In the Word of God, light is used to represent good and darkness is used to represent evil. As we have already seen, dealing with the spirits is not according to the Word of God and is therefore wrong. They are actually demons and are evil beings and belong to darkness. But the question may be asked, "How serious is it really for the Christian to be involved with things that are wrong and of darkness?" In order to answer this question, we will look at how Scripture views light and darkness and the relationship between them.
First of all, we find out that God's very nature is light from 1 John 1:55This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5) where it says, "God is light, and in him is no darkness at all." From this verse we see that there is an absolute separation of these two things and a complete absence of darkness (or evil) in the nature of God. This character of his nature is so important that His first act of creation, on the first day, was to say, "Let there be light" (Gen. 1:33And God said, Let there be light: and there was light. (Genesis 1:3)). What God did next is not only remarkable, but also vital as a lesson for all believers to pay careful attention to. It says in Gen. 1:44And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness. (Genesis 1:4), "And God saw the light, that it was good: and God divided the light from the darkness." This was his very first act with respect to this creation he introduced light and then immediately separated the light from the darkness! Satan and man have been trying to mix and confuse the two ever since, but they are forever separated by God. Notice what the Lord says about those who mix light and darkness in Isa. 5:2020Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20): "Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!" Here we have the same connection: good light, darkness evil. And the Lord says "Woe unto them" that mix these things.
Just like physical light was introduced into the world at the creation, moral light was introduced into the world when the Lord Jesus was born on this earth. It says of Him in John 1:1-91In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2The same was in the beginning with God. 3All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4In him was life; and the life was the light of men. 5And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not. 6There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world. (John 1:1‑9) that he was "the light of men." As the light, we learn that, "the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not." The Lord Jesus was the perfect example and witness of all that was right and good in this world, but the world system was left unchanged by that shining light. And the world, being in darkness and headed up by its prince, Satan, refused the light and determined to extinguish it. In the purposes of God, He allowed them to have their way and so the Lord Jesus was delivered into their hands. He said the following words in Luke 22:5353When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. (Luke 22:53): "When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness." And so, at the cross of Calvary, they raised their wicked hands against the Lord Jesus Christ and did their very worst to Him. We also learn that, in three hours of darkness, God punished Him for our sins there. Now, we are told that because he was delivered into that darkness, God has now "delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son" (Col. 1:1313Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: (Colossians 1:13)).
But what is this power of darkness from which we have been delivered? We have already seen it as the world system that is headed up by its leader, Satan and is opposed to Christ. Of Satan, it says in 2 Cor. 4:44In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4), "the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." So we see that Satan is active in the world, blinding the minds to keep men in darkness and shut out the light of the gospel. And men are quite willing that it should be so, for it says in John 3:19-2119And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21But 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), "And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." And so men go on willingly in this darkness, enjoying their evil deeds, and quite indifferent to the fact that they are bound under the power of Satan. When we are saved, we find out what it is that we have been delivered from. It says in Acts 26:1818To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. (Acts 26:18), that we have been turned "from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God." In Eph. 5:88For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (Ephesians 5:8) we are told, "For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light." And, just as our Lord was the light of the world, now he says, "Ye are the light of the world" and "Let your light so shine before men" (Matt. 5:14-1614Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. 15Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. 16Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. (Matthew 5:14‑16)).
The original source of light in the believer is the Word of God. As we saw in 2 Cor. 4:44In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. (2 Corinthians 4:4), it was the shining in of the glorious gospel of Christ that brought in that light. Just like God said, "Let there be light" at the creation of the world, so he begins the new birth with the light of the gospel. The continuing source of our light is also the Word of God, for it says in Psa. 119:130130The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. (Psalm 119:130) "The entrance of thy words giveth light."
Letting our lights shine includes the fact that we are to have nothing whatsoever to do with the darkness. Just like physical light completely dispels and chases away the darkness wherever it shines, so the moral light that Christians are to shine around them is to dispel the moral darkness. In Eph. 5:1111And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. (Ephesians 5:11) we are told, "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them."
