Topical Encyclopedia
The title "True Light" is a profound designation for Jesus Christ, emphasizing His divine nature and His role in illuminating spiritual truth. This title is primarily derived from the Gospel of John, where the apostle presents Jesus as the ultimate source of spiritual enlightenment and life.
Biblical FoundationThe concept of Jesus as the "True Light" is introduced in
John 1:9: "The true Light who gives light to every man was coming into the world." This passage highlights the incarnation of Christ, who, as the True Light, reveals the truth of God to humanity. The use of "true" underscores the authenticity and purity of Christ's light, distinguishing it from any false or lesser lights.
Spiritual IlluminationIn the biblical context, light is often associated with knowledge, purity, and divine presence. Jesus, as the True Light, embodies these qualities perfectly. His light dispels the darkness of sin and ignorance, offering guidance and clarity to those who seek Him.
John 8:12 further affirms this role: "Once again, Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.'"
Contrast with DarknessThe title also serves to contrast the light of Christ with the darkness of the world. In
John 1:5, it is written, "The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." This verse emphasizes the victory of Christ's light over the pervasive darkness of sin and evil. The True Light is not only a source of guidance but also a beacon of hope and redemption.
Universal RevelationThe True Light is not limited to a specific group but is available to all humanity.
John 1:9 states that the True Light "gives light to every man," indicating the universal scope of Christ's revelation. This aligns with the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His followers to spread the Gospel to all nations, ensuring that His light reaches the ends of the earth.
Transformative PowerEncountering the True Light results in transformation. Believers are called to reflect this light in their own lives, as seen in
Matthew 5:14-16, where Jesus tells His disciples, "You are the light of the world." By living in accordance with Christ's teachings, Christians become vessels of His light, illuminating the world around them.
ConclusionThe title "True Light" encapsulates the essence of Christ's mission and His divine nature. As the True Light, Jesus provides spiritual illumination, dispels darkness, and offers salvation to all who believe. His light is a guiding force, leading believers into a deeper understanding of God's truth and empowering them to live as reflections of His glory.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
John 1:9That was the true Light, which lights every man that comes into the world.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
The Names and Titles of Christ. From Several Scriptures.
... 6,6,6,6,8,8 The names and titles of Christ. From several scriptures. ... What gentle
characters,. What titles he assumes! ... Nor will he bear those names in vain. ...
/.../watts/the psalms and hymns of isaac watts/hymn 148 the names and.htm
The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... term employed, but to enquire in what sense Christ is to ... is the Word, we must begin
with those names of which ... as to the concepts for which the titles are used ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm
That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm
On Christ.
... seeing He is called by many different names, according to ... be supposed to be denied
that either Christ or the ... labour to collect together all the titles of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origen de principiis/chapter ii on christ.htm
"My Little Children, These Things Write I unto You, that Ye Sin ...
... Call God what you will, name all his names, styles, and titles, spell all ... Again,
is it written, that the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all sin? ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xxiii my little children.htm
Origen's Commentary on the Gospel of John
... by the Same Method as the Other Titles of Christ. ... 27. Significance of the Names of
John and of His Parents ... The Prophets Bore Witness to Christ and Foretold Many ...
//christianbookshelf.org/origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/
Proof of the Catholic Sense of the Word Son. Power, Word or Reason ...
... but if He be less than the names, yet He ... and of the generation from the Father these
titles are tokens ... And again, There is one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom ...
/.../select works and letters or athanasius/chapter iv proof of the catholic.htm
(On the Mysteries. Ii. )
... but while there are spoken over us the Names of the ... adoption, but only to the fellowship
of Christ's Passion, and ... though it is not found in the titles of the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xx on the mysteries.htm
The Fourth Theological Oration, which is the Second Concerning the ...
... They are the titles of the Son. ... all and above all keep to this, and thou shalt never
err, either in the loftier or the lowlier names; Jesus Christ is the ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xxx the fourth theological.htm
"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ...
... Certainly that word Jehovah holds forth more to angels than all the inculcated names
and titles of God to us ... "How long shall I be with you?" saith Christ. ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii he is the.htm
Resources
What are the different names and titles of the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the names and titles of the Holy Spirit? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the different names and titles of Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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