LIGHT FOR EVERY MAN

LIGHT FOR EVERY MAN

“That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.” (John 1:9)

The Bible clearly teaches that faith in the person and saving work of Jesus Christ is essential for salvation. Jesus Himself said, “I am the way, the truth and the life, no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

This means that there is no salvation whatsoever in Islam, Buddhism, evolutionary humanism, or anything other than faith in Christ!

I often thought of the many people that God has “Put in my path”, many that I was given a chance to witness to and failed to do so. Are these people’s blood on my hands? But what about the millions over the ages who have lived and died without ever hearing about Christ? Paul answers, “But I say, have they not heard? Yes verily, their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world” (Romans 10:18). That is, they have heard! Our text reminds us that Jesus Christ is the true Light that has been sent to every man in the world. Paul was referring to the familiar Psalm 19, which reminds us that God’s glory is declared by the heavens themselves.

Paul also stressed that even God’s “eternal power and Godhead” are “clearly seen” “from the creation of the world,” so that those who don’t see are “without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Thus, as Peter said, “in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him” (Acts 10:35). Although Christ has provided at least some light for “every man,” the tragedy is that “men loved darkness rather than light” (John 3:19). But for those like Cornelius the Centurian (to whom Peter was sent with the gospel—Acts 10) who act on whatever light they have (in nature or conscience or any possible remnants of primeval truth in their native religion), God will send more light, for “he that doeth truth cometh to the light” (John 3:21).
 
 We sometimes forget that we are not alone in this wicked world but are “BACKED UP” by God the Father, Christ the Son and THE HOLY SPIRIT who gives us the POWER to do God’s Will. For an example look at (Acts 1:8) where Christ tells us to “WAIT” on the Holy Spirit, for truly we derive our power through His power, not ours. We find few sermons preached on the Holy Spirit and His power and influence in our lives. The Greek word there in Acts 1:8 is “Paraclete” which means one alongside or an enabler or helper.
  
I as a teacher have learned in today’s generation that we are “Headline Readers” and want quick answers and responses, we even take our cellphones to the restroom and the young adults have their faces buried in their cellphone and tablet screens. It is a constant companion of instant gratification and response. “Sometimes we need to STOP and smell the ROSES”! SELAH! (Meditate on this)
 
 
 
In Christ, Roger Hanna Sr.