivalent: Word = God = Life = Light
Word = Light = word of life
The reason is that God is the Word. His words contain life and light because God himself is light and life. So someone who has the Word of God has light, which represents life. They have a word of life.
“Light” here does not simply mean “believer.” That term is too general and unspecific. Light refers to one who has the word of God that gives life – that is the meaning.
So one should not say “I do good deeds, therefore I am light.” We should not put our good deeds on the same level as the Word of God, which is true light and life.
It is possible to be a believer yet not have the light of God’s Word.
More examples illustrate this principle.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
The light shines in the darkness. What some versions translate as “understood”, others translate as “overcome” – both conveying a similar meaning. The darkness has neither understood nor overcome the light.
There is ignorance present. Of course physical darkness does not have the ability to understand. If I were to turn the lights off in this room, I would not be surrounded by misunderstanding or ignorance – that is not what happens when the lights go out.
Clearly this passage is not referring to literal darkness, but to people living in spiritual ignorance.
Reminder:
Darkness = Ignorance ——-> Lack of understanding (No Word, John 1:5)
Let’s explore why the one who comes with spiritual light often encounters misunderstanding and rejection.
The light exposes and challenges the status quo – things hidden in darkness are brought to light. Some are unwilling to have their deeds exposed or to reconsider false beliefs they have embraced. So the one bringing truth and light may face hostility rather than welcoming understanding.
I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.
I have come into this world as a light. So that one who believes in me. Will never walk in darkness.
So then what light did Jesus give people? So that they could see. Let’s see of people who became light because they listened to Jesus.
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.
You are the light of the world, like a city on a hill that cannot be hidden. When the disciples heard the words of Jesus, they too became full of light. Jesus, who was the light, gave that light to others.
The job of the disciples was to spread that light to more people. As Daniel 12:3 says, “Those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars in heaven.”
So, spreading understanding brings light and life. But the opposite brings darkness.
18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light
You were once in darkness, but have now become light in the world. Live as children of the light, for the fruit of light consists of all goodness, righteousness and truth.
Ephesians 4:18 tells us that those in darkness had their understanding darkened and were separated from the life of God because of the ignorance within them that came from the hardening of their hearts.
True darkness is a lack of understanding about what is happening, which then spreads misunderstanding to others.
What we should pay attention to regarding light and darkness goes much deeper than categorizing people as good or bad.
The key distinction is understanding, because by worldly standards, even a good person can be in spiritual darkness.
Reminder:
We examined 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, which discusses two groups of people – those who are “asleep” (unaware spiritually) and those who are awake and alert.
It refers to those who are unaware as “sons of the night” or “sons of darkness.” They will be surprised by Jesus’s second coming on the “day of the Lord.” However, there are also “sons of light” or “sons of the day” who will not be surprised because they are spiritually awake and prepared, and they will welcome Christ when he returns.
What does it mean to be a “son of light”? Light illuminates, gives life, and provides wisdom and understanding. Darkness is the opposite – it represents the absence of light and leads to spiritual death and ignorance. So in a spiritual sense, light refers to the Word of God which gives life, while darkness signifies lacking awareness of God’s Word and truth.
When Jesus came during his first coming, he brought the light of God’s Word to humanity. This light gave life to his disciples, who then became lights themselves, spreading that life-giving Word to others. At Jesus’ second coming, those who have received and embraced the light of Christ and God’s Word will be prepared to welcome him.
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Let’s explore the deeper meaning of light. When light appears in Scripture, what does its presence signify?
3. When Light Appears
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.
3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. 5 God called the light “day,” and the darkness he called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day.
On the first day of creation, God spoke, “Let there be light.” As John 1:1-5 states, with God was the Word, and nothing was created without the Word. When God speaks, His words contain the power to create, just like Him.
So when God said “Let there be light,” at His word, light appeared. God called the light “day” and the darkness “night.” This follows the same logic present in Genesis chapter 1 – God created through His spoken word.
An Old Testament prophecy we can look at operates by this same principle of God speaking something into being and existence from the darkness.
