He
that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of
life. John 8:12.
The
Lord Jesus took upon Him the form of sinful man, clothing His divinity with
humanity. But He was holy, even as God is holy. If He had not been without
spot or stain of sin, He could not have been the Saviour of mankind. He was
a Sinbearer, needing no atonement. One with God in purity and holiness of
character, He could make a propitiation for the sins of the whole world.
Christ is the light of the world. Through Him light is shining amid the moral
darkness. If He were not light, the darkness would not be apparent, because
light reveals darkness. The clearer the light, the more manifest the contrast
between light and darkness. Let the light be removed, and there is nought
but darkness.
Christ has declared our position. “He that followeth me shall not walk
in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). He is Himself
the bright and morning Star. He is the Sun of Righteousness, the brightness
of His Father’s glory. He is the “true Light, which lighteth every
man that cometh into the world” (chap. 1:9). A Physician, a Healer,
He came to restore the moral image of God that was lost by transgression.
When Christ abides in the soul by faith, He makes the one who loves Him all
light in the Lord. It is true that many who say they believe the truth have
only a nominal faith. They are not doers of the Word. They profess to believe,
but their profession will not convert them. . . .
When Christ dwells in the heart, His presence is apparent. Good and pleasant
words and actions reveal the Spirit of Christ. Sweetness of temper is manifested.
There is no angry passion, no obstinacy, no evil-surmising. There is no hatred
in the heart, because . . ideas and methods . . . are not accepted and appreciated
by others. . . .
When the truth controls the life, there is purity and freedom from sin. The
glory, the fullness, the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the
life. The light of truth irradiates the soul temple. The understanding takes
hold of Christ.
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