Now, let us look at what the scriptures have further to say regarding the believer and his relationship with light and darkness. Perhaps the strongest denunciation of the mixture of these two things is stated in 2 Corinthians. The whole passage is given below:
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? And what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? Or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? For ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean-thing; and I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Cor. 6:14-7:114Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? 15And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? 16And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. 17Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, 18And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. 1Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. (2 Corinthians 6:14‑7:1))
Again, we see the connection drawn between righteousness, light and Christ. By contrast, the connection is also drawn between unrighteousness, darkness and Belial (Satan). These things are set in opposition to each other in the strongest terms, "what fellowship... what communion... what agreement?" There is none whatsoever! And so it says, "Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing." Do we get the idea about how very important this is?
What is the promise immediately following? He says, "I will receive you, and will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty." Do you have a living, daily relationship with God as your Father One who cares for you and is involved in every circumstance of your life? If you are involved with the spirits, use charms, have roots or other objects buried around your house for protection, go to the witch doctor, or are involved in any of the works of darkness you cannot enjoy this relationship with him. God is the Father of all who believe (John 1:1212But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: (John 1:12)), but it is impossible to enjoy this relationship with Him unless we are separate from the darkness, for His nature is light and in Him is no darkness at all.
Notice too that he is referred to as the "Lord Almighty." Many go on with the works of darkness out of fear, but our Father who longs to walk with us in such a living near relationship, is the "Almighty." There is no need for fear and faith rises above it to trust Him. We will address this important subject in greater detail in the next chapter.
Now, look at the final verse; "Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." Again, our responsibility is brought in. We are told to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh. We know well what this is lying, stealing, dishonesty, etc. But what is filthiness of the spirit? It certainly includes all of the works of darkness in the spiritual world those things that we have been talking about in this paper. This verse is only in the Word of God because believers have difficulties in separating from these things. But, this issue is put so strongly because it is absolutely necessary for us to be cleansed from these things and perfect holiness in the fear of God.
In Matt. 6:22-2422The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. 23But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! 24No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (Matthew 6:22‑24) the Lord Jesus tells us about how spiritual light (wisdom and understanding) comes into the body through the spiritual eye that is single. He is referring to the eye that is on Christ alone and does not look to Christ and something else that is referred to as an "evil eye." If we have an eye that is evil (divided), He says that the whole body will be full of darkness (no spiritual understanding), and that darkness is great! He goes on to say that, "No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon." You cannot serve God and anything else for that matter. You cannot serve God and Satan. You cannot serve God and the spirits! These things can never be!
As a final warning on this subject of light and darkness, let us consider a passage from Jer. 13:15-1715Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the Lord hath spoken. 16Give glory to the Lord your God, before he cause darkness, and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains, and, while ye look for light, he turn it into the shadow of death, and make it gross darkness. 17But if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears, because the Lord's flock is carried away captive. (Jeremiah 13:15‑17). In the governmental ways of God, He gives time for repentance, but there may come a time when, if a person refused to listen, that He causes darkness. And, so He says, "Hear ye, and give ear; be not proud: for the LORD hath spoken." But how does He feel if we do not listen to Him? Is he outraged? No He is grieved for He loves his people. He says, "if ye will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride; and mine eye shall weep sore, and run down with tears." And what is the reason given for this? It says at the end of verse 17, "because the LORD'S flock is carried away captive." How true this is with believers who are responding to spirits and involved in the works of darkness. They are captive held captive by fear to Satan and the world. How very sad, for Jesus died to deliver us from that. Let us look more at this subject of fear and faith in the next chapter.
Summary: At the very beginning, God who is Light divided the light from the darkness. Satan and man have been trying to mix the two ever since, but this is an abomination to God. The believer is to have nothing to do with darkness.