Old Testament Prophecy
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
2 The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
We have a prophecy here that out of Galilee will come a great light. And those who are in the shadow of darkness, the shadow of death, they will see this great light that comes from Galilee. Galilee is significant for a few reasons. Let me provide some historical context so we can understand the gravity of this prophecy.
This is from the prophet Isaiah, written 700 years before Jesus was born. During this time, the Israelites were enslaved in Babylon and Syria because of some events during Solomon’s rule. Israel was split into two kingdoms – the northern Kingdom of Israel with 10 tribes, and the southern Kingdom of Judah with two tribes, Judah and Benjamin. They were ransacked by Assyria and Babylon. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Ezekiel wrote during this time.
Places like Galilee, Samaria and others were in northern Israel and tended to intermarry with the Gentile nations that had enslaved them. Those who wanted to be righteous Jews went south to Jerusalem. So at the time of Jesus’s coming, those in the south disliked people from the north – they did not like Galileans or Samaritans. That’s the context for the tensions at the time.
What we see in this prophecy is that out of Galilee, a place looked down upon, there will come a great light. Then, 700 years after the writing of this prophecy, we see how it was fulfilled.
First Coming Fulfillment
12 When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. 13 Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— 14 to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah:
15 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—
16 the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.”
17 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
There are some profound truths being conveyed here. First, we see that Jesus is very different from everyone else for important reasons – as the Son of God, he is automatically distinct.
Additionally, Jesus understood things in a way no one else did. He was able to fully comprehend Scripture and grasp its meaning. This is why, when it came time to begin his ministry, Jesus knew from prophecy that he must preach in Galilee. After John the Baptist had prepared the way, Jesus traveled to Capernaum, near Galilee, to start preaching.
Jesus recognized he was the prophesied Light, but others did not yet realize this. As mentioned before regarding history, people from Jerusalem looked down on those from Galilee as mixed with Gentiles same as for the Samaritans. So when someone as significant as Jesus began teaching in Galilee, it was confusing – wasn’t the Messiah supposed to appear in Jerusalem instead? As word of Jesus spread, performing wonders in Galilee, people were perplexed.
To summarize the story from John 7:40-53 – the religious authorities (Pharisees, Teachers of the Law) heard rumors of Jesus and wanted him arrested. However, the guards refused, saying no one ever spoke like him, and the crowds were too supportive.
The Pharisees then claimed the people were cursed. They questioned if any leaders believed in Jesus, and made a key statement in verse 52: “Look into it, and you will find that a prophet does not come out of Galilee.”
This reveals their lack of understanding concerning the prophesied Light. It was as if Isaiah 9:1-2 was invisible to them – they failed to connect the Light metaphorically to an actual person (Jesus).
That is the nature of darkness – ignorance and lack of understanding, then spreading that to others. “Look into Scripture, you’ll find no prophet comes from Galilee.” Now people presumed this was true and rumors circulated.
We must be very careful about the sources of our information. I recommend following the guidance in 1 Corinthians 4:6 – “Do not go beyond what is written.” But for that to work, we need to properly understand what is written ourselves first. Otherwise, we too could misinterpret Scripture, like the Pharisees did.
Jesus intentionally began his ministry in Galilee because prophecy indicated the light would come from there. And Jesus knew he was the fulfillment of those prophecies about the light. Let us seek to truly understand the Word to avoid such darkness of ignorance and instead walk in light.
When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but they will have what the light of life, the word.
I want to examine an important prophecy from John chapter 9. This prophecy is so important because it will help us understand why we find ourselves in the concerning position we are in.
As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. 2 His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?”
3 “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 As long as it is day, we must do the works of him who sent me. Night is coming, when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
Jesus imparted a message of profound significance. He frequently engaged in a particular practice before performing miracles: He would often declare a word. Sometimes, He would do so prior to the miracle, and at other times, He would speak afterwards, in connection with the act He was about to perform. The purpose was to help people understand that the miracle wasn’t merely the physical healing, such as giving sight to the blind.
