Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, darkness often symbolizes the presence and influence of evil, particularly associated with Satan, the adversary of God and His people. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the contrast between the kingdom of darkness and the kingdom of light.Old Testament Foundations The concept of darkness as a representation of evil and chaos is introduced early in the Bible. In Genesis 1:2, the earth is described as "formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep." This primordial darkness is dispelled by God's command, "Let there be light" (Genesis 1:3), symbolizing the divine order overcoming chaos. Throughout the Old Testament, darkness is frequently associated with judgment and the absence of God's presence. In Exodus 10:21-23, one of the plagues upon Egypt is described as a "darkness that can be felt," a tangible manifestation of God's judgment against Pharaoh. Similarly, in Isaiah 5:20, the prophet warns against those who "call evil good and good evil, who substitute darkness for light and light for darkness." New Testament Revelation The New Testament further develops the theme of darkness as the domain of Satan. In the Gospels, Jesus is portrayed as the "light of the world" (John 8:12), who comes to dispel the darkness of sin and death. The apostle John writes, "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5), emphasizing the victory of Christ over the powers of darkness. The apostle Paul frequently contrasts light and darkness to describe the spiritual battle between good and evil. In Ephesians 6:12, he writes, "For 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" . Here, darkness is explicitly linked to the spiritual forces under Satan's control. Paul also exhorts believers to live as "children of light" (Ephesians 5:8), having been delivered from the "dominion of darkness" and brought into the kingdom of Christ (Colossians 1:13). This transformation underscores the believer's call to reject the works of darkness and embrace the light of the Gospel. Satan's Dominion Satan, as the prince of darkness, is depicted as the ruler of this present age, blinding the minds of unbelievers to prevent them from seeing the light of the Gospel (2 Corinthians 4:4). His power is characterized by deception, temptation, and the propagation of sin, all of which are described as works of darkness. In the eschatological vision of Revelation, the ultimate defeat of Satan and his kingdom is portrayed as the eradication of darkness. Revelation 21:23-25 describes the New Jerusalem, where "the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" . In this eternal state, darkness is banished, and the power of Satan is finally and completely overcome. Practical Implications for Believers Believers are called to be vigilant against the encroachment of darkness in their lives. The apostle Peter warns, "Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Christians are encouraged to "put on the armor of light" (Romans 13:12) and to "walk in the light, as He is in the light" (1 John 1:7), maintaining fellowship with God and one another. The power of Satan, though formidable, is ultimately subject to the sovereignty of God. Believers are assured of victory through Christ, who has "disarmed the rulers and authorities" and "made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross" (Colossians 2:15). This victory empowers Christians to resist the darkness and live in the light of God's truth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Ephesians 6:12For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 1:13 Library The Doctrine of Satan. Enmity Between Man and Satan. Enmity Between Man and Satan An Era of Spiritual Darkness The Gethsemane Prayer Agency of Evil Spirits. Agency of Evil Spirits And when all were in Such Joy, came Satan the Heir of Darkness... Who are My Brethren? Faith in Christ Resources What time was Jesus crucified? What time did Jesus die on the cross? | GotQuestions.orgWhy is a day measured from evening to morning in Genesis 1? | GotQuestions.org How could there be light on the first day of Creation if the sun was not created until the fourth day? | 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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