Christ’s light is eternal, offering hope for today and a glorious future. Discover how His light transforms our lives now and points us toward an everlasting hope.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of contents
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Watch the video of this teaching at https://www.celllifechurch.tv/the-eternal-light/ or on our YouTube channel.
Introduction
As we conclude our series on Walking in the Light, we’ve examined how Jesus is the Light of the World, guiding us through life’s darkness and calling us to live as children of the light. Now, we turn our focus to the enduring, eternal nature of Christ’s light. This light is not only for the here and now but for all eternity, pointing us toward a hope that transcends this world. Christ’s light is our assurance of eternal life, transforming how we live today and sustaining us as we look forward to eternity with Him.
The Promise of Eternal Light
The light of Christ is not just a temporary guide, it is eternal. From the beginning of time, God’s plan was to bring light to a dark world through Jesus Christ. This eternal light is both a promise for today and a glimpse of the glory to come.
In John 8:12, Jesus says, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” This promise is not just for this life but also for eternity. The phrase “light of life” is a profound assurance that as long as we follow Christ, we will never be in spiritual darkness. His light will illuminate our path now and forever.
We see this idea of the eternal nature of Christ’s light magnified in Revelation 21:23, where we are given a vision of the New Jerusalem. Revelation 21:23 says:
Revelation 21:23
(23) The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.
In the new heaven and earth, Christ Himself will be the source of light. There will be no need for the sun or moon because His light will be all-encompassing and everlasting. This is the ultimate promise of our faith: that the light of Christ, which sustains us now, will shine for all eternity in God’s presence.
From the beginning of creation, God’s plan has been for His light to shine in the world and overcome the darkness. Genesis 1:3 tells us that God’s first act in creation was to speak light into existence: “Let there be light.” This light was not only physical but symbolic of the spiritual light that would come through Christ.
Jesus fulfilled this plan when he first came into the world. John 1:4-5 tells us:
John 1:4-5
(4) In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. (5) The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Christ’s light overcame the darkness of sin, and this victory will continue forever. As we anticipate eternity, we look forward to the full revelation of God’s plan, where Christ’s light will reign supreme.
The Hope that Sustains Us
In our journey of walking in the light, it is easy to become discouraged by the trials, temptations, and suffering we face. But the eternal light of Christ gives us hope beyond this life, helping us to endure whatever comes our way. The light of eternity sustains us in our present circumstances, reminding us that our current struggles are temporary in comparison to the glory that awaits.
The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 8:18:
Romans 8:18
(18) I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
This eternal perspective changes everything. While we experience hardship in this life, we know that it is momentary when compared to the eternal glory that awaits us. The light of Christ gives us strength to endure because we know that His light shines forever, beyond the temporary darkness of this world.
Paul further explains this in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18:
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
(16) Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. (17) For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (18) So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Our current struggles are light and temporary in comparison to the eternal glory of living in God’s presence. The key is fixing our eyes on the eternal, not the temporary. Christ’s eternal light reminds us that the challenges we face today are not the end of the story.
Our hope is not just wishful thinking. It is rooted in the victory of Christ. Because Christ has overcome sin and death, we know that His light will never be extinguished. This is why Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57:
1 Corinthians 15:55-57
(55) "Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?" (56) The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. (57) But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Christ’s victory over death assures us that the light of eternity is secure. His resurrection is the proof that the darkness of sin and death has been defeated. As we walk through the difficulties of this life, we cling to this hope, knowing that Christ’s light will sustain us and lead us to eternal glory.
Living with Eternity in View
Knowing that Christ’s light is eternal compels us to live differently today. We are called not only to walk in the light ourselves but to reflect that light to the world. Living with eternity in view changes our priorities, our actions, and our purpose.
Jesus calls us to be the light of the world in Matthew 5:14-16:
Matthew 5:14-16
(14) "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. (15) Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. (16) In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Reflecting Christ’s light means living in a way that points others to the hope we have in Him. This includes showing kindness, love, and truth in all that we do. Our lives become a living testimony of the eternal hope we have, helping others see the light of Christ and drawing them toward Him.
Living with eternity in view gives us a sense of purpose and urgency. We know that our time on earth is limited, and we are called to make the most of it for the glory of God. As Paul writes in Ephesians 5:15-16:
Ephesians 5:15-16
(15) Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, (16) making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
Every day is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s eternal light and make an impact for His kingdom. This eternal perspective gives us clarity in our decisions, relationships, and actions. We are called to live intentionally, knowing that our lives are part of God’s greater plan to bring His light to the world.
Conclusion
As we conclude this series on Walking in the Light, we are reminded that Christ’s light is eternal. It sustains us through the challenges of this life and points us toward an everlasting hope. Let us continue to walk in this light, knowing that one day we will dwell in the presence of the eternal light of Christ, where there will be no more darkness, no more suffering, and no more death.
As we live today, let us fix our eyes on the eternal, allowing the light of Christ to guide our steps, strengthen our hearts, and lead others to the hope that can only be found in Him. The journey of walking in the light is not just for this life, it is a preparation for eternity with our Savior, Jesus.
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