John 1:9 That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world. I. EVERY MAN COMES INTO THE WORLD WITH A LIGHT IN HIM. Dim in infancy, but ready to be fanned by educational influences; dark in heathenism., but glimmering amongst fogs of superstition. This light reflects — 1. On social obligation. Every man has the sense of right and wrong. 2. On religious worship: the sentiment of a God is universal. 3. On future retribution: reference to a future life of reward and punishment instinctive. That all men have their light is clear — (1) From history. Its rays may be seen in the best heathen, in their sacred books, and even amongst the most degraded tribes. (2) From the Word of God (Romans 1.). It is absurd to deny its existence because it burns dimly under the glass of ignorance, and never throws a false hue on duty and destiny, etc. Any light is better than darkness. A manuscript may contain truth, although part may be torn away. II. THE LIGHT IN EVERY MAN IS FROM CHRIST. This fact — 1. Exalts Christ as the Creator of souls (ver. 2). He puts this inextinguishable light in them. 2. Reveals the responsibility of heathens. They are not in utter darkness. It is amongst them in these elements of truth by living up to which they may be accepted of God. Thus heathen salvation is not independent of Christ. 3. Furnishes an argument for the congruity of Christianity with human nature. Both the natural and the gospel light come from one source in Christ and harmonize with each other. 4. Supplies a motive to extend the light of the gospel Although Christ gave men natural light, He saw their need of a higher light, and became flesh and died to give it. (D. Thomas, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.WEB: The true light that enlightens everyone was coming into the world. |
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