The true miracle lay in His words. Jesus healed to bring glory to God and to capture people’s attention, making them listen to His teachings—the true substance of His message.
Let’s consider what He said, which held such importance.
In John 9:3-5, Jesus stated, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” but the man’s blindness was allowed so that God’s works could be revealed through him. Jesus then proclaimed, “As long as it is day, we must do the works of Him who sent me. Night is coming when no one can work. While I am in the world, I am the light of the world.”
What actions did Jesus take after His ministry concluded? He triumphed over death through resurrection.
Reflect upon this: Has the ‘night’ that Jesus referred to arrived? And if so, what implications does that hold for us today?
Let’s review “Open and Sealed Word” one more time.
9 Be stunned and amazed, blind yourselves and be sightless; be drunk, but not from wine, stagger, but not from beer.
10 The Lord has brought over you a deep sleep:
He has sealed your eyes (the prophets); he has covered your heads (the seers).
11 For you this whole vision is nothing but words sealed in a scroll. And if you give the scroll to someone who can read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I can’t; it is sealed.” 12 Or if you give the scroll to someone who cannot read, and say, “Read this, please,” they will answer, “I don’t know how to read.”
13 The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth and honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. Their worship of me is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
This passage in Isaiah 29 contains a prophecy. It states that the leaders and seers of that time period have blinded themselves. This prophecy was fulfilled – the leaders did not understand. And because those leaders were blind, the people who depended on them were also without understanding. The leaders did not have access to God’s word or spiritual insight. As a result, the people were in spiritual darkness.
However, there was a purpose for why the leaders and people had to be in this condition of blindness.
9 He replied, “Go your way, Daniel, because the words are rolled up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many will be purified, made spotless and refined, but the wicked will continue to be wicked. None of the wicked will understand, but those who are wise will understand.
What did we see here? What did God tell Daniel? Daniel was seeing many dreams and visions of what was to come. And Daniel asked God God, what do these dreams and Visions mean? May God sit there and explain it to Daniel.
He did not. He said, go on your way. It’s not your job to understand. It’s your job, too.
Record. So that it will exist. At the time, when the words I’ve given you are fulfilled, Then at that time. Those who are wise, let this be us will understand. When those words that are sealed? Are opened And are able to be understood. And that opening of the word, Allows us to say all.
That’s what it means. This person said this, this person said this, but now I understand this Because I’m able to see and hear its reality. Who the, what the when the, where the why, and the how it makes sense, because it exists I can touch it. I can feel it.
It is no longer opaque, it’s tangible like that.
Oh glory to God. So cool. Let’s now go to the book of songs. Let’s read about this side. The book of Psalms two verses in Psalms chapter 119, the longest chapter in the Bible,
105 Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.
130 The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Ask yourself, what is unfolding? It’s the opening, the revelation of your words that brings understanding.
Today, let’s embrace this word. In this moment, let us not be closed off or blind to its meaning. The word, when revealed by those who walk in light, becomes the reality for those who are open to receiving it.
Let us be among those who are open.
Reminder:
In summary, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 describes the children of the light.
At Jesus’s first coming, he and the 12 disciples represented the light, while the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, Zealots, Sanhedrin council, and the people of Israel were in spiritual darkness. Although they believed in God, they did not receive Christ (John 1:11). This exemplifies John 1:5 – the light shines in darkness, but the darkness does not understand it.
Instead of trying to understand the light, they killed him. Those in spiritual darkness will always persecute those in the light. So if I face no persecution, I should worry, because the light will always be persecuted as Jesus said his followers would be persecuted like he was (John 15:20). Persecution should not discourage us or extinguish our light.
Rather, we should use lessons from the past to prepare for the present. Let’s shine brightly, immerse ourselves in God’s word, and boldly live out our faith, no matter the cost. Persecution, though difficult, shows we are authentically following Jesus.
Memorization
The unfolding of your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.
Instructor Review
SUMMARY
We discussed the figurative light versus darkness. Light represents having knowledge and understanding of God’s Word, while darkness signifies ignorance and lack of understanding of God’s Word.
