Light and darkness are contrasted a number of times in the word of God, as are those who follow each. It is a contrast rather than a comparison, because there is no likeness of the two. One is opposed to the other, and the one loving one also hates the other. The person who loves truth hates darkness (error). "Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way" (Psalm 119:104); and the one who loves darkness hates light, "For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light . . ." (John 3:20).

Jesus had somewhat to say about this throughout His earthly ministry. He made it very plain in regard to those who loved the truth (or light), as well as those who loved error (or darkness) when He said, "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For everyone that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God" (John 3:19-21). From this we can plainly see why some love darkness, and refuse to come to the light. Those who do evil, who walk in darkness, and engage in that which is not the truth, love the cover of darkness, and refuse to come to the light.

When one refuses, or even is reluctant to come to the light, to have the light of God's word turned upon him and his teaching, it is evident that he is afraid of reproof, and fears (or knows) that his teaching will not stand the test. On the other hand, that person who loves the truth above all else, and wants nothing else, cometh to the light, for he has nothing to fear. For even if he is wrong, he needs, and wants, to know it; whereas when he is right everyone needs to know it. Thus, he cometh to the light, and does so continually that he continue to be right.

The conclusion then must be this: Those who refuse to come to the light, are not willing to defend publicly their actions and teaching, well know that they cannot stand the light of God's word lest they be reproved. This should be cause enough for those who find themselves among such, to come out from among them - to come to the light come to that which does not fear investigation, and stand upon the truth, and stand for it!

Truth prospers when it "cometh to the light"; error does not, and thus must remain in darkness, under cover, and be kept quiet. Which do you love: light or darkness? Will your teaching and practice stand the light of God's word? Are you willing to come to the light, and allow your works to be made manifest? "But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light" (Eph. 5:13).

Could this be why some brethren attend Bible classes so rarely where the word of God is taught and stressed? Could it be that they do not want to see themselves as they really are, and as they appear in the sight of God? If so, such should remember that sometime it will be too late to come to the light and make amends for that which is lacking in their lives!

"They are of those that rebel against the light; they know not the ways thereof, nor abide in the paths thereof" (Job 24:13).

Truth Magazine XXIV: 35, p. 562
September 4, 1980