Continuing, Jesus tells us in John 3:18-20 “He who believes in Him [Jesus Christ] is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone practicing evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed.” Romans 1:21 explains, “Although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.” Bible commentator Matthew Henry points out that the darkness of pride, ignorance, sin and unbelief overpowered and quite eclipsed this light; the light shone; but such was the darkness of their understandings and rebellion that they could not see it.
The Prophet John the Baptist was a man sent of God to bear witness to the Light; he was God’s messenger, for the testimony of Christ is the testimony of God. Christ’s light does not need man’s testimony, but the world’s darkness does. He was sent of God to tell the world that the long-looked-for Messiah has now come, and to proclaim that dispensation at hand which would brings life and immortality to light. In John 1:29 John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" The design and purpose of his testimony was that all people through him might believe; not in him, but in Christ, whose way he was sent to prepare; through the doctrine of repentance for sin to that of saving faith in Christ, His lessons on life and his gospel of Salvation, by awakening them to a sight and sense of sin.
Matthew Henry goes on to say that John the Baptist was not that Light that was expected and promised, but only was sent to bear witness of that great and ruling Light of the Messiah - Jesus Christ. He was a star that pointed the way, like that which guided the wise men to Christ; a light but he was not the Sun. He was great as the prophet of the Highest, but not the Highest himself. Note, We must take heed of over-valuing ministers, as well as of under-valuing them; they are not our lords, nor have they dominion over our faith, but teachers and ministers by whom we receive teaching and counsel, stewards of our Lord’s house; they are not that light; but we must attend to and receive their testimony; for they are called and sent to bear witness of that Light; so then let us esteem them, and not otherwise.
The commentator concludes that having shown in the beginning verses of the chapter the glories of his Godhead, the Apostle John here in John 1:9 comes to show the graces of Christ's incarnation, and his favors to mankind as Mediator. Christ was the true Light. The true light; those rays of His light with which this dark world of ours is enlightened. But how does Christ enlighten every man and woman that comes into the world? (1) He enlightens every Believer with the light of reason; that life which is the light of mankind is from. (2) By the publication of His gospel to every nation and language, he does in effect enlighten every man and woman. John Baptist was a light, but Christ is the true Light, for he is the light to enlighten the Sinner unto salvation. Divine revelation is to be diffused and spread to all people. (3) By the operation of his Spirit and grace, he enlightens all those that are enlightened unto the Way, the Truth and the Life; and those that are not enlightened by him the wages of sin to perish in outer darkness. The light of the knowledge of the glory of God is in the face of the true Light Jesus Christ. Whatever light any man or woman has, they is indebted to Christ for it, whether it be natural or supernatural.
In Christ, Brian
No comments:
Post a Comment