Jesus came as a light to humanity, bringing the word of life of God which illuminates and gives wisdom to those who receive it. His disciples then became lights themselves, spreading this understanding to others.
At Jesus’ second coming, there will be two groups of people – “sons of light” who are spiritually awake and prepared, versus “sons of darkness” who are oblivious and will be caught by surprise. To be a “son of light” means to have embraced the light of Christ and God’s Word.
An Old Testament prophecy in Isaiah stated that a great light would dawn on those living in darkness in the land of Galilee. This was remarkably fulfilled 700 years later when Jesus, who was looked down upon for being from Galilee, brought the light of truth to those regions.
The main message is that we must make sure we are walking in the light by seeking God’s Word which gives wisdom, life and understanding. We can then spread this light to others, leading many to righteousness.
Review with the Evangelist
Review
Let’s review the title of today’s lesson: “Secrets of Heaven, Figurative Light.” Notice how we repeat the title many times so that we understand the main point of the lesson we are receiving today. Our ultimate goal isn’t just to receive knowledge but to really put God’s word in us so that we can become light.
The title tells us what we need to understand from this lesson – what is the figurative light and what does it have to do with me? So what is the meaning of figurative light?
The word of life, right? Daytime represents a time when there is light. Scripture talks about daytime and night time, but spiritually, light means the word of life.
Light represents the word of life. God’s light is the word of life. What about darkness? Darkness represents ignorance, not having the word. So darkness is the opposite of light. If light is the word of life, then darkness means not having that word of life. Even physically, light and darkness are opposites. Spiritually it is the same.
But what kind of word of life do we need? We talked about this – the word of life that gives life means receiving understanding of God’s prophecies and parables. Darkness means not having that understanding.
Let’s examine the first coming to understand this better. At the time of Jesus’s first coming, when he appeared and lived on earth, was it daytime or nighttime spiritually? The light prophesied in Isaiah 9 was fulfilled in Jesus. Why? Because Jesus had that word of life – he could explain the Old Testament prophecies and testify to their fulfillment. His 12 disciples also became children of light, as Jesus taught those who would listen.
But who was in darkness at the first coming? The Pharisees, Sadducees and people of Israel. Although they were believers in God, they rejected the true light when He appeared, even putting Him on the cross. Let us not reject the light like they did.
So why are we learning about light? Jesus said he is the light of the world, but also that darkness would come when he was gone. While Jesus was in the world, there was light – understanding. But he promised a time of darkness would come as well.
What about our time today? Don’t we need to understand our time, whether it is a time of light or darkness? If it is a time of light, do I have the light? These are questions we must ask ourselves.
Let’s Us Discern
Discernment is still a work in progress …. Proverbs 14:15 (ESV)
“The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.”
Analysis
Questions to Self-Reflect
Outline
Outline: Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Light Part One
I. Introduction: Shining Like the Stars
This section introduces the concept of figurative light and sets the stage for understanding its significance by drawing on Daniel 12:3, urging believers to shine brightly by leading others to righteousness.
II. Defining Light and Darkness
This section establishes the fundamental definitions of light and darkness in a spiritual context. Light is equated with Jesus, God, and the Word of life, while darkness signifies ignorance, particularly the absence of the Word.
III. Review: The Figurative Cooking Pot
This section briefly recaps the previous lesson about the figurative cooking pot, representing gathering places like churches. It emphasizes the concept of being offered to God or Satan, highlighting the importance of discerning the proper “pot” for believers.
IV. Figurative Light in 1 Thessalonians
A. Main Reference: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6
This section introduces the key passage of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, which prophecies about two groups at the Second Coming: sons of light (day) and sons of night (darkness). It prompts self-reflection on which group believers should belong to.
V. Understanding the Nature of Light
A. Physical Characteristics of Light
This section explores the tangible qualities of light, emphasizing its illuminating nature, its incompatibility with darkness, and its connection to life and knowledge. It draws parallels between physical light and spiritual understanding.
