God is light – What does that mean?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Scripture uses light to symbolize truth, holiness, and life. When John said, “God is light” (1 John 1:5), he declared that God is utterly holy and morally flawless. Light reveals what is hidden and exposes what is false. Similarly, God’s character and Word exposes sin while guiding us towards righteousness (Psalm 119:105).

From the very beginning, God was the source of light—both physical and spiritual (Genesis 1:3). Jesus also was light, declaring, “I am the Light of the world” (John 8:12). As fully God, He alone brings the true knowledge of God and illuminates the path to eternal life. Those who walk in His light will not remain in darkness (John 12:46), but those who reject Him remain blind (2 Corinthians 4:4).

As a metaphor for righteousness, Scripture often contrasts “light” with “darkness” to show the distinction between godliness and sinfulness. Believers are called “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8) and commanded to “walk in the light as He Himself is in the light” (1 John 1:7). Therefore, to truly know and follow God is to love what is good, true, and holy.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• Light originates from God as His first act in creation. In Genesis 1, we read, “Then God said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). Day one of creation was before the creation of any light sources (which came on day four), showing that God, Himself, is the source of Light.
• Several Psalms present God and His word as metaphorically “light” (Psalm 18:28, 27:1, 119:105).
• Isaiah prophesied that the coming Servant of the LORD would be “a light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6), pointing toward the Messiah who brings truth and salvation to a dark world.
• In another prophecy, Isaiah recorded that there will be a time in the future when “No longer will you have the sun for light by day, nor for brightness will the moon give you light; but you will have the LORD for an everlasting light, and your God for your glory” (Isaiah 60:19). There will be a time when all light will come from God. Just like the Genesis 1:3 passage showed, God is the ultimate source of light.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The phrase, “God is light” comes from 1 John 1:5, which says, “God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.” In context, this refers to His moral perfection.
• In the subsequent verses, John writes, “If we say that we have fellowship with Him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth; but if we walk in the Light as He Himself is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:6-7-7). Being “in the light” is practicing truth which results in us having correct fellowship with God and other believers. So, God being light means that He is the definition of truth, that is, moral perfection.
• Jesus was also referred to as light. John 1:5 said that “the Light (Jesus) shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” The darkness (the world) could not understand Jesus because He is light. Being morally perfect caused the sinful world to be revolted (John 3:19-20).
• Jesus also called Himself the Light, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness but will have the Light of life” (John 8:12). To follow Jesus is to leave behind sin and error and walk in obedience to God.
• Paul describes salvation as a transition “from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God” (Acts 26:18). Conversion is not just moral improvement but a radical change in spiritual condition such that we no longer belong to Satan but to the God who is light.
• Because we have been changed, Christians are to “walk as children of Light” (Ephesians 5:8), reflecting God’s holiness and truth in all areas of life.
• Revelation concludes with a glorious image: “the city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illuminated it, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23). God Himself will forever be the light of His people.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Understanding that “God is light” must form how we live. It reminds us that God is not just loving or powerful—He is morally perfect. He does not tolerate sin. That means we must not treat sin lightly. In other words, if we claim to know Him, we must “walk in the light” (1 John 1:6-7), which means leading lives of repentance and holiness.

Additionally, “God is light” should comfort us. In a world filled with confusion, deception, and wickedness, God is unchanging and pure. His Word is a steady lamp (Psalm 119:105), showing us how to navigate this dark world and glorify Him. And even when our own hearts stumble, in His light we see light (Psalm 36:9), finding understanding, hope, and life.

The gospel, too, is described as light (2 Corinthians 4:6), shining into hearts darkened by sin and ignorance. In order to shine, the gospel must be proclaimed (Matthew 28:19-20), proclaiming Jesus as the light to the nations. It also reminds us that when we trusted in Christ, we were not only forgiven but were changed so that we could be “children of light” (Ephesians 5:8). Remember that and be encouraged to live as the Light of the world lived!

In a world growing darker, Christians must shine brighter. We don’t do that by our strength but by staring at the bright light of Jesus, being transformed to glory as we become more like Him (2 Corinthians 3:18). Let us live in His light and boldly point others to it.

UNDERSTAND

• Scripture uses “light” literally and metaphorically when referring to God.
• God is “light” in that He is morally perfect.
• God’s light illuminated creation before the sun was created, and in Heaven, He will be the source of light.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that you’re a child of light influence your everyday life?
• How does God’s moral perfection help you to better understand Him?
• How has the light of Scripture helped you to navigate the darkness of the present world?

ENGAGE

• What are some ways we can share the gospel with those who are in darkness?
• How can we be a “light to the nations” as children of God in our communities?
• How can we explain to others the difference between merely “being a good person” and living as a “child of light”?