Darkness, Spiritual

• God's Word enlightens us (Psalm 119: 105)
• The way of the wicked people is darkness (Proverbs 4: 19)
• Jesus brings light to darkened lives (John 1: 5)
• Living without God is living in spiritual darkness (Acts 26: 17-18)
• Christians do not live in spiritual darkness (Ephesians 5: 8)
• God rescued us from eternal darkness (Colossians 1: 13)
• There is no darkness in Jesus (1 John 1: 5)
• Sinners' eternal punishment will be in darkness (Jude 1: 4-13)

God's word enlightens us.  The word of God is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.  When we read scripture, we find the light that we need in the dark places of our lives; things become clear; God's will, plan, and purpose for our lives becomes clear.  We receive guidance from the Holy Spirit.  The way of the wicked people is darkness.  They don't even know what is causing them to stumble in their path.  Many times they find themselves wondering if God even exists; and most of the time they don't even believe in God.  They don't understand why they are here on earth; or what their purpose is.  Jesus brings light to darkened lives.  God is light; and in him is no darkness at all.  It's impossible for a Christian or a believer to be in darkness concerning life with God.  Living without God is living in spiritual darkness.  God saves lives from darkness; and once He prepares them (the souls He saves) He sends them to find others and bring them into the light. He does this to open their eyes, and to turn them from the darkness, and into the light.  He brings them from the power of Satan unto God, so that they may receive forgiveness of their sins, and inheritance from God once they are sanctified by faith through Jesus.  Christians do not live in spiritual darkness.  Before we were saved, we lived in darkness.  But now we are the light in the Lord; we must walk as children of light.  God rescues us from eternal darkness.  He has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son.  We (believers) know that we will one day be in heaven with Jesus in His kingdom; this is His promise of salvation; and our inheritance.  There is no darkness in Jesus.  God is light; in Him there is no darkness at all.  There is no evil in Jesus.  There is only truth, righteousness, love, goodness, faithfulness.  God is good.  He gives us His truth.  If we accept and follow it, we will be saved.  If we do not, we will be condemned.  Sinners' eternal punishment will be in darkness.  I say this because some godless people have wormed their way in among you, saying that God's forgiveness allows us to live immoral lives.  The fate of such people was determined long ago, for they have turned against our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.  I must remind you-and you know it well-that even though the Lord rescued the whole nation of Israel from Egypt, he later destroyed every one of those who did not remain faithful.  And I remind you of the angels who did not stay within the limits of authority God gave them but left the place where they belonged.  God has kept them chained in prisons of darkness, waiting for the day of judgement.  And don't forget the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighboring towns, which were filled with sexual immorality and every kind of sexual perversion.  Those cities were destroyed by fire and are a warning of the eternal fire that will punish all who are evil.  Yet these false teachers, who claim authority from their dreams, live immoral lives, defy authority, and scoff at the power of the glorious ones.  But even Michael, one of the mightiest of the angels, did not dare accuse Satan of blasphemy, but simply said, "The Lord rebuke you."  (this took place when Michael was arguing with Satan about Moses' body).  But these people mock and curse the things they do not understand.  Like animals, they do whatever their instincts tell them, and they bring about their own destruction.  How terrible it will be for them!  For they follow the evil example of Cain, who killed his brother.  Like Balaam, they will do anything for money.  And like Korah, they will perish because of their rebellion.  When these people join you in fellowship meals celebrating the love of the Lord, they are like dangerous reefs that can shipwreck you.  They are shameless in the way they care only about themselves. They are like clouds blowing over dry land without giving rain, promising much but producing nothing.  They are like trees without fruit at harvest time.  They are not only dead but doubly dead, for they have been pulled out by the roots.  They are like wild waves of the sea, churning up the dirty foam of their shameful deeds.  They are wandering stars, heading for everlasting gloom and darkness.  This is God's message to those living in sin and darkness.  For those not willing to repent of it, nor submit to God's dominion or rule.  I hope this is helpful in understanding the meaning of spiritual darkness.  Until next study; be well, and God bless you!