Darkness means that things are hidden and obscured from view. If we walk around at night without any light, we will most probably stumble over the furniture, because we can't see it and do not know where it is. Light means that things which were previously hidden in darkness is now visible, so that we can understand our surroundings and interact with it. When the lights are switched on, we do not stumble over the furniture, because it is seen.
Now, it is the same in the spiritual. There is a message which obscures our surroundings, and blinds us so that we stumble and fall. The law of Moses was designed to hide righteousness and reveal sin. The purpose was to make men recognize sin, and be conscious of it. In Psalms 78 (KJV) it is written: " 1 Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:"
The law was the old covenant (hence "of old"), but the law was dark sayings. The Amplified translation adds something else: "2 I will open my mouth in a parable (in instruction by numerous examples); I will utter dark sayings of old [that hide important truth]--
These dark sayings which was the law was designed to hide important truth. What does this mean? The Bible speaks constantly of a mystery which was hidden from human understanding. This mystery had to be kept hidden until a specific time when it could be revealed. The thing that hid the mystery was the law, and the mystery is important truth. Before I go on, I would like to explain something about the scriptures of the law and the prophets. The law was given by Moses as a mediator between God and man (Heb9 and Gal3). The law however was accompanied by prophecies, which spoke of the Messiah which would come to save the world from sin and oppression. The law and the prophets all spoke in unison about one Person, the Christ, the Messiah. Everything that was to happen in the time of Jesus was foretold, but it was kept from the understanding of the people, because it had to be hidden until all was fulfilled.
The law was a parable. We just read it in Psalms 78 that the law is a parable. Heb 9:9 adds its testimony to that fact: "9 Seeing that that first [outer portion of the] tabernacle was a parable (a visible symbol or type or picture of the present age). In it gifts and sacrifices are offered, and yet are incapable of perfecting the conscience or of cleansing and renewing the inner man of the worshiper."
The law was a parable, a shadow if you will, of things to come. Christ is the reality. The law and the prophets testified about a Person, Jesus Christ that was to come, and has now come. To read the law and the prophets in any other context can only lead to deception. Jesus said in John 5:39, speaking to the Pharisees: "You search and investigate and pore over the Scriptures diligently, because you suppose and trust that you have eternal life through them. And these [very Scriptures] testify about Me! 40 And still you are not willing [but refuse] to come to Me, so that you might have life."
If we look at the scriptures and think that it testifies about us, we are being deceived. We are then being made conscious of the sin that is revealed by the law (Rom3:20, Rom7:13, Gal3:19) and being made unconscious of the righteousness which is revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom1:17; Rom3:21-22; 2Cor5:17). The law needs to be seen in the right light. It was intended to be in effect until Jesus came to hide the mystery, so that all the scriptures concerning Him could be fulfilled (Gal3:20). The function of the law was to expose guilt and hide righteousness. The righteousness of the law was to be worked for, not to be received through faith. Gal 3:11 says: "Now it is evident that no person is justified (declared righteous and brought into right standing with God) through the Law, for the Scripture says, The man in right standing with God [the just, the righteous] shall live by and out of faith and he who through and by faith is declared righteous and in right standing with God shall live. 12 But the Law does not rest on faith [does not require faith, has nothing to do with faith], for it itself says, He who does them [the things prescribed by the Law] shall live by them [not by faith]. 13 Christ purchased our freedom [redeeming us] from the curse (doom) of the Law [and its condemnation] by [Himself] becoming a curse for us, for it is written [in the Scriptures], Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree (is crucified); 14 To the end that through [their receiving] Christ Jesus, the blessing [promised] to Abraham might come upon the Gentiles, so that we through faith might [all] receive [the realization of] the promise of the [Holy] Spirit." The law could never justify us. The scriptures says that the just shall live by faith (Hab2:4; Gal3:11; Rom 1:17; Heb 10:38), and that the law is not of faith (Lev18:5). And yet people preach only believe, and grind their churches with laws and works. This is the greatest darkness in the church today. Darkness hides things, and makes it unseen. Light is the revelation of the unseen.
Why after so many years of 7 keys to this, and 5 steps to that, and courses upon courses on inner healing, deliverance, positive confession and relationship seminars can't the great majority of the church even get a headache healed, or provision for a small need? Why is the divorce ratings higher among religious people? The greatest reason, is that most of the church is preaching a law message that make people focused on themselves and their problems and what they need to do to fix them, paralysing the little faith they had, and sucking out all power that their might have been in their lives. This message makes everyone oblivious of faith, and conscious of works. The church at large is deceived by a works gospel, which is not the true gospel of Christ, but dependant on the works of people to get anything from God. The law is not to be kept. The law was given so that Christ could pay the price. Let me explain:
In Gen 1:26, God said: "God said, Let Us [Father, Son, and Holy Spirit] make mankind in Our image, after Our likeness, and let them have complete authority over the fish of the sea, the birds of the air, the [tame] beasts, and over all of the earth, and over everything that creeps upon the earth."
He gave authority to man to rule. Man ruled. Eve ate of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and she gave some to her husband with her, and he ate (Gen3:6) . So sin entered into the world and death through sin (Rom5:12). So now man ruled, but submitted himself to Satan. God could not intervene and punish sin, because there was no law for Him to do so. Rom 4:15 says: "For the Law results in [divine] wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression [of it either]." Rom 5:13 says: "[To be sure] sin was in the world before ever the Law was given, but sin is not charged to men’s account where there is no law [to transgress]."
So God had to bring a law. Now the law (old covenant) was a contract between God and man. Think about a contract for a while. There must be two or more parties, there must be some exchange of performance (quid pro quo), and there must be a sanction if it is not complied with, but most of all, there must be a "meeting of the minds", i.e both parties must agree to enter into the agreement. Firstly, there were two parties at mount Sinai: God, and the nation of Israel. There was a mediator (Moses) and there can not be a mediator with just one party (Gal3:20). Secondly, there was an agreed performance: God would bless and protect Israel if Israel would walk according to the statutes of the law. Thirdly there was a sanction if a party did not comply. Israel would be punished by death if they didn't comply with the law, and lastly, there was a meeting of the minds, an agreement if you will. In Ex24 it says: "3 Moses came and told the people all that the Lord had said and all the ordinances; and all the people answered with one voice, All that the Lord has spoken we will do." There the agreement was made, and Moses sealed it with the sprinkling of blood.
Why is this relevant? God wanted to save man from sin. God wanted to kill sin to save man, but He had no jurisdiction to do so, because He had said that man was to rule over the earth. God had to establish an agreement, a contract with Israel in order to be able to condemn sin. The purpose was never to condemn man, but to condemn sin. The law was given, and designed in such a way that it would hide God's master plan of salvation. The reason God had to conceal His plan is explained by the apostle Paul in 1 Cor 2:7 "But rather what we are setting forth is a wisdom of God once hidden [from the human understanding] and now revealed to us by God--[that wisdom] which God devised and decreed before the ages for our glorification [to lift us into the glory of His presence]. 8 None of the rulers of this age or world perceived and recognized and understood this, for if they had, they would never have crucified the Lord of glory."
If they knew that Jesus could destroy sin in the flesh once for all by dying on the cross, they would not have crucified Him. They were blinded by their ignorance, and only saught to condemn Jesus. Jesus knew this and cried out: Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do! After the resurrection, the mystery was first revealed to the very people who crucified Him. God had to punish sin. He had to bring the law to be able to punish sin. He sent His Son to take the punishment in our behalf. The contract was fulfilled by God on behalf of man. God indwelled a human body, fulfilled what was written about Him, and then poured out the blessing He receive by the contract to all those who believed.
We now have a testament, which was enacted the moment Jesus the testator died. The testament is a document with only One party. It is a promise which is effected by death. Jesus died and left us an inheritance of eternal blessedness. We receive it by believing in Him. This is the light. The law is the darkness the hides righteousness, and reveals sin. The Gospel is the salvation of God that reveals God's righteousness in us.
Let's look at 2 Cor 3:6 [It is He] Who has qualified us [making us to be fit and worthy and sufficient] as ministers and dispensers of a new covenant [of salvation through Christ], not [ministers] of the letter (of legally written code) but of the Spirit; for the code [of the Law] kills, but the [Holy] Spirit makes alive. 7 Now if the dispensation of death engraved in letters on stone [the ministration of the Law], was inaugurated with such glory and splendor that the Israelites were not able to look steadily at the face of Moses because of its brilliance, [a glory] that was to fade and pass away, 8 Why should not the dispensation of the Spirit [this spiritual ministry whose task it is to cause men to obtain and be governed by the Holy Spirit] be attended with much greater and more splendid glory? 9 For if the service that condemns [the ministration of doom] had glory, how infinitely more abounding in splendor and glory must be the service that makes righteous [the ministry that produces and fosters righteous living and right standing with God]! 10 Indeed, in view of this fact, what once had splendor [the glory of the Law in the face of Moses] has come to have no splendor at all, because of the overwhelming glory that exceeds and excels it [the glory of the Gospel in the face of Jesus Christ]. 11 For if that which was but passing and fading away came with splendor, how much more must that which remains and is permanent abide in glory and splendor! 12 Since we have such [glorious] hope (such joyful and confident expectation), we speak very freely and openly and fearlessly. 13 Nor [do we act] like Moses, who put a veil over his face so that the Israelites might not gaze upon the finish of the vanishing [splendor which had been upon it]. 14 In fact, their minds were grown hard and calloused [they had become dull and had lost the power of understanding]; for until this present day, when the Old Testament (the old covenant) is being read, that same veil still lies [on their hearts], not being lifted [to reveal] that in Christ it is made void and done away. 15 Yes, down to this [very] day whenever Moses is read, a veil lies upon their minds and hearts. 16 But whenever a person turns [in repentance] to the Lord, the veil is stripped off and taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty (emancipation from bondage, freedom). 18 And all of us, as with unveiled face, [because we] continued to behold [in the Word of God] as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; [for this comes] from the Lord [Who is] the Spirit.
It is important to note that Paul is writing about the old and the new, the covenant and the testament, the law and the Gospel, the letter and the Spirit, and he distinctly puts them in opposition to each other. It is also important to notice that Paul speaks of two glories, the glory of the law in the face of Moses, and the glory of the Gospel in the face of Jesus Christ. The glory of the law in the face of Moses was a fading glory, which was destined to fade and pass away. The glory of the Spirit, in the face of Jesus Christ is ever increasing and abiding forever. Now, how many of you know that when light fades darkness remains? It's quite obvious isn't it? Moses started with glory, and ended in darkness. He started with spectacular miracles, but by the time the Israelites were taken to Babilonia, there was no glory or miracles. It faded. Jesus arrived when the darkness was at its darkest. They did not recognise Him.
1Cor1:21 "For when the world with all its earthly wisdom failed to perceive and recognize and know God by means of its own philosophy, God in His wisdom was pleased through the foolishness of preaching [salvation, procured by Christ and to be had through Him], to save those who believed (who clung to and trusted in and relied on Him). 22 For while Jews [demandingly] ask for signs and miracles and Greeks pursue philosophy and wisdom, 23 We preach Christ (the Messiah) crucified, [preaching which] to the Jews is a scandal and an offensive stumbling block [that springs a snare or trap], and to the Gentiles it is absurd and utterly unphilosophical nonsense. 24 But to those who are called, whether Jew or Greek (Gentile), Christ [is] the Power of God and the Wisdom of God."
They were in darkness, because the law was hiding the truth. Jesus is the truth. He carried the mystery inside Him. When they ripped Him open, they opened the veil, and the mystery could be revealed.
If they had the light, why did they stumble over the stumbling stone, which was Jesus? Jesus was the light of the world (Jn 8:12,Jn9:5). In John 11 Jesus said something so awesome: "9 Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? Anyone who walks about in the daytime does not stumble, because he sees [by] the light of this world. 10 But if anyone walks about in the night, he does stumble, because there is no light in him [the light is lacking to him]."
So Paul writes about this stumbling a bit more in Rom9:31 "Whereas Israel, though ever in pursuit of a law [for the securing] of righteousness (right standing with God), actually did not succeed in fulfilling the Law. 32 For what reason? Because [they pursued it] not through faith, relying [instead] on the merit of their works [they did not depend on faith but on what they could do]. They have stumbled over the Stumbling Stone. 33 As it is written, Behold I am laying in Zion a Stone that will make men stumble, a Rock that will make them fall; but he who believes in Him [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] shall not be put to shame nor be disappointed in his expectations."
Those who trust in the law, walks in the night, in darkness, and stumble over the stumbling stone, but those who walk in the Light, can see that this stone is actually the Chief Cornerstone, and do not stumble, for they can see.
Peter wrote about this further: 1Pet2:7 "To you then who believe (who adhere to, trust in, and rely on Him) is the preciousness; but for those who disbelieve [it is true], The [very] Stone which the builders rejected has become the main Cornerstone, 8 And, A Stone that will cause stumbling and a Rock that will give [men] offense; they stumble because they disobey and disbelieve [God’s] Word, as those [who reject Him] were destined (appointed) to do. 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
In the Light, we see the stone as the Chief of the Corner. In darkness, we are blinded, and stumble over it. The context is abundantly clear. Now I realy just want to set you free and shed some new light on a scripture that has been misunderstood for ages: 1John 1
"1 [WE ARE writing] about the Word of Life [in] Him Who existed from the beginning, Whom we have heard, Whom we have seen with our [own] eyes, Whom we have gazed upon [for ourselves] and have touched with our [own] hands. 2 And the Life [an aspect of His being] was revealed (made manifest, demonstrated), and we saw [as eyewitnesses] and are testifying to and declare to you the Life, the eternal Life [in Him] Who already existed with the Father and Who [actually] was made visible (was revealed) to us [His followers]. 3 What we have seen and [ourselves] heard, we are also telling you, so that you too may realize and enjoy fellowship as partners and partakers with us. And [this] fellowship that we have [which is a distinguishing mark of Christians] is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ (the Messiah). 4 And we are now writing these things to you so that our joy [in seeing you included] may be full [and your joy may be complete]. 5 And this is the message [the message of promise] which we have heard from Him and now are reporting to you: God is Light, and there is no darkness in Him at all [no, not in any way]. 6 [So] if we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents]. 7 But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations]. 8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts]. 9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. 10 If we say (claim) we have not sinned, we contradict His Word and make Him out to be false and a liar, and His Word is not in us [the divine message of the Gospel is not in our hearts]."
Just read it again in this light and be free. God is light and there is no darkness in Him. God is full of goodness, and there is no condemnation in His heart towards you. Darkness is law and condemnation. Now verse 6 to 7 might be a shocker, but please see the revelation and be set free: 6 [So] if we say we are partakers together and enjoy fellowship with Him when we live and move and are walking about in darkness, we are [both] speaking falsely and do not live and practice the Truth [which the Gospel presents]. 7 But if we [really] are living and walking in the Light, as He [Himself] is in the Light, we have [true, unbroken] fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses (removes) us from all sin and guilt [keeps us cleansed from sin in all its forms and manifestations].
It says this: If we say we have fellowship with Jesus, but walk about in darkness (the law) we lie. If we really walk in the Light (Gospel of righteousness) we have fellowship with Him, and the blood of Jesus cleanses us. What is the qualification to be cleansed by the blood of Jesus? Faith in the Gospel, not good works. Dwelling in light or darkness has to do with what message we believe, not works.
Rom 14:23 says: "for whatsoever is not of faith is sin". The darkness is to live without faith. The sin is to live by the law and not faith in Christ. 2 Cor 3:15-16 says that we must repent and turn away from Moses to Christ. So now the rest of 1John1 ". 8 If we say we have no sin [refusing to admit that we are sinners], we delude and lead ourselves astray, and the Truth [which the Gospel presents] is not in us [does not dwell in our hearts]. 9 If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just (true to His own nature and promises) and will forgive our sins [dismiss our lawlessness] and [continuously] cleanse us from all unrighteousness [everything not in conformity to His will in purpose, thought, and action]. 10 If we say (claim) we have not sinned, we contradict His Word and make Him out to be false and a liar, and His Word is not in us [the divine message of the Gospel is not in our hearts]."
We need to come to a point of repentance and realised that we moved against God by seeking our own righteousness through the law, and turn to Jesus and trust only His sacrifice. This is the meaning of 1John 1. Trusting in the law of Moses is actively resisting the sacrifice of Christ and making yourself an enemy of the Gospel. The Gospel and the law is absolute opposites. The Gospel is by grace, the law is by works, the Gospel is free, the law is to be earned. Either Jesus paid a price for us, or we have to pay a price. You can't have both. What fellowship does darkness have with light?
We are forgiven and free by faith in the sacrifice of the body and the blood of Jesus Christ. That is our justification, and nothing else.
I have to stop somewhere, so I'll just quote a portion of John 3. I trust that this note has blessed you and given you new perspective on law, grace, darkness and light.
John3
"16 For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. 17 For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. 18 He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation--he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ’s name.] 19 The [basis of the] judgment (indictment, the test by which men are judged, the ground for the sentence) lies in this: the Light has come into the world, and people have loved the darkness rather than and more than the Light, for their works (deeds) were evil. 20 For every wrongdoer hates (loathes, detests) the Light, and will not come out into the Light but shrinks from it, lest his works (his deeds, his activities, his conduct) be exposed and reproved. 21 But he who practices truth [who does what is right] comes out into the Light; so that his works may be plainly shown to be what they are--wrought with God [divinely prompted, done with God’s help, in dependence upon Him]."
Bless you! May God open your eyes and give you revelation in the deep and intimate knowledge of His Word, may you experience the reality of Christ daily!
Gerrit
