John 1:7,9 Display Chapter and Footnotes   7 This man came as a witness, to bear witness to the Light, so that all men might believe through it [the Light, Christ].4 [John came to bear witness to the Light, (the Light of the Word), so that all men might believe what the light reveals to be true, obey the light, and thereby be saved — this is to believe in Jesus. From the Word of the Lord within: "Heed the light, which is to assent to truth." Jesus tells us: "believe in the light, that you may become the children of light," John 12:36. This Light had been prophesied to be God's new covenant with salvation to the ends of the earth, to both Jews and Gentiles. Isa 42:6,49:6. The light of life, which God has hidden in the heart, is the mediator of the new covenant; he that would come into the new covenant, must believe the light and obey the light, Christ.] 9 Which is the true Light that enlightens every man who comes into the world.5 [All men have a small measure of the light (Christ) given to them so that they might believe the light's anonymous convictions of their evil ways to be true and eventually be saved; for God would have all men to be saved, and so He gives all men equal opportunity to be saved with sufficient light to guide them. If we persistently heed the light and word in our hearts that reproves us, then we receive more of His spirit, eventually being freed from all sin and seeing Jesus bring us our salvation and eternal life. With a hunger for righteousness we seek God by exposing ourselves to his further commands and teachings by waiting on him in humble silence as we listen and watch.] | John 1:5 Display Chapter and Footnotes   5 The light shines in the darkness; and the darkness did not comprehend it.3 [The light of the Word, Christ, shines in the darkness of men's hearts, but men do not understand that it is Christ, gently and anonymously reasoning with them, attempting to reprove them for their evil ways. Eph 5:13. If men believe what Christ tells them, they believe and love the truth, but if they deny the reasoning, loving their selfish, evil ways, they hate the truth and light, who is Christ. Peter told believers: "we have the more sure prophetic word [the word in your heart]; to which you do well to pay attention, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star [Jesus] rises in your hearts;" 2 Pet 1:19.] |