Light

In the Bible, "light" is a profound symbol representing purity, truth, and the presence of God. From the opening verses of Genesis, light is depicted as the first act of creation: "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light" (Genesis 1:3). This divine command underscores light as a fundamental element of the created order, separating day from night and symbolizing the dispelling of chaos and darkness.

Throughout Scripture, light is frequently associated with God's nature and His revelation to humanity. In the Psalms, light is a metaphor for God's guidance and truth: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105). Here, light signifies the clarity and direction provided by God's Word, illuminating the believer's journey through life.

The New Testament further develops the theme of light, particularly in the person of Jesus Christ. In the Gospel of John, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life" (John 8:12). This statement identifies Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God's truth and the source of spiritual illumination for all who believe in Him.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the transformative power of light in the life of a believer. In Ephesians, he writes, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light" (Ephesians 5:8). This passage highlights the moral and ethical implications of living in the light, calling Christians to reflect the character of Christ in their conduct.

Revelation

Revelation in the biblical context refers to the disclosure of divine truth and knowledge to humanity. It encompasses both general revelation, which is available to all people through nature and conscience, and special revelation, which is communicated through Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ.

General revelation is evident in the created world, as articulated in Romans: "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse" (Romans 1:20). This passage suggests that the natural world bears witness to God's existence and attributes, providing a universal testimony to His glory.

Special revelation, on the other hand, is God's specific communication of His will and purpose, primarily through the Bible. The Scriptures are regarded as the inspired Word of God, providing authoritative guidance for faith and practice. As 2 Timothy states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16).

The ultimate expression of special revelation is found in Jesus Christ, who is described as the "Word made flesh" (John 1:14). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus reveals the fullness of God's character and redemptive plan for humanity. The book of Hebrews affirms this by stating, "In the past God spoke to our fathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son" (Hebrews 1:1-2).

Revelation is not merely an intellectual exercise but a call to respond in faith and obedience. The book of Revelation, which concludes the New Testament, offers a prophetic vision of God's ultimate victory over evil and the establishment of His eternal kingdom. It serves as both a warning and a promise, urging believers to remain faithful in anticipation of Christ's return: "Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear and obey what is written in it, because the time is near" (Revelation 1:3).