B. Spiritual (True) Meaning of Light
1. John 1:1-4
This section builds upon the foundation of John 1:1-4, equating the Word with God, life, and light. It stresses that possessing the Word of God signifies possessing light and life, contrasting this with mere good deeds.
2. John 1:5
This section delves into the concept of spiritual darkness as ignorance, using John 1:5 to illustrate how darkness fails to comprehend or overcome light. It explains the hostility faced by those who bring truth and light, challenging the status quo.
3. John 12:46, Matthew 5:14
This section reinforces the idea that Jesus is the source of light and how he imparts that light to his followers, enabling them to become lights themselves. It connects spreading understanding with bringing light and life, contrasting it with darkness resulting from a lack of understanding.
4. Ephesians 4:18, Ephesians 5:8
This section connects darkness with a lack of understanding and the separation from God’s life due to ignorance and hardened hearts. It emphasizes the deeper meaning of light and darkness, highlighting the importance of understanding over superficial goodness.
VI. The Appearance of Light in Scripture
A. Genesis 1:1-5
This section examines the creation account in Genesis 1:1-5, emphasizing God’s creative power through His spoken word. It connects the appearance of light with God’s command, highlighting the Word’s inherent ability to bring forth existence.
B. Old Testament Prophecy
1. Isaiah 9:1-2
This section introduces the prophecy from Isaiah 9:1-2, predicting a great light arising from Galilee. It provides historical context to understand the significance of Galilee, a region often looked down upon, as the origin of this light.
C. First Coming Fulfillment
1. Matthew 4:12-17
This section reveals the fulfillment of the Isaiah prophecy in Matthew 4:12-17, with Jesus commencing his ministry in Galilee. It highlights the misunderstanding of the religious leaders who failed to recognize Jesus as the prophesied Light due to their preconceived notions about Galilee.
2. John 7:40-53
This section expands on the religious leaders’ blindness by summarizing the events of John 7:40-53. It emphasizes their ignorance of the prophecy and their spreading of misinformation, illustrating the nature of darkness.
3. John 8:12
This section reinforces Jesus’s declaration as the light of the world, promising that those who follow him will walk in the light of life, possessing the Word.
D. The Prophecy in John
1. John 9:1-5
This section analyzes the prophecy within John 9:1-5, where Jesus heals a man blind from birth. It emphasizes that the true miracle lies in Jesus’s words, not just the physical healing. It prompts reflection on the “night” Jesus spoke of and its implications for the present time.
VII. Open and Sealed Word
A. Isaiah 29:9-13
This section presents the prophecy of Isaiah 29:9-13, foretelling blindness among the leaders and seers, resulting in spiritual darkness for the people. It emphasizes the lack of understanding and access to God’s word among those in leadership.
B. Daniel 12:9-10
This section draws upon Daniel 12:9-10 to reveal God’s intention to seal the words until the time of the end. It highlights that understanding will come to those who are wise when the sealed words are opened and fulfilled.
C. Psalms 119:105, 130
This section utilizes verses from Psalms 119 to connect the unfolding of God’s words with light and understanding. It encourages openness to receiving the revealed word and becoming a recipient of its illuminating power.
VIII. Application and Conclusion
A. 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6, John 1:5
This section revisits 1 Thessalonians 5:1-6 and John 1:5 to illustrate the contrast between the children of light and those in darkness during Jesus’s first coming. It emphasizes the persecution faced by those in the light and encourages perseverance and boldness in living out faith.
B. Review of “Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Light”
This section provides a concluding summary of the key points of the lesson, reiterating the definitions of figurative light and darkness, emphasizing the importance of understanding God’s prophecies and parables. It prompts reflection on the present time and whether it is a time of light or darkness.
A Study Guide
Understanding Figurative Light in Scripture
Quiz
Instructions: Answer the following questions in 2-3 sentences each.
- What does light represent in a spiritual context, and how does this relate to darkness?
- Explain the connection between the Word of God and the concept of light.
- According to the lesson, can someone be a believer and still be in darkness? Explain your answer.
