What is biblical illumination?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Biblical illumination is the process by which the Holy Spirit helps a person to understand the truth of God's Word. Illumination is often discussed alongside related concepts of biblical inspiration and interpretation. Inspiration involves how God has revealed spiritual truth; interpretation involves our study of spiritual truth; illumination involves our understanding of spiritual truth and involves both the Scriptures and the influence of the Holy Spirit.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• We must remember that "the LORD my God lightens my darkness" (Psalm 18:28).
• The longest chapter in the Bible, Psalm 119, repeatedly emphasizes that God's truth is our foundation for spiritual maturity. We turn to His Word for wisdom and seek help from God's Spirit to understand it through illumination in order to better live His purposes for our lives.
• In God’s light we see light (Psalm 36:9).
• God’s word is a lamp to our feet (Psalm 119:105).
• The unfolding of His word gives light (Psalm 119:130).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Jesus came to bring light to the darkness (Luke 1:79).
• Jesus reveals the truth of Scripture to us (Luke 24:27).
• The Scriptures show us that Jesus is the Christ (Acts 18:28).
• Jesus promised the good news through the prophets (Romans 1:2).
• Ephesians 1:17-18 explains the appropriate goal of illumination: "that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints."

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

The doctrine of illumination is essential for understanding Scripture, as it teaches that the Holy Spirit enables believers to comprehend and apply biblical truths. Illumination helps us recognize God's will for our lives, equipping us to live according to His principles and commands. We must approach Scripture with a prayerful heart, asking the Holy Spirit for understanding before we begin reading. This intentionality invites His insight into our study. Additionally, taking time to meditate on biblical passages can help us reflect on their relevance to our circumstances. By journaling our thoughts or discussing insights with others, we deepen our understanding and give Him space to illuminate truth to us from His Word. Ultimately, when we recognize God's guidance through illumination, we should strive to act on that understanding, implementing His teachings in our daily lives to grow closer to Him and to reflect what we have learned about Him to those around us.

UNDERSTAND

• Biblical illumination is the doctrine that the Holy Spirit helps believers understand and apply the truths of Scripture.
• Illumination connects to biblical inspiration (God's revelation) and interpretation (our study), focusing on comprehending spiritual truths.
• The goal of illumination is to help us know God and His will so we can love Him, live for Him, and reflect Him to the world around us.

REFLECT

• How does relying on the Holy Spirit to read God’s Word look differently than just reading it of your own efforts?
• What practices do you use to prepare your heart for receiving insight from the Holy Spirit before reading Scripture?
• How can you integrate meditation on Scripture to deepen your understanding of God's Word?

ENGAGE

• How do biblical inspiration, interpretation, and illumination interconnect in our understanding of Scripture?
• What are good practices we should adopt during Bible study to foster reliance on the Holy Spirit for illumination?
• How does understanding biblical illumination influence our decision-making and approach to life’s challenges?