From Darkness to Light

Introduction

The Christian journey is a transformative experience, moving us from the kingdom of darkness into the marvelous light of God’s kingdom. Ephesians 5:8-14 reminds us, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” 

Like adjusting to the weather when traveling to a new region, stepping into the light requires a shift in how we live, think, and relate to the world around us.

As followers of Christ, we are not just in the light; we are the light, called to reflect God’s glory in a dark world (Matthew 5:14-16). Our identity and conduct must align with this new reality.

A. Our Status in Christ

When we accept Christ, our status changes instantly. Once dead in trespasses and sins, we are now alive in Him (Ephesians 2:1-3). 

The Bible declares, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Before salvation, we were controlled by three forces:

1. The world – Conforming to its patterns and values.
2. The devil – Operating under the prince of the power of the air.
3. The flesh – Yielding to carnal desires.

However, salvation translates us into a new kingdom. Like a person transitioning from singlehood to marriage, we become one with Christ. 

This union brings a new identity: we are no longer slaves to darkness but ambassadors of light, free to serve the living God (1 Thessalonians 1:9).

B. Our Steps in Christ

Having been made light, our lives must reflect our new reality. Ephesians 5:8-10 urges us to “walk as children of light.” Walking signifies how we live daily, displaying the fruit of the Spirit: goodness, righteousness, and truth. 

This lifestyle involves:

1. Doing the will of God – Constantly seeking what pleases Him.
2. Bearing spiritual fruit – Letting our lives manifest godly character.
3. Exposing darkness – Shining light in areas overshadowed by sin.

1 John 1:5-7 emphasizes that walking in the light fosters fellowship with God and others, while keeping us cleansed by the blood of Christ. 

Additionally, we are called to separate ourselves from the unfruitful works of darkness (2 Corinthians 6:14-18). This separation doesn’t mean isolation but a refusal to partake in or endorse sinful practices.

The more we shine God’s light, the less power darkness holds. This is not merely a passive transformation but an active resistance to evil, driven by our identity in Christ.

Conclusion

Living as children of light means demonstrating a new way of life, marked by grace, love, and forgiveness. When someone defrauded me during my time at Legon, I chose to pray for them instead of harboring bitterness. Similarly, when thieves stole valuables from my home, I prayed for their salvation rather than seeking vengeance.

This response to life’s challenges reflects the transformative power of Christ. We are a new breed of people, equipped to display the glory of God in a world desperate for light.

Let us arise, as Ephesians 5:14 exhorts, “Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light.”