- What is the significance of Jesus beginning his ministry in Galilee, considering the prophecy in Isaiah 9:1-2?
- How did the Pharisees’ reaction to Jesus exemplify the nature of darkness, as described in the lesson?
- Explain the meaning of the “night” that Jesus referred to in John 9:5.
- Why were the leaders and people in Isaiah 29:9-13 described as blind? What purpose did this blindness serve?
- What is the significance of the “unfolding” of God’s words in Psalm 119:130?
- Who represented the “light” and who represented the “darkness” at the time of Jesus’ first coming?
- According to the lesson, what should our response be to persecution if we are truly following Jesus?
Quiz Answer Key
- Light represents the Word of God, which brings life and understanding. Darkness, conversely, signifies ignorance and a lack of the Word, leading to spiritual death.
- The Word of God is equated with light because God himself is light and life. His words contain the power to create and illuminate, just as physical light does.
- Yes, someone can be a believer and still be in darkness. The lesson emphasizes that true light comes from understanding God’s Word. Simply believing in God doesn’t guarantee possession of the light.
- Isaiah 9:1-2 prophesied that a great light would come from Galilee, a region often looked down upon. Jesus fulfilling this prophecy by starting his ministry there highlighted the unexpected nature of God’s work and challenged societal prejudices.
- The Pharisees, despite being religious leaders, failed to recognize Jesus as the prophesied Light from Galilee. Their inability to understand and accept the truth, even rejecting evidence from Scripture, demonstrated the ignorance and blindness characteristic of darkness.
- The “night” Jesus referred to signifies a time when He would no longer be physically present on earth, leading to a period of potential spiritual darkness and lack of understanding.
- The leaders in Isaiah 29:9-13 were blind because they lacked spiritual insight and understanding of God’s Word. This blindness was a necessary part of God’s plan, as prophesied in Daniel 12:9-10, ensuring that only the wise would understand at the appointed time.
- The “unfolding” of God’s words refers to the revelation and understanding of their true meaning. This unveiling brings light and clarity to even those who might be considered “simple” or lacking in knowledge.
- At Jesus’ first coming, He and His 12 disciples represented the light, bringing the Word of God and understanding. The Pharisees, Sadducees, and many of the Israelites, despite their belief in God, remained in darkness because they rejected Christ.
- We should not be discouraged by persecution but rather view it as a sign of authentically following Jesus. He himself was persecuted, and He warned His followers that they would face the same.
Additional Questions
1. What is the true meaning of the figurative light?
– The Word of Life
– A person with the word of life
2. At first coming, who was the light and who was in darkness? What did they have in common?
– Light = Jesus and his disciples
– Darkness = Pharisees, Sadduccess, Teachers of the law, Israelites who did not accept Jesus
– All are God’s believers
Glossary of Key Terms
- Figurative Light: A symbolic representation of the Word of God, bringing life, understanding, and guidance.
- Darkness: The absence of spiritual light, representing ignorance, a lack of the Word of God, and spiritual death.
- Word of Life: The teachings and revelations of God, particularly as found in Scripture, which illuminate the path to salvation and understanding.
- Sons of Light/Day: Those who have embraced the Word of God and walk in its light, possessing understanding and spiritual awareness.
- Sons of Night/Darkness: Those who lack understanding of God’s Word and remain in spiritual ignorance, often rejecting the truth.
- Spiritual Blindness: A state of being unable to perceive or comprehend spiritual truths, leading to misunderstanding and misinterpretation of God’s Word.
- Unfolding of God’s Words: The revelation and understanding of the true meaning of Scripture, bringing clarity and enlightenment.
- Prophecy: A divinely inspired message or prediction, often concerning future events or revelations, serving as a source of light and guidance.
- Persecution: Hostility or mistreatment faced by believers for their faith, often seen as a sign of authentically following Jesus.
