Topical Encyclopedia In the Bible, "darkness" is a multifaceted concept that appears in various contexts, symbolizing both physical absence of light and spiritual or moral evil. It is often contrasted with light, which represents God's presence, truth, and righteousness.Creation and Physical Darkness The concept of darkness is introduced in the creation narrative. Genesis 1:2 states, "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." Here, darkness precedes the creation of light, indicating a state of incompleteness and chaos that God transforms into order and beauty. Spiritual and Moral Darkness Darkness frequently symbolizes spiritual blindness and moral corruption. In John 3:19 , Jesus explains, "And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil." This passage highlights the human tendency to reject divine truth in favor of sinful practices. Judgment and Darkness Darkness is also associated with divine judgment. In Exodus 10:21-23 , one of the plagues upon Egypt was a palpable darkness: "Then the LORD said to Moses, 'Stretch out your hand toward the sky so that darkness spreads over the land of Egypt—a darkness that can be felt.' So Moses stretched out his hand toward the sky, and total darkness covered all Egypt for three days." This darkness served as a sign of God's power and judgment against Pharaoh's hardened heart. Darkness and the Cross The crucifixion of Jesus is marked by a supernatural darkness. Matthew 27:45 records, "From the sixth hour until the ninth hour darkness came over all the land." This event signifies the weight of sin and the separation from God that Jesus bore on behalf of humanity. Deliverance from Darkness The New Testament frequently speaks of deliverance from darkness through Christ. Colossians 1:13 declares, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son." This deliverance is a central theme of the Gospel, emphasizing the transformative power of Christ's redemption. Eternal Darkness Eternal darkness is depicted as the ultimate fate for those who reject God. Jude 1:13 describes false teachers as "wild waves of the sea, foaming up their own shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever." This imagery underscores the severity of eternal separation from God. Light and Darkness in Believers' Lives Believers are called to live as children of light, rejecting the deeds of darkness. Ephesians 5:8 exhorts, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." This call to holiness reflects the transformative impact of the Gospel on a believer's life. In summary, darkness in the Bible serves as a powerful symbol of chaos, judgment, sin, and separation from God, while also highlighting the hope and redemption found in Christ, who is the Light of the world. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 19:16And it came to pass on the third day in the morning, that there were thunders and lightning, and a thick cloud on the mount, and the voice of the trumpet exceeding loud; so that all the people that was in the camp trembled. Nave's Topical Index 2 Samuel 22:10-12 1 Kings 8:12 2 Chronicles 6:1 Psalm 18:11 Psalm 97:2 Hebrews 12:18 Library On the Free Will of Man and Its Powers The Powers of Darkness How the Valentinians Pervert the Scriptures to Support their Own ... The Signs of the Redeemer's Return They Ask Also, "Whether Sins are Remitted in Baptism in the Party ... Why the Son Chiefly is Intimated in the Scriptures by the Name of ... Note to the Following Treatise 1. The Following Letter Whosoever Confesses that one God is the Author of Both Testaments ... Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... writings in connection with the Manich??an controversy Resources What is spiritual darkness? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the outer darkness in Matthew 22:13? | GotQuestions.org Will the sun really be turned to darkness and the moon to blood (Joel 2:31)? | GotQuestions.org Darkness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Darkness of Spiritual Blindness Darkness the Following Scriptures Darkness: Abstruse and Deep Subjects Darkness: Called the Swaddling Band of the Sea Darkness: Cannot Hide Us from God Darkness: Caused by the Setting of the Sun Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Great Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Gross Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Outer or Extreme Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: That May be Felt Darkness: Degrees of, Mentioned: Thick Darkness: Effects of Causes Us to Go Astray Darkness: Effects of Causes Us to Stumble Darkness: Effects of Keeps Us from Seeing Objects Darkness: Exhibits God's Power and Greatness Darkness: Greatness and Unsearchableness of God Darkness: Inexplicable Nature of Darkness: Miraculous: At Mount Sinai Darkness: Miraculous: At the Crucifixion Darkness: Miraculous: At the Death of Christ Darkness: Miraculous: Before the Destruction of Jerusalem Darkness: Miraculous: On Mount Sinai Darkness: Miraculous: Over the Land of Egypt Darkness: Originally Covered the Earth Darkness: Over the Face of the Earth Darkness: Separated from the Light Darkness: The Punishment of Devils and Wicked Men Darkness: The Wicked are Full of Darkness: The Wicked: Perpetuate Their Designs In Darkness: The Wicked: The Children of Related Terms |
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