Christ is the Light of the World

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Christ is the light of the world. Pure, clear, and undimmed this light shines out in sharp contrast with Satan’s darkness. Into the gloom of error and deception it casts a light that is a perpetual reproach to the sensuality and sin of the world. Our Redeemer did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth. He is «the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.» He offers to cover our unworthiness with the spotless robe of his righteousness.

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Satan charged God with possessing the attributes that he himself possessed. Christ came to this world to reveal God’s character as it really is. He is the perfect representation of the Father. His life of sinlessness, lived on this earth in human nature, is a complete refutation of Satan’s charge against the character of God.

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Thousands of years before, Christ had shown to Moses the character of the Father, passing before him and proclaiming, «The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty.» «Thou shalt worship no other god: for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.»

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With intense interest the loyal angels and the inhabitants of the unfallen worlds are watching the controversy going on on this earth. Soon the conflict will be forever ended. Soon Christ will come to take to himself those who have fought the good fight of faith.

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The world is enshrouded in the darkness of error. Satan and his angels are urging on their warfare against the truth. We must have help. But the help we need will not come from human beings. We must look to him who has said, «All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.» «These signs shall follow them that believe; in my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.» «And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.»

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Claim this promise. There stands among you the Mighty Counsellor of the ages, inviting you to place your confidence in him. Shall we turn from him to uncertain human beings, who are as wholly dependent on God as we ourselves are? Have we not fallen far below our privilege? Have we not been guilty of expecting so little that we have not asked for what God is longing to give?

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In a variety of figures, matters have been presented to me regarding the church members who are dwarfed in spirituality, because they do not look to Jesus, their ever-present help in time of trouble. I see men bearing a heavy burden of responsibility, but they are not gaining the strength of hope and courage by exercising faith in God. The promise is, «Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.» But when in trouble they think that they must write to their earthly friends, telling them their perplexities, and begging for help. Under trying circumstances, unbelief comes in, and the way seems dark. And all the time Jesus, the great burden-bearer, stands beside them saying, «Come unto me, and I will give you the rest for which you are longing.» Why will we turn from him?

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Let us show more confidence in our Redeemer. Turn not from the waters of Lebanon to seek refreshment at broken cisterns, which can hold no water. Have faith in God. Praise him with heart and voice. God demands heart and life service. Reach higher and still higher, and catch divine rays from him who is light and peace and joy and gladness. Do not wait for some one more ready of speech, but do what you can in the meekness of the Great Master, who gave his life for you, that his joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. —