True Enlightenment

The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world. John 1:9

A man asked me about this two weeks ago: How can God judge a Muslim who has never heard of Jesus? John answers that question, at least in part, here in this verse.

There is a direct relationship between accountability and revelation. We cannot be accountable for what we have not been shown. If there were no revelation of God in the world, we certainly would not be accountable to him.

When Jesus entered the world, a new, final and higher level of understanding of God was given to men. What we had previously not known about God became clear and apparent in the life, words and ministry of Jesus. As John 1:18 states, Jesus explained God to us.

And, with that explanation came accountability.

John described Jesus as the true light. Jesus is the real deal. He is not one of the many imitation lights that claim to have a new and updated angle on God. Jesus is authentic light. The one, true God-light.

The appearance of Jesus on earth forever changed the stakes in the eternal game. No longer can men claim ignorance or lack of revelation. The arrival of Jesus brought a new level of accountability to mankind. It’s not that we haven’t been shown. Jesus, by his appearing, awakened the heart of every person to the truth of God.

Now I know what some of you are thinking: How did Jesus enlighten all people? What about those who have never heard of him?

The arrival of Jesus on earth set some things into motion that help every person on earth have the chance to know him. The first is the ministry of the Holy Spirit. He is constantly wooing all people to the truth that there is a God who loves them. That’s why Paul told the Athenians that while God previously overlooked ignorance of him, he was now calling all men to repent (See Acts 17:30-31).

What changed? Jesus sent his Spirit.

Beyond that, Jesus enlightens all men through the ministry of his Church, through the teaching of his Word, through the lives and testimonies of those who follow him and, of course, through the beautiful and ongoing revelation of God through nature.

You and I are accountable to God because Jesus came into the world. We have no argument for ignorance. But this is not bad news, not at all. For with accountability comes the possibility of relationship. Jesus’ revelation of God not only exposed us to God’s reality, but also to his love.

Jesus made it possible for all to know and relate to God. And that, dear friends, is the best news you’ll ever hear.

 

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