Topical Bible: Darkness: A Course of Sin

◄ Darkness: A Course of Sin ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, darkness is often used metaphorically to represent sin, evil, and separation from God. This symbolism is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, where darkness contrasts with light, which signifies God's presence, truth, and righteousness.

Old Testament Context

The concept of darkness as a representation of sin is evident from the earliest parts of the Bible. In Genesis 1:2, before God created light, "darkness was over the surface of the deep." This primordial darkness is not inherently sinful but sets the stage for the divine act of creation, where God brings order and light. However, as the biblical narrative unfolds, darkness increasingly symbolizes the absence of God's order and presence.

In the prophetic literature, darkness is frequently associated with judgment and the consequences of sin. Isaiah 5:20 warns, "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness." Here, darkness is equated with moral confusion and the perversion of God's truth. Similarly, in Amos 5:18-20, the "day of the LORD" is described as a day of darkness, a time of divine judgment upon the sinful.

New Testament Context

The New Testament continues to use darkness as a metaphor for sin and separation from God. In John 3:19-20, Jesus explains, "This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the light because their deeds were evil. Everyone who does evil hates the light, and does not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed." Here, darkness represents the willful rejection of Christ, who is the Light of the World (John 8:12).

The Apostle Paul frequently contrasts light and darkness to describe the transformation that occurs in the life of a believer. In Ephesians 5:8, he writes, "For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light." This passage highlights the radical change from a life characterized by sin (darkness) to one that reflects God's righteousness (light).

Spiritual Warfare and Darkness

Darkness is also associated with spiritual warfare and the forces of evil. In Ephesians 6:12, Paul reminds believers that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world's darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." This passage underscores the reality of spiritual darkness as an active force opposing God's kingdom.

Deliverance from Darkness

The Bible offers hope and deliverance from the course of sin and darkness through Jesus Christ. Colossians 1:13-14 declares, "He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins." This deliverance is a central theme of the gospel, emphasizing that through faith in Christ, believers are transferred from darkness to light.

Practical Implications

For Christians, the call to live in the light involves rejecting the deeds of darkness. Romans 13:12 exhorts, "The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light." This call to action is a reminder of the ongoing battle against sin and the importance of living a life that reflects the holiness and purity of God.

In summary, darkness in the Bible is a powerful symbol of sin, moral confusion, and spiritual opposition to God. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of turning away from God's truth and the transformative power of Christ's light in overcoming the course of sin.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Proverbs 2:13
Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Ephesians 5:11
And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Light and Darkness
... CHAPTER XLI LIGHT AND DARKNESS. ... to come." And at last the knight confessed his sin,
and gave ... Nicholas that he would write down rules for their future course. ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xli light and darkness.htm

Unfruitful Works of Darkness
... 'Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness.'. ... Well, of course, there
is only one way of abstaining ... convince (or convict) the world of sin.' And it ...
/.../expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/unfruitful works of darkness.htm

The Cross the victory and Defeat of Darkness
... that the Cross is the high-water mark of man's sin. 'This is the power of
darkness'"the specimen ... Of course I take for granted the belief that Jesus Christ ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture e/the cross the victory and.htm

Sin a Power in Reversed Action.
... has only to dispel the soul's darkness, and its ... from all that is evil, proves sin's
positive character ... our nature has become corrupt, which of course refers us ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xiii sin a power in.htm

"If we Say that we have Fellowship with Him, and Walk in Darkness ...
... the lie to the other, the course of a man's life, in ignorance, negligence, and
sin, proclaiming contrary ... Sun of righteousness and yet darkness of ignorance ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xiii if we say.htm

1 John i. 6, 7
... fellowship with God, if their course of life were a walking in the light free from
darkness of every kind, and unstained by any farther act of sin, then John ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john i 6 7.htm

"And if any Man Sin, we have an Advocate with the Father,",
... in the very ordinary and natural course and connection of things, but that sin,
that way indulged, will eclipse thy soul, and bring some darkness of sorrow and ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiv and if any.htm

A Doomed People
... day made themselves responsible by following the same course. ... of Christ,the reprover
of sin, meets with ... They choose darkness rather than light, but they do it ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 64 a doomed people.htm

The Last Words of the Old and New Testaments
... as a rule, the course through which the soul passes from darkness into light is
the course which divine revelation took: first, the unveiling of sin and its ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture a/the last words of the.htm

The Sin against the Holy Ghost.
... Of course, he that broods and mutters about his sin ... The sin against the Holy Spirit
can be committed only by ... of the Lord, turn the light into darkness and deem ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxvii the sin against the.htm