Breakdown
Timeline of Events
This lesson doesn’t present a chronological timeline of events in a historical sense. Instead, it uses biblical events and prophecies to illustrate a spiritual concept: the transition from spiritual darkness to light through understanding God’s word. Here’s a breakdown of the spiritual timeline it presents:
1. Creation (Genesis 1:1-5): God creates light and separates it from darkness, establishing a foundational duality of light representing life and truth and darkness representing ignorance and absence of God’s word.
2. Prophecy of Light (Isaiah 9:1-2): Isaiah prophesies that a great light will emerge from Galilee, bringing hope to those living in spiritual darkness. This prophecy is positioned approximately 700 years before Jesus’s birth.
3. Jesus’s First Coming (Matthew 4:12-17): Jesus, the prophesied Light, begins his ministry in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy. He represents the Word of God made flesh, bringing understanding and enlightenment.
4. Darkness Rejects Light (John 7:40-53, John 9:1-5): Despite Jesus’s miracles and teachings, those in spiritual darkness, including religious leaders like the Pharisees, fail to recognize him as the Light. Their lack of understanding and rejection of truth exemplify the nature of spiritual darkness.
5. Prophecy of Sealed Word (Daniel 12:9-10, Isaiah 29:9-13): Daniel receives a prophecy that God’s word will be sealed until the time of the end, when only the wise will understand. Isaiah also prophesies about spiritual blindness among leaders and people, emphasizing the need for God’s word to be revealed for true understanding.
6. Light in the Present: The lesson challenges students to discern whether the present time is one of spiritual light or darkness and to examine their own understanding of God’s word. It emphasizes the importance of seeking revelation and understanding to become “sons of light” who can walk in truth and guide others.
Cast of Characters
1. God: The ultimate source of light and life. God’s spoken word holds creative power and brings light into existence. He is also the source of the prophecies that reveal His plan and guide humanity toward understanding.
2. Jesus Christ: The embodiment of God’s Word and the fulfillment of Isaiah’s prophecy of the Light. He brought understanding and life through his teachings and miracles, demonstrating the power of God’s word to illuminate spiritual darkness.
3. The Disciples: Followers of Jesus who received the light of his teachings and became lights themselves, spreading the message of truth and salvation to others.
4. Isaiah: An Old Testament prophet who foretold the coming of the Light from Galilee, highlighting the hope and salvation that would emerge from an unexpected place.
5. Daniel: A prophet who received visions and prophecies concerning the end times, including the sealing of God’s word until a time of understanding.
6. Pharisees: Religious leaders during Jesus’s time who represented spiritual darkness. Despite their knowledge of scripture, they failed to recognize Jesus as the Messiah and rejected his teachings, exemplifying the resistance of darkness to light.
7. People of Israel: The lesson uses them to illustrate the potential for spiritual blindness even among those who believe in God. Their rejection of Jesus underscores the need for personal understanding and reception of God’s word to truly walk in light.
8. The students: The instructor directly addresses students challenging them to examine their own spiritual state and to actively seek understanding of God’s word to become a source of light in the world.
Overview
Overview: Figurative Light in Scripture
Main Themes:
- Light vs. Darkness: This lesson explores the biblical symbolism of light and darkness, equating light with the Word of God and understanding, while darkness represents ignorance and a lack of the Word.
- The Word as Light: The Word of God is the ultimate source of light, bringing life and understanding. Jesus Christ, as the Word incarnate, is the embodiment of this light.
- The Importance of Understanding: True faith goes beyond mere belief and requires understanding God’s Word, particularly prophecies and parables.
- Cycles of Light and Darkness: The lesson suggests that history is marked by periods of spiritual light (presence and understanding of God’s Word) and darkness (lack of understanding and rejection of God’s Word).
Key Ideas and Facts:
- Figurative Light and Darkness:
- Light = Word of God = Life = Understanding
- Darkness = Ignorance = Lack of Word = Spiritual Death
- Jesus Christ as the Light:
- John 1:1-5: “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”
- Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of the light coming from Galilee (Isaiah 9:1-2, Matthew 4:12-17).
- John 8:12: “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
- The Importance of Discernment:
- Even believers can be in spiritual darkness if they lack understanding of God’s Word.
- John 9:1-5: Jesus healed the blind man not only physically but also spiritually, emphasizing the importance of understanding.
- Misinterpreting Scripture can lead to darkness, as seen with the Pharisees’ rejection of Jesus.
- The Sealed and Opened Word:
- Isaiah 29:9-13: Prophecy of spiritual blindness among leaders and people.
- Daniel 12:9-10: God’s words are sealed until the time of the end, when the wise will understand.
- Psalms 119:105, 130: God’s Word is a lamp and a light; understanding comes from the unfolding (revelation) of His words.
- Cycles of Light and Darkness:
- Jesus’s first coming brought light, but He prophesied a time of darkness to follow.
- It is crucial to discern the spiritual climate of our time and ensure we are walking in the light.
- Persecution is a sign of true light, as those in darkness will oppose it (John 15:20).
Call to Action:
- Immerse yourself in God’s Word and seek to understand its true meaning.
- Be wary of spiritual blindness and misinterpretations.
- Shine your light boldly despite potential persecution.
- Be prepared for the unfolding of God’s Word and the time of understanding.
Quotes:
- “Light and life are inextricably connected.”
- “The light exposes and challenges the status quo – things hidden in darkness are brought to light.”
- “Those in spiritual darkness will always persecute those in the light.”
- “If I face no persecution, I should worry, because the light will always be persecuted.”
- “The word, when revealed by those who walk in light, becomes the reality for those who are open to receiving it.”
Q&A
Q&A: Secrets of Heaven: Figurative Light
1. What does light represent in a spiritual context?
Light, in a spiritual sense, symbolizes the Word of God which brings life and understanding. This Word isn’t simply the written text of the Bible, but a deep comprehension of its prophecies, parables, and truths. It is through understanding God’s Word that we gain true enlightenment and spiritual life.
2. What is the significance of darkness in the spiritual realm?
Darkness represents the absence of light, signifying a lack of understanding and awareness of God’s Word. It is a state of ignorance and spiritual death, where individuals are unable to perceive or grasp the truths revealed in the scriptures.
3. How does the concept of light and darkness apply to the time of Jesus’ first coming?
During Jesus’ first coming, He represented the prophesied Light as described in Isaiah 9. Jesus possessed the Word of life and illuminated the truths of the Old Testament. His disciples, by receiving His teachings, also became children of light. However, those who rejected Jesus, like the Pharisees and Sadducees, remained in spiritual darkness, despite their belief in God.
4. Did Jesus ever mention a time of darkness to come?
Yes, Jesus stated that while He was in the world, there was light and understanding. However, He also warned that a time of darkness would follow His departure, a period where this understanding would be scarce.
5. Can a person be a believer and still be in darkness?
Yes, it is possible to believe in God and still be in spiritual darkness. This is exemplified by the Pharisees and Sadducees who, despite their religious devotion, failed to recognize and accept Jesus as the Messiah. True light comes from understanding and embracing the Word of God, not simply from outward displays of faith.
6. What does it mean to be a “son of light”?
Being a “son of light” means possessing the Word of God and living in accordance with its teachings. It requires actively seeking understanding, walking in truth, and reflecting God’s light to others. It is a state of spiritual wakefulness and preparedness for Christ’s return.
7. How do we know if we are living in a time of spiritual light or darkness?
Discerning whether we live in a time of spiritual light or darkness requires examining the prevalence of understanding and acceptance of God’s Word. If ignorance of scripture and rejection of truth prevail, it indicates a time of darkness. This awareness prompts us to examine our own spiritual state, asking if we possess the light and are actively seeking understanding.
8. Why is it crucial to understand the concepts of light and darkness?
Understanding the concepts of light and darkness helps us evaluate our own spiritual condition and motivates us to pursue the true light found in God’s Word. It enables us to recognize those who walk in darkness and illuminates the importance of spreading the light by sharing the truth of scripture with others. By grasping these concepts, we become equipped to navigate the spiritual landscape and remain steadfast in our faith.