The concept of "Preserving the Light" in the Bible is deeply rooted in the metaphorical use of light to represent truth, righteousness, and the presence of God. Throughout Scripture, light is a symbol of divine revelation and guidance, contrasting with darkness, which often represents sin, ignorance, and evil.

Biblical Foundation

1. Creation and Light: The Bible begins with the creation narrative, where God commands, "Let there be light," and there was light (Genesis 1:3). This act of creation establishes light as a fundamental element of God's order and goodness.

2. The Light of God: In the Old Testament, God is often associated with light. Psalm 27:1 declares, "The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?" . Here, light signifies God's protection and deliverance.

3. The Light of the Law: The Law given to Moses is described as a light. Psalm 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" . The Law provides moral and spiritual guidance, illuminating the path of righteousness.

4. Messianic Light: The prophets foretold the coming of a great light. Isaiah 9:2 prophesies, "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned" . This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of Jesus Christ.

Jesus Christ as the Light

1. The Light of the World: Jesus explicitly identifies Himself as the light. In John 8:12, He declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life" . Jesus embodies divine truth and offers spiritual illumination to all who follow Him.

2. The Transfiguration: The transfiguration of Jesus is a significant event where His divine nature is revealed through light. Matthew 17:2 describes, "His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light" . This moment underscores His divine glory and authority.

The Role of Believers

1. Reflecting the Light: Believers are called to reflect the light of Christ. In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus instructs, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden... Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven" . Christians are to live in a way that visibly demonstrates the truth and love of God.

2. Children of Light: The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to live as "children of light" in Ephesians 5:8-9, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light, for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth" . This involves a lifestyle that reflects God's character and moral standards.

3. Guarding Against Darkness: Believers are warned to guard against spiritual darkness. In 1 Thessalonians 5:5-6, Paul writes, "You are all sons of the light and sons of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober" . Vigilance and spiritual alertness are necessary to preserve the light within.

Eschatological Light

1. The New Jerusalem: The culmination of God's plan is depicted in Revelation, where the New Jerusalem is illuminated by God's glory. Revelation 21:23 states, "The city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" . This eternal light signifies the ultimate triumph of God's presence and righteousness.

2. Eternal Light: The promise of eternal light is a source of hope for believers. Revelation 22:5 assures, "There will be no more night in the city, and they will have no need for the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will shine on them, and they will reign forever and ever" . This vision of perpetual light reflects the eternal fellowship with God.

In summary, "Preserving the Light" in the biblical context involves embracing and reflecting the divine truth and righteousness revealed through God's Word and the person of Jesus Christ. Believers are called to live as bearers of this light, actively resisting darkness and anticipating the eternal light of